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Australia’s most popular beaches are usually patrolled by lifeguards from October to April. The indication of the safest areas for bathing takes place through the display of red and yellow flags and it is always advisable to swim within these monitored areas.

Popular bathing spots in Australia also include many lakes, springs and rivers. Pay attention to the signs displayed at the entrance to the area that indicate any bathing conditions or inquire online on the website of the local authorities before visiting the resort.

For information on risks due to the presence of jellyfish and crocodiles in Far North Queensland, visit the Queensland Government .

How strong is the sun in Australia?

Solar radiation is extremely intense in Australia, so it’s important to protect your skin during the day, especially when traveling, when you’ll typically spend a lot of time outdoors admiring the country’s natural wonders. We recommend using SPF 50+ sunscreen and wearing a hat, sunglasses and long sleeves wherever possible.

The four largest Australian banks are: NAB (National Australia Bank), ANZ (Australia New Zealand Bank), Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Westpac Banking Corporation. There are also many other banks, such as: ING Direct, AMP Banking and HSBC Australia. The opening hours of the banks are usually: 9.30 – 16.00, from Monday to Thursday and Friday until 17, but it is advisable to contact the individual branches for more detailed information. Some branches are open on Saturday mornings until 1pm.

Can I use credit cards and traveler’s checks in Australia?

Credit cards such as American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, UnionPay and JCB are accepted in Australia. VISA or MasterCard can be used anywhere. It is advisable to leave with little cash and with one or two cards enabled for transactions in Australia. In some places you will find a surcharge for credit card payments.

Traveler checks are not accepted everywhere. If you shop with traveler checks, it is preferable to buy them in Australian dollars as this is not a popular method of payment in small shops, restaurants and other small businesses.

Equal to 10 percent. You can claim your GST refund if you make a single purchase of AUD 300 and no later than 60 days before you leave Australia. The counters for the Tourist Refund Scheme are located in the departure areas of the international terminals of the airports.