Banks: 09:30 to 16:00, Monday to Thursday; 09:30 to 17:00 Friday
Post Offices: 08:15 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09:00 to 17:00 and 13:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday; some open on Sundays

Visitors to Alice Springs usually enjoy a safe and enjoyable holiday. Any danger befalling tourists is likely to stem from less than hospitable portions of the outback rather than from a malicious local. Even so, it is wise to practice a few precautionary measures regardless of where you're travelling in the Northern Territory.

If you choose to a hire a car and venture into remote portions of the Red Centre, be sure to carry extra water and take every opportunity to refuel, regardless of how much petrol remains in the tank. Most that have fallen on hard times in the outback have done so alone and on foot; if you're unfortunate enough to suffer a breakdown, stay with the car rather than striking out on your own.

When driving after dark, beware that occasional kangaroos may venture into traffic. Local motorists are all-too-familiar with the damage a stray kangaroo can inflict on a fast-moving car and its driver.

There some other wildlife around Alice Springs may place visitors at risk, though this threat is usually grossly overstated. In general, treat all snakes and spiders as potentially hazardous creatures, though the likelihood of coming across a deadly creature is very low. If you do suffer a snake bite, try to move as little as possible. Medical clinics and hospitals are well-equipped with antivenin.

Electricity: 240 volts, 50 hertz

Alice Springs’ healthcare standards and facilities are world-class, and you'll find a 24-hour clinic within Alice Springs’ city limits. Even those who become ill or injured in more remote corners of the Red Centre still have access to quick medical service via the Royal Flying Doctors service.

Although medical costs are reasonable, travellers do well to consider taking out travel insurance before setting out for Alice Springs. If you plan to rely on your home insurance policy, be sure to check in and see that overseas medical care is covered.

Sanitisation and hygiene are well looked-after throughout Australia. Tap water and fresh produce are both safe to consume. As a rule, visitors are not required to produce proof of immunisation except when arriving from an area known to be at risk for yellow fever.

The sun is one of the biggest culprits for poor health in Alice Springs. Be sure to use adequate sunscreen when bush walking or exploring outdoor areas. Adequate water is an important measure in preventing heat exhaustion or sun stroke, so be sure to carry more than you anticipate needing.

The official language of Australia is English. However, remote areas of the bush reveal aboriginal tribes that still speak the Arrernte language. This language is taught in some educational institutions and may even be heard on local broadcasts. Metropolitan areas are also home to several thriving ethnic communities that speak English as a second language.

The official currency of Australia is the Australian dollar (AU$). Plastic banknotes are issued in vibrant colours in increments of AU$5, 20, 50 and 100. There is also AU$1, 2 and 5 coins in circulation. Further, the Australian dollar breaks down in 100 cents, though 5 is the lowest cent increment, meaning that store prices are subject to rounding. For example, an item advertised for 99 cents will be rounded to one dollar at checkout.

There is a Commonwealth Bank on Parson's street, and ATMs are relatively easy to find. Beyond banks, the best place to exchange currency is at the airport, though all post offices are affiliated with the Commonwealth Bank and can often change foreign currency even in remote areas.

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the Northern Territory, particularly MasterCard and Visa. Within Alice Springs city limits, many establishments will accept travellers' cheques, though this is less likely as you head toward smaller towns. Cash is also likely to be preferred over credit cards in remote areas.

The following items are restricted from import or export: fire arms, steroids and illicit drugs. There are also laws restricting the trafficking of materials related to protected wildlife species. Visitors with questions regarding these restrictions should contact their nearest Australia embassy for specific guidelines and potential exceptions.

Passing through customs is typically a painless process due to the speedy nature of the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Customs officials may check to see that you have already arranged return travel, and that you have enough funds to cover roughly AU$1,000 per month. Duty free allowances per person are: 250 grams of tobacco (or 250 cigarettes); 1 litre of alcohol; and AU$900 worth of gifts (or AU$450 for children under 18 years of age).

On the whole, Australians are a casual and relaxed people who have embraced the idea of egalitarianism. The Australian impulse to treat all people as equals may be a bit jarring to someone who expects an extra dose of formality or respect. However, this relative informality is merely an attempt to level the social playing field and give everyone a fair chance.

Along the lines of egalitarianism, it's common for a lone passenger boarding a taxi to take the front seat as a measure of goodwill toward the driver. Similarly, when paying a cashier, patrons place the money directly in the cashier's hand, as setting the money on the counter may give the impression that the customer is avoiding direct contact with the employee

Handshakes and first names are sufficient for first-time encounters. Australians have good reason to tire of foreigners attempting to emulate (and ultimately exaggerate) local accents and speech patterns. While a local may greet you with ‘g'day, mate,’ a simply ‘hello’ is a sufficient response.

While Australia may have its earliest European roots as a penal colony, the majority of its settlers arrived under different circumstances, whether following the gold rush, seeking new opportunities, or immigrating from across the globe. As such, most Australians don't appreciate jokes or remarks that lump them together as criminals or convicts.

Dining Etiquette
Local dining etiquette is Continental style, with the knife held in the right hand and the fork in the left. Polite diners keep their elbows off the dining surface while making sure their hands remain above the table. In a formal setting, you can indicate that you've finished by placing the fork and knife alongside each other with the handles pointing to the right.

Australians are avid fans of the ‘barbie’ (short for ‘barbeque’), and friends will frequently host weekend cookouts at their house or in another outdoor arena. These get-togethers are usually bring-your-own-meat affairs.

If a group of friends go out to eat together, it is uncommon for one person to foot the bill. Typically, friends will split the bill or pay only for what they ate. This is more egalitarianism at work. In a pub, one friend may buy a whole round of drinks, but the other friends will reciprocate before the night is over.

Tipping is generally not expected, though it is appreciated. In some circumstances, a surcharge for service may be added to the bill in a restaurant.

Due to the fluid nature of visa regulations, visitors are advised to contact their nearest Australian embassy for up to date information.

Tourists from all nations (except New Zealand) must have a visa before they enter Australia. Citizens of most European countries along with Canada, the US, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia are eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa. These can be applied for online or through a local travel agent. An ETA visa forgoes the traditional stamp visa and allows a stay not exceeding three months. Citizens from other countries must apply through their local Australian embassy.

Anyone entering Australia on a tourist visa must have sufficient funds for their stay. The typical allowance is AU$1,000 per month, although less is required of anyone visiting family in Australia. Customs officials may also wish to see a return itinerary or similar proof that you won't overstay your visa. Tourist visas allow multiple entrees during a one-month period, while business visas allow a single entry. Both of these visas cover a total of three months.

Alice Springs Central Australian Tourism Industry Association Visitor Information Centre is located on Gregory Terrace. This facility serves as the dual service centre for the Parks and Wildlife Commission for the Northern Territory. This is an excellent place to seek information and make bookings related to travel in the whole of the Northern Territory. Phone +61 8 8952 5800; website: www.centralaustraliantourism.com.

Visitors will also find a kiosk for the Central Australian Tourism Association at Alice Springs Airport.