Banks: 09:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday
Government Departments: 08:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 08:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday; some places open on Sundays; Thursday or Friday is usually late night shopping.

One of the most important cautions for the average visitor to Australia is to limit exposure to the sun. Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world and Broome sees an especially intense sunlight. Take it easy for the first few days, especially around midday, and wear a high-factor sun block, as well as a hat and sunglasses.

While Australia is loaded with dangerous and venomous creatures, including saltwater crocodiles and brown snakes, you are unlikely to come across these animals in Broome. Nevertheless you should be vigilant when swimming in the sea, especially in the wet season, as box jellyfish are known to inhabit the waters.

Crime is not really a problem in Broome but you should remain guarded in busy tourist areas of town against pickpockets and leave excess cash in a hotel safe.

Electricity: 240 volts, 50 hertz, three-pin plugs

As with elsewhere in Australia, hygiene standards are high and hospitals and clinics in Broome are very good. No compulsory vaccinations are needed before arrival in Australia, but taking out travel insurance to cover for sickness, accidents, and theft before you arrive in Broome is a must.

There are numerous pharmacies in Broome that stock most important generic name drugs and they usually open from 08:30 to 17:30, closing earlier on Saturdays.

If you go walking in the outback, carrying lots of spare water is a must, along with a first-aid kit, sun block, a hat and sunglasses. The tap water in Broome is potable, although you may prefer bottled water.

English is the main language in Broome as with all of Australia, and British English is used for road signs and literature. Broome is one of the most multicultural regional towns in the country, with large communities of Chinese and Japanese therefore you may hear ethnic languages used.

Australia uses the Australian dollar (AU$). Notes come in denominations of AU$5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 and coins 5, 10, and 50 cents, and AU$1 and 2. The Australian dollar is divided into 100 cents, and 1 and 2 cent coins have been phased out. All transactions in Broome are in Australian dollars only.

Australian dollars can be acquired at most banks around the world and it is always best to have some local currency before arriving. You will get a better exchange rate at major airports; however, foreign currency can also be converted at banks and most hotels in Broome. Thomas Cook, American Express, Visa, and MasterCard areall accepted in Broome though you should use cash for small transactions. Traveller’s cheques are also widely accepted in hotels and banks throughout Broome.

It is getting more common to obtain local currency via an ATM nowadays when the commercial rates used by banks are favourable. There are ATMs throughout Broome and the larger hotels accept Visa, MasterCard, Amex, and Diners Club cards, as well as Cirrus and Maestro systems. Smaller shops and restaurants usually only accept cash.

Those over 18 years can bring in up to 250 cigarettes, or 250 grams of cigars or other tobacco products, as well as 2.25 litres of alcohol. Dutiable goods, such as perfumes, electronics and gifts, to the value of AU$900 (AU$450 for those under 18 years) may also be brought in. Regards cash, you will only need to declare your cash if you bring in more than AU$10,000 or the equivalent.

Australia has a tough policy regards the importing of plant and foodstuffs, including fruit and meat. If you are unsure whether your particular item is prohibited, simply declare it. By not declaring it, you will face a hefty fine and possible imprisonment if the item you are carrying is banned from import.

Australians are about the most informal and down to earth bunch on the planet, so there’s no need to feel apprehensive about meeting them or holidaying here. Expect locals to spark up conversation with you wherever you go and to make you feel welcome. First names are typically used, even when you have just met someone. Broome is as multicultural as cities come in Australia with many Asian ethnicities represented here, adding to the interesting mix and diversity.

Table manners are straightforward with the fork held with the left hand and the knife in the right. Keep your elbows off the table when dining out and when you have finished place your knife and fork together across the plate. Casual dress in just about any restaurant in Broome is fine.

‘Bring your own’ (BYO) restaurants are a big hit in Australia. Restaurants that feature a ‘BYO’ sign allow you to bring your own alcohol. Simply pick up a bottle of wine and save money by not ordering from the restaurant’s menu. A small corkage fee is generally applied.

The ‘barbie' (short for ‘barbecue’) is synonymous with Australian dining with most families having one or more a week. Barbecue restaurants in Broome have meat on display that you select and pay for and then cook it yourself on the communal grill.

Regards tipping, only those places that have a service charge in place and the classier restaurants may expect one. If you have a large family meal in a restaurant, rounding up to the nearest AU$10 is acceptable, although don’t feel obliged to.

Citizens of all countries, bar New Zealand, must have a visa before setting foot in Australia. You no longer have to apply for a visa at an Australian embassy or consulate as it can all be done online through the Australian government's Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).

The ETA is an electronic visa for short-term visitors or business traveller which is valid for visits to Australia over a one-year period, with a three-month stay limit for each individual visit.

The ETA visa is free although there is a charge for obtaining it through the Internet. Travel agents and airlines can also obtain the visa for you as part of the booking process.

Along with the visa, visitors also need to make sure that their passports are valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay. Failure to take note of this may see them denied entry to Australia by immigration even if they have a visa.

The Broome Visitor Centre is a great resource on Broome and can be found on the Great Northern Highway (Broome Highway). The Broome Visitor Centre is open 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 16:00, at weekends and public holidays. Phone: +61 8 9192 2222; website: www.broomevisitorcentre.com.au.