Perth Travel Tips

Banks: 09:30 to 16:00, Monday to Thursday; 09:30 to 17:00 Fridays
Government Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 17:00 Saturdays
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday

Compared to many other international destinations, Perth’s has a low crime rate. However, visitors are advised that petty criminals operate at bus and rail stations and around popular tourist attractions. It’s advised that you be vigilant about valuable belongings that you carry on your person, particularly travel documents, expensive jewellery and cash. Pick-pocketing occurrences have also been reported in popular areas such as Hindley street, particularly at night in and around the busier pubs.

If you choose to hire a car and drive around Western Australia, caution is advised in the outback as distances between destinations can very long and services spaced widely apart. It’s a good idea to ensure that you have comprehensive travel insurance that will protect you in the event of any problems that you might encounter during your explorations.

Electricity: 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs have three flat blades, but are configured differently than three-bladed plugs in other countries. An adapter will be required for use in Australia.

Only those who have spent time in an area infected with yellow fever in the week preceding their arrival in Australia require proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter Australia.

The major health concern for tourists to Perth is related to swimming in ocean waters when box jellyfish are present. The stings of these creatures are at times fatal. Sunburn and dehydration can be factors as well, particularly in the summer when the rays of the sun are at their strongest and the climate at its driest. A strong sunscreen (minimum SPF of 30), a hat with a wide brim and plenty of water are necessary.

Australia’s healthcare services are of a high standard, and medical care in Perth is no exception. Treatment can be costly, however, so it’s recommended that you take out comprehensive travel insurance before your visit. The UK and Australia have a reciprocal agreement regarding emergency medical treatment for their nationals. If you’re a resident of the UK, be sure to carry proof of residence so that you qualify.

Royal Perth Hospital: +61 8 9224 2244
Emergency services: 000

The official language of Australia is English, but there are times when other English speakers find local dialects, accents, words and phrases difficult to comprehend. As in other areas of Australia, there are Aboriginal languages spoken in Western Australia.

Australia’s currency is the Australian dollar, which is abbreviated as AU$. One dollar is subdivided into 100 cents. You will see banknotes in circulation in the following denominations: AU$100, 50, 20, 10, and 5. Coins are minted in denominations of: AU$2 and 1; and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.

Currency exchange outlets are located at both of Perth’s airports and at major branches of banks and bureau de change in the city centre. ATMs are found at the airports, banks in the city and at shopping malls. Most major credit cards are accepted in Perth for hotel stays, dining out and for purchases at most shops. Cash advances are available at many ATMs when using MasterCard or Visa.

Any visitor entering Australia who is 18 years of age or older is allowed to bring in a total value of AU$900 of goods duty-free. Goods that are allowed in include 2.25 litres of wine or spirits; 250 cigarettes; and small gift items. Items that are not allowed to be brought into the country include animal and plant products of any kind.

Australian culture is quite informal, and you’ll notice that greetings reflect the casual nature of the lifestyle here. Typically, a smile and handshake along with a friendly ‘g’day’ are what you’ll observe. You won’t be expected to use the same greeting, but you’ll probably feel more comfortable if you adopt a casual style. Australians generally use first names when greeting each other and often address someone by their first name the first time they meet.

Small gifts are exchanged by friends, neighbours and family members on birthdays and holidays such as Christmas. It’s also appropriate to bring a gift if you’re invited to someone’s home for dinner: flowers, a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine will all be appreciated by your host. If your gift is wrapped, it’s likely to be opened when it’s received.

Dinning Etiquette
An invitation to an Australian’s home for dinner will typically be for a backyard barbecue, known here as a ‘barbie.’ As a guest, you’ll be expected to bring whatever you plan on drinking for the evening and you might also be asked to bring the type of meat that you’d like to cook on the grill. If your hosts specifies a time for you to arrive, it’s expected that you’ll arrive punctually. An exception to this is for large parties, when arriving up to 15 minutes late is acceptable. Most guests offer to help the host in setting or cleaning up, which is appreciated by the host.

Australian table manners are the same as European, in that when you’re eating you should hold the fork in your left hand and the knife in your right hand. When you’ve finished, you should place the knife and fork across your plate, parallel to each other and pointing to the left. Your hands should be kept above the table while eating and your elbows should always be kept off the table.

All visitors to Australia require a valid passport and a visa, which must be obtained in advance to enter the country. New Zealand nationals are an exception to this, as are passengers in transit who are travelling onwards within eight hours of landing. It’s not possible to obtain a visa on arrival; in fact, if you don’t have a valid passport and the appropriate visa, you won’t be allowed to board a flight bound for Australia.

A number of types of visas are issued at Australian consulates and embassies around the world. It’s important to apply for and obtain the type of visa that’s suitable for your visit. Tourist visas for short stays are issued, as are working holiday visas for those under the age of 30 years old.

Tourist information is available at a conveniently-situated information centre in the Murray Street Mall. Perth’s i-City Information and Police Kiosk also provides tourist information, and is staffed by friendly and knowledgeable volunteers. They provide information about accommodation, attractions, events, parks, restaurants and shops, and also lead daily tours of the city at no charge. Tours of Perth and Northbridge depart from the kiosk Monday to Saturday in the mornings, and on Sunday afternoons. Phone: +61 8 9461 3444.