INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

All international visitors require a valid passport to enter Australia. Travellers to Australia, other than Australian and New Zealand citizens, are required to obtain a Visa. The “Business Visa” allows people attending conferences and meetings or on Business activities in Australia, to make a short visit of up to three months. Business activities do not include acting, musical performances or commercial film making Further information: Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs – www.eta.immi.gov.au

GST reclaim for inbound business events - GST is a broad-based tax on final private consumption. It is charged on most goods and services consumed in Australia such as accommodation, venue hire, transfers, meals, gala dinners, sponsorship and alike. All business events inbound to Australia can be discounted by the value of GST (10%).  Australian legislation allows reclaim of GST incurred on all business expenses. Importantly for consumers of Australian business events, including associations, there is no differentiation between resident and non-resident enterprises. GST reclaim is the corporate equivalent of the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS); i.e. GST reclaim is for business expenses incurred in Australia; whereas the TRS applies to goods and services taken as hand luggage when leaving Australia.  Further information:  www.ato.gov.au

Voltage - 50 cyc AC240V. All 110V appliances require transformers. Most hotels and resorts provide ACI 110 sockets.

Currency - The currency is the Australian Dollar. Money changing facilities are available throughout the Sunshine Coast. Hotels and restaurants accept most major international credit cards.

Tipping and gratuities - Tipping is not widely expected in Australia. Gratuities are welcome after a particularly enjoyable meal or for exemplary service.