BRISBANE
MONEY & SPENDING
Banks As a general guide, banks across the city are open for business Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some banks in local shopping centres are also open Saturday and Sunday (with varying opening hours).
Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are located throughout the city and will recognise cards issued by most banks.
Credit cards MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Diners Club are accepted across the city by most outlets with an increasing number accepting China Union Pay.
Currency exchange Licensed money change services are available at the Brisbane Airport and at numerous Bureaux de Change located throughout the city. Most banks also offer currency exchange services.
Notes $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100
Coins 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1 and $2
Pricing Australian prices occasionally end in a variant of 1¢ or 2¢. Where this occurs, at the cash register the price is rounded to the nearest 5¢ with a cash transaction.
A 10 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies to most purchases and is included in the final price. The Tourist Refund Scheme allows international travellers to claim a GST refund (subject to certain conditions) on some goods purchased in Australia. The refund applies only to items worn or goods taken on board as hand luggage when leaving the country. More information available through the The Tourist Refund Scheme allows international travellers to claim a GST refund (subject to certain conditions) on some goods purchased in Australia. The refund applies only to items worn or goods taken on board as hand luggage when leaving the country. More information available through the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Security.
Tipping is your choice. Hotels and restaurants don’t add a service charge to your bill. It is common to tip up to 10 per cent in upmarket restaurants. It is not custom to bargain in Australia.
Trading hours vary but most shops in tourist and city areas are open seven days until 6pm, with late-night shopping on Thursdays in suburban areas and Fridays in Brisbane City
CLIMATE
Brisbane has an ideal subtropical climate and at least eight hours of sun per day. Wear a hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen (which you should re-apply regularly) and drink plenty of water if you’re in the sun all day.
Summer runs from December to February and temperatures range from 21–30˚C. Autumn goes from March to May and temperatures range from 16–26˚C. Winter is from June to August and temperatures range from 10–21˚C and spring is from September to November with temperatures from 16–26˚C
ELECTRICAL
Mains supply in Australia is 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz with three-pin plugs used across the country. The Australian three-pin electrical socket differs from those found in most countries, and international travellers may require an adaptor socket. Standard outlets for 100-volt small appliances can be found in most hotel rooms.
Adaptors can be bought from the Brisbane Visitor Information and Booking Centre in the Queen Street Mall and from all good travel stores, chemists, and department stores.
SERVICES
Post offices are open from 9am–5pm Monday to Friday, with some open on Saturday mornings. Travellers can collect mail at post offices throughout Australia.
If you have a disability, there is a variety of disability services in Brisbane to meet your needs. nican.com.au
During a life-threatening or time-critical emergency contact police, ambulance and/or fire brigade by calling Triple Zero (000). The Triple Zero service is an operator-assisted service that connects callers to the most relevant emergency service organisation (police, fire brigade, or ambulance). Calls to Triple Zero are free and can be made from all telephones (landline, mobile devices, and payphones). When you dial Triple Zero services, the most important thing to remember is to stay focused, stay relevant, and stay on the line. Additionally, mobile users can dial 112 while the 106 emergency number connects to a text-based relay service for people who have a hearing or speech impairment.
Australia has a high-standard healthcare system offering a mix of public and private services. Several public hospitals with accident, emergency, and outpatient services are located close to inner-city Brisbane, while private medical practitioners can be easily located through the Yellow Pages website. Some international travellers will find their country has reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia. As a general guide, these agreements provide for any ill-health episode requiring prompt medical attention. Comprehensive travel insurance is always recommended.
LOCAL LAWS
Smoking is banned in all enclosed places and outdoor public spaces including all bars, restaurants and The City’s Queen Street Mall.
The legal drinking age is 18 and identification is required to enter licensed premises or to purchase alcohol. It is an offence to drink alcohol or possess an opened alcoholic drink in a public place.
GETTING AROUND BRISBANE
From the airport
With Airtrain's fast and reliable service, delegates can reach Brisbane City in just 20 minutes. The express service runs every 15 minutes from the international and domestic terminals during peak hours stopping at five inner-city stations. Tickets can be purchased online, at the Brisbane Airport customer service counter (domestic terminal) and at Airtrain, city, and suburban train stations. For further information visit the Airtrain website.
Operating seven days a week, Con-X-ion Airport Transfers offers airport travellers a door-to-door bus shuttle service from the airport covering all major city-based accommodation. Con-X-ion services both the international and domestic terminals to meet all flights. Services should be pre-booked. Tickets can be purchased online or through the customer service counters located onsite at the international and domestic terminals. For further information visit the Con-X-ion website.
Brisbane Airport offers a complimentary Inter-terminal Transfer Bus that can transfer delegates between the Domestic and International Terminals.
Various vehicle rental companies, chauffeured cars, and charter services operate in and around Brisbane. Click here to search for a Brisbane transport operator.
Getting around Brisbane
Want to know the easiest way to get around town? Pick up a TransLink go card to travel seamlessly on bus, rail and ferry services across South East Queensland. They are available from Queensland Rail stations, over the phone or selected retailers. 13 12 30 | gocard.translink.com.au
The free City Loop and Spring Hill Loop bus services circle the city every 10 minutes, stopping at various locations in the CBD and Spring Hill precincts between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays. The CityHopper ferry service is also free and it travels along the river from North Quay to Sydney Street, New Farm.
CityCats glide along the Brisbane River and are perfect for sightseeing and to access key city spots. Buy your tickets on board, at newsagents or selected retailers, or use your go card.
A comprehensive bus service runs throughout the city, connecting the outer and inner suburbs, major shopping centres, railway stations and ferry terminals. Take advantage of special NightLink services run until late on Fridays and Saturdays. Plan your trip now on TRANSLink’s journey planner or call 13 12 30.
Brisbane’s train network provides direct access from Greater Brisbane region covered and provides direct access to the city, quirky neighbourhood precincts, and outer suburbs. The Airtrain service is completely integrated into the Queensland Rail suburban network, with regular trains running from Brisbane Airport directly to Brisbane City and the Gold Coast. Travel on a single ticket from any station in southeast Queensland to Brisbane Airport. Click here to search for a train or call 13 12 30.
Taxi ranks are located throughout the city and at the domestic and international airports. A standard taxi will cater for four passengers or less. For wheel-chair access or to transport five to 10 passengers, it’s best to order a multi-passenger taxi. There are two taxi providers: Black and White Cabs | 13 32 22 or Yellow Cabs | 13 19 24
Uber is a fast way to get around, ordered through the Uber App, for more information or to sign up go to https://www.uber.com/en-AU/cities/brisbane/
If you wish to drive in Australia you must hold a valid international driving permit and the licence issued in the country you live in. Please note Australians drive on the left side of two-way roads.
Make the most of Brisbane’s wonderful outdoor climate by biking around town. There is an extensive network of cycle paths throughout Brisbane offering a healthy and inexpensive way of getting around.. You can hire a Brisbane City Council CityCycle bike at inner-city destinations. 1300 229 253 | citycycle.com.au
LANGUAGE
English is the official language of Australia but many foreign languages are used by local communities, including Arabic, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, and Chinese dialects. Translation and interpreter services can be accessed 24 hours a day by calling 13 14 50.
PASSPORTS & VISA
All international travellers must present a valid and approved travel document (generally a passport) as evidence of their identity and nationality to allow entry into Australia. In addition, all international travellers (with the exception of most New Zealand passport holders) must also obtain a valid visa before travelling to Australia.
As a general guide, travellers are encouraged to apply for their Australian visa well in advance of their planned departure date.
Visit the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection website for further information: http://www.border.gov.au/
POPULATION
A population of 2.2 million calls Brisbane home, making it the third-largest city in Australia, with a median age of 35, and more than a quarter of Brisbane residents born overseas.
THINGS TO DO IN BRISBANE
Brisbane’s abuzz with creative ways to spend your days. Get to know where the locals eat, drink and play in the inner-city and nearby urban villages. Soak up our subtropical climate, explore the river, parks and outdoor spaces, or delve into a calendar of internationally acclaimed arts, cultural and sporting events. It’s a great place to entertain the kids, or spend time without them! You’ll discover some of the best restaurants in the country as well as a vibrant live music, contemporary art and gallery scene. You can mix with the locals at weekend markets, shop for international brands and cutting-edge local designer fashion, or scour antique shops for just the right memento of your stay. Whatever your pleasure, Brisbane will inspire. Click here for more information.
TELEPHONE ASSISTANCE
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Common country codes |
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China |
0011 + 86 |
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France |
0011 + 33 |
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Germany |
0011 + 49 |
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Hong Kong |
0011 + 852 |
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Ireland |
0011 + 353 |
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Italy |
0011 + 39 |
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Japan |
0011 + 81 |
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Malaysia |
0011 + 60 |
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New Zealand |
0011 + 64 |
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Singapore |
0011 + 65 |
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South Africa |
0011 + 27 |
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Spain |
0011 + 34 |
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United Kingdom |
0011 + 44 |
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United States of America |
0011 + 1 |
Directory assistance: 1223
Emergency calls in Australia: 000
TIME ZONE
Brisbane operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time: GMT +10 hours. Daylight savings times do not apply in Queensland.
VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICES
Stop by for local advice on what’s on, what to see and where to stay. Use the free booking service to purchase discounted tickets to a variety of tourist attractions, book accommodation and tours in Brisbane and beyond, plus find out information about events happening around Brisbane.
Brisbane Visitor Information Centre
Regent Theatre, 167 Queen Street Mall
07 3006 6290
Mon–Thu 9am–5.30pm, Fri 9am–7pm,
Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–5pm
E: visit@brisbanemarketing.com.au
South Bank Visitor Information Centre
South Bank Parklands,
Stanley Street Plaza | 07 3156 6366
E: vicsouthbank@brisbanemarketing.com.au
Mon–Sun 9am–5pm
Brisbane Airport Ambassadors & Visitor Information
Visitor Information centres are also located at the Brisbane Airport in the arrivals hall of the international terminal and on the ground floor of the domestic terminal. Both centres offer a range of information and booking services for travellers.
International Terminal: Open for all arriving and departing flights.
Domestic Terminal: Lost Property: Monday to Friday from 9:00am - 2:00pm
Brisbane Airport Ambassadors: Monday to Sunday from 7:00am - 2:45pm
For more information on where to eat, drink, shop, play, and stay in Brisbane, go to www.visitbrisbane.com.au or click here for an insider’s guide to Brisbane