Located on
the northeast coast of Australia in the state of Queensland, Cairns is a
rapidly expanding tourism and business destination. The city is popular with
nature lovers from around the world, as it is only an hour’s boat ride from the
Great Barrier Reef.
Currency
The unit of
money is the Australian Dollar (AUD), made up of 100 cents.
Credit cards
are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls. 24-hour automated
teller machines (ATMs) are widely available.
Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.
AUD 1.00
equals:
|
Exchange Rates
|
Currency
|
|
0.76
|
Euro
(EUR)
|
|
0.64
|
British Pound
(GBP)
|
|
53.66
|
Indian Rupee
(INR)
|
|
100.40
|
Japanese Yen
(JPY)
|
|
1.21
|
New Zealand Dollar
(NZD)
|
|
1.22
|
Singapore Dollar
(SGD)
|
|
0.97
|
US Dollar
(USD)
|
Taxes
A 10% Goods
and Services Tax applies to most purchases.
This tax is
refundable to visitors with purchases in excess of AUD 300 per store made
within 30 days before departing Australia. It applies only to goods visitors
take with them as hand luggage.
Please call
1300 363 263 or visit www.customs.gov.au
for further information.
Tipping
Tipping is
not compulsory. However, it is acceptable to give a gratuity for good service.
Business Hours
Bank Hours
9am - 5pm, Monday through Friday
Office Hours
9am - 5pm, Monday through Friday
Shop Hours
9am - 5pm, Monday through Friday
10am - 5pm, Saturday and Sunday
Public Health
Healthcare
in Australia follows Western practices with advanced medical resources widely
available. We do recommend, however, that all travellers be in good health
prior to undertaking any strenuous travel.
From late
October to early May, venomous box jellyfish are present in the coastal waters
of northern Australia. They are also found around many of the Queensland
islands. They are rarely found on the Outer Barrier Reef.
Drinking water from
the tap is safe throughout Australia. Bottled drinking water is also available
in every hotel room.
Dress
Australia is
known to be casual in its approach to living. However, light suits and dresses
are appropriate for business events. A light raincoat may be useful throughout
the year.
Weather
Cairns has a
tropical climate with even, warm temperatures throughout the year.
Temperatures
range from 21°C to 32°C (69°F to 89°F) during the October
to January summer months and 16°C to 28°C (61°F to 82°F)
during the June to September winters. Rainfall is distributed evenly throughout
the year.
Today
Partly Sunny with Showers
Clouds and sun with a passing shower
|
High:
|
26°C /
78°F
|
|
Low:
|
21°C /
69°F
|
Tomorrow
Partly Sunny with Showers
Partly sunny with a passing shower
|
High:
|
28°C /
82°F
|
|
Low:
|
21°C /
69°F
|
|
Tuesday:
|
|
Partly Sunny with Showers
|
High:
28°C /
82°F
|
Low:
20°C /
68°F
|
|
Wednesday:
|
|
Intermittent Clouds
|
High:
29°C /
84°F
|
Low:
20°C /
68°F
|
|
Thursday:
|
|
Partly Sunny
|
High:
29°C /
84°F
|
Low:
20°C /
68°F
|