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
|
|
0.66
|
Euro
(EUR)
|
|
0.54
|
British Pound
(GBP)
|
|
55.50
|
Indian Rupee
(INR)
|
|
93.75
|
Japanese Yen
(JPY)
|
|
1.07
|
New Zealand Dollar
(NZD)
|
|
1.15
|
Singapore Dollar
(SGD)
|
|
0.91
|
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. Higher levels of rainfall occur during summer between the months of January and March.
Today
Sunny, Thunder Showers
Clouds and sun with a shower or t-storm
|
High:
|
30°C /
86°F
|
|
Low:
|
23°C /
73°F
|
Tomorrow
Cloudy, Thunder Showers
Some sun, then clouds with a t-storm
|
High:
|
31°C /
87°F
|
|
Low:
|
23°C /
73°F
|
|
Tuesday:
|
|
Thunderstorms
|
High:
30°C /
86°F
|
Low:
24°C /
75°F
|
|
Wednesday:
|
|
Sunny, Thunder Showers
|
High:
30°C /
86°F
|
Low:
23°C /
73°F
|