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Frequently
Asked Questions - Australia & New Zealand
Visas
US Passport
holders will need to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel
Authority) prior to entry into Australia. An ETA is
equivalent to a visa, but there is no stamp or label in your
passport and there is no need for you to visit an Australian
diplomatic office to submit an application. This record is
stored electronically on a computer system operated by
Australian Immigration. Just present your passport when you
check in and the airline will automatically check your visa
status. An ETA allows you to spend up to three months in
Australia. Swain Tours provides this service free of charge
to clients. All that is required is a clear, legible and
valid copy of the ID page of the passport. The process
takes about 3 minutes.
A valid US
passport is required to enter New Zealand. There are no visa
requirements for entry into New Zealand.
Health
Standards
of hygiene in Australia and New Zealand are very high, and
drinking water is safe. Vaccinations are not required if you
are traveling direct unless you have come from or visited a
yellow fever-infected country or zone within six days before
arrival in Australia.
Currency Exchange
Currency
exchange facilities are available for all incoming and
outgoing international flights. It is recommended to cash
traveler’s checks or exchange currency at banks, as the
exchange rate is more favorable and the fee less than in
hotels. Credit cards are widely in use, but may not be
particularly welcome in remote areas or in small shops. ATM
cards may be used in the South Pacific; check with your
issuing bank for acceptability at overseas banks.
Electricity
The
electrical current in Australia and New Zealand is 220-240
volts, AC 50Hz. The power outlets are different to those in
the USA so you will need an adaptor.
Tipping
Tipping
is not the general custom in Australia and New Zealand and
service charges are typically not added to accounts by
hotels and restaurants. Porters at airports, taxi drivers
and hairdressers do not expect to be tipped although you may
do so if you wish. In better-class restaurants, it is usual
to tip food and drink waiters up to 10-20 per cent of the
bill for good service. At any time, tipping is your choice,
despite the fact that these days it may be a little more
expected in certain places. |
