| Your dream vacation is an adventure in the sweeping | | | | goods and services, including but not limited to |
| red sands of the outback, in the interesting transition of | | | | accommodations, dining, transport, books, electronics, |
| landscapes, in the exotic and endemic variety of plants | | | | and clothing. Basic commodities are exempted from |
| and animals, and of course, the wonderful culture | | | | this tax. One more tip, with a minimum purchase value |
| unique only to the Land Down Under. | | | | of $300 of brand new or used goods from any one |
| First off, you need an Australian tourist visa, of course. | | | | supplier or vendor, you are allowed the refund of the |
| You can go to the nearest Australian embassy to | | | | GST or WET (wine equalization tax) you paid and this |
| apply for one or if you possess a valid passport from | | | | is valid for no more than 30 days. This tourist-friendly |
| any of the countries listed with the Australian | | | | policy is under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) of |
| Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, | | | | the government. |
| then you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority | | | | As with any other country, certification of the |
| right there in the comfort of your home or office. | | | | vaccinations you have received is recommended |
| All you need to do is follow the online application | | | | although not mandatory except for the yellow fever |
| transactions and after 24 hours, you will be issued | | | | vaccination certificate. If you are departing from a |
| your travel visa to Australia. You will receive an | | | | country with a risk of yellow fever transmission then |
| authentication of your transaction via email or snail mail | | | | you must secure a verification of yellow fever |
| as you asked for. The Electronic Travel Authority | | | | vaccination before traveling to Australia. On the other |
| costs £16. Your travel visa can usually allow you | | | | hand, you are advised to bring insect repellents when |
| to stay and enjoy your Australian vacation for a | | | | traveling in Northern and Western Australia because |
| maximum of twelve months. So you have quite some | | | | of the risks of mosquito-borne illnesses in these areas |
| time to relish the varied climate and the amazing | | | | such as Murray Valley encephalitis. |
| culture of Australia. | | | | If you plan to travel by land around and about Australia, |
| If you are budget conscious and you want to spend | | | | you're probably thinking of renting a car, or more |
| your time in Australia with only reasonable expenses, | | | | precisely hire a car as Aussies say it. So put your |
| then no need to worry, Australia is an affordable | | | | international driving license and other documents in |
| destination by American and Western European | | | | order and prepare to drive on the left-hand side of the |
| standards. Vacation in Australia need not be | | | | highway. You can book online and have your car |
| expensive, there are lots of ways you can travel on a | | | | waiting at the airport parking lot when you arrive. Just |
| shoestring, yet the sights and sounds are terrific. | | | | make sure you have read and understood the car |
| Exchanging your foreign currency or traveler checks is | | | | hiring company's terms of service. |
| not a problem since there are numerous banks as well | | | | Equipped with these tips and information, you should be |
| as accredited foreign exchange firms around the | | | | able to enjoy your dream vacation to Australia with |
| country. But with the convenience of credit and debit | | | | less hassle since you know what to expect and you |
| cards, the need for traveler checks had greatly | | | | are well prepared. Apply for the Australian tourist visa, |
| reduced over the years. | | | | secure your yellow fever vaccination if you need one, |
| Another thing you need to know is that the Australian | | | | prepare your credit and debit cards or traveler checks, |
| Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a fixed 10% for all | | | | budget your money, book your vehicle, and enjoy! |