When planning a professional trip to Australia, travel tips can be useful in ensuring that you have a safe and productive journey. Outside of business, Australia has a lot to offer all travelers regardless of the purpose for their visit. Get off to a good start by purchasing discount first class or business class tickets from Executive Class Travel. When you book through us, you’ll not only save money to spend on more interesting Australian purchases, but you’ll start your trip off relaxed from a comfortable flight. By following the right tips for traveling to Australia, you’ll likely have a more comfortable, problem-free trip than if you travel unprepared. The right tips can also benefit you when it comes to doing business within the country.
Australia’s Major Cities
As a business professional, you’ll likely be visiting one of Australia’s major cities: Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane. These three cities are also the largest in the country. The city most often visited by professionals from around the globe is Sydney, which also has the largest population in Australia. The second-largest population is found in Melbourne, which is the state capital of Victoria.
Safety in Australia
Although Australia is not a country that suffers from an abundance of crime, safety in terms of your valuable property and health should still be a priority. While in Australia, travel tips regarding safety should be heeded. This includes following general safety rules such as never flashing large amounts of money or valuables and using caution when dealing with strangers. You should also know how to contact emergency services in the event of a theft, injury, or other emergency. In Australia, this is done by dialing 000.
The sun and dangers in the water are two of the more avoidable threats to your health in Australia. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher provides protection from sunburn, while drinking plenty of water can prevent dehydration. While at the beach, there are certain parts of the water that are too dangerous for swimmers. For the safety of beachgoers, red and yellow flags are used to mark safe and supervised areas. Always swim between these flags only.
Phones, Laptops, and Other Electrical Devices
Professionals rely on electronics from laptops to cell phones. While in Australia, these devices will need to be plugged in for charging or use. A power adapter with three prongs will be necessary to use these devices during your stay. A voltage transformer or converter will also be necessary, as Australian voltage differs from that in the U.S. and may damage your professional and personal electronics.
Money, Taxes, and Tipping
Most tips for traveling to Australia will discuss the Australian dollar. This is roughly the equivalent of the American dollar; however, it’s still important to check the exchange rates in advance. Using major credit cards is another option in Australia, but be sure to notify your credit card company to prevent fraud alerts due to foreign activity. When spending money, expect a 10 percent tax, which is refundable once you’ve spent in excess of $300 at any one location. You’ll also need to apply for the refund within 30 days of leaving the country. One area where you’ll save money is tipping: In most cases, tipping is not practiced in Australia, nor will places such as hotels assess service charges.
Understanding Australia’s Business Etiquette
While engaging in corporate meetings and other business activities, never forget that there will be some differences in how Australians conduct business. Fortunately, Australian business etiquette is very similar to U.S. business etiquette and is easily followed. Punctuality is a desirable trait for Australians, so be on time or early to meetings. Introduce yourself to others with a handshake, smile, and small talk; however, don’t hesitate to start talking business shortly after the initial greeting. Be as brief and as informational as possible, maintain eye contact, and handle negotiations quickly. Don’t be surprised if Australians use language that seems inappropriate, colorful, or coarse, and don’t be offended or angered by teasing.
Understanding Australian business etiquette will prevent insulting, rude, or obscene faux pas. These include mimicking an accent or using unfamiliar Australian terms, which can come off as mocking. Various accents are also indicative of social class, and class distinctions are generally frowned upon. Additionally, avoid using hand gestures that may be viewed as obscene.
Food and Activities
There are plenty of things to do and eat while visiting Australia. The food is diverse, coming from a multitude of nations and cultures from around the world, including Chinese food from Sydney’s Chinatown. It also includes “bush tucker,” or native Australian foods, and British-inspired cuisine. Arguably the most popular foods include fish and chips, barbecue, and roasted meats. In addition to food, you’ll also want to explore the activities that Australia has to offer. When you’re not working, you’ll find that water-based activities are a big attraction, as many of the major cities are located on or near the water. Viewing local wildlife and wineries are also big attractions for tourists. Renting a car to visit natural landmarks such as Uluru, hiking, and snorkeling or scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef are all activities that are enjoyed by many.
At Executive Class Travel, we’re your business class ticket solution. We’ll get you great deals on tickets to help make your trip to Australia a smooth and successful one. Contact us by phone or online for more information or if you have any questions about traveling to Australia. Our customer service staff is experienced and the best in the industry.
