Area
7,692,030 sq. km. (2,969,909 sq. miles)
Location
Indian/Pacific Oceans
Population
20.6 million (as per estimates of 2006) and Population Density of 2.7 per sq. km
Capital City
Canberra with a total population of 332,800 (as per estimates of 2006)
Language
English is the official and most popular language of Australia. Several other languages are popular among minorities, including Chinese, Italian, German, Vietnamese, Greek, and Aboriginal languages.
Electricity
AC 220/240 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are commonly used, bust different set of sockets are used in Australia. Adaptor sockets may be needed for using foreign electrical equipments. Most hotels have outlets for 110 volts for small appliances.
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD; Symbol A$). 1A$ = 100 Cents.
Notes prevalent = A$ 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100
Coins prevalent = A$ 1 and 2; Cents 5, 10, 20, and 50
Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange facility is available for all incoming and outgoing flights at all international airports in Australia. Major hotels also offer currency exchange for the guests. However, the Australian authorities advise to change currency either at the airport or at banks.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards of all major companies like Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express, etc. are widely accepted, except in some rural and outback areas. ATMs are also conveniently situated in most towns and cities.
Traveller's Cheques
Travellers Cheques are widely accepted and can be changed at banks and larger hotels. Some banks may also charge some fee for the service. In order to avoid exchange rate charges, the travellers would do well to carry traveller’s cheques in major international currencies.
Banking Hours
Banks in Australia normally function from Monday to Thursday from 0930-1600 and Friday from 0930-1700. Working hours may vary in different parts of the country and bank branches.