All visitors must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s International Event Coordinator Network (IECN) offers free advice to people seeking to organise or attend an event in Australia. Please contact the IECN on +1300 550 684 or complete an online enquiry form. In a very limited number of cases, a health assessment may be required before the granting of a visa.

A Passenger Movement Charge (previously called “Departure Tax”) is included in your airline ticket price. Please check with your travel agent or airline for any further clarification.

While Australia's health standards are very high and Perth has many world-class hospitals with modern facilities, Traveller Medical Insurance is strongly recommended. Australia's Medicare system does not cover visitors, except where reciprocal agreements exist for immediately medically necessary treatment under their public health scheme (New Zealand, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, Malta and Italy). For further information, visit Medicare Australia.

Visitors over 18 years can bring the following goods duty-free into Australia:

• Up to A$900 worth of general goods
• 2.25 litres of alcohol
• 250 cigarettes, or 250 grams of cigars or tobacco products.

Certain restrictions apply on other items. Visit www.customs.gov.au for more detailed information.

Australia is divided into three time zones:

Western Standard

UTC/GMT + 8 hours – this applies to the whole of Western Australia including Perth, and is the same time zone as Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Taipei.

Central Standard

UTC/GMT + 9.5 hours – this applies to South Australia and Northern Territory.

Eastern Standard

UTC/GMT + 10 hours – this applies to Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Tasmania.

Daylight saving does not apply in Western Australia, however most States in Australia advance clocks forward by one hour between the first Sunday in October and the first Sunday in April the following year.

The currency is Australian Dollars (AUD or A$). Exchange facilities are available at Perth International Airport, city banks and currency exchange kiosks. International class hotels will also exchange major currencies for guests.

Most frequently accepted credit cards are Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club.

Mains supply is 240V-AC with a 10% tolerance. Frequency is 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from many countries, including Asia, so visitors may need an adaptor socket. Some hotels and motels provide these.

A general Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% applies on goods and services purchased in Australia. Travellers to Australia may reclaim the GST under the Tourist Refund Scheme on departure.

There is no tradition of tipping in Australia. It is therefore not expected and service is given with a smile. However, where the service has been particularly good, you may tip if you wish.

Perth offers virtually every style of cuisine in an excellent array of restaurants, cafés, bistros and hotels. It is wise to make a reservation in restaurants. Smoking is prohibited within all restaurants and alfresco dining areas. Perth food and beverage providers offer a wide range of dietary choices for vegetarians, vegans, Halal diners and those with special requirements for health reasons. For specific requests, it is best to check in advance.

Tourism Western Australia operates the Western Australia Visitor Centre in the heart of the city at Forrest Place. This Visitor Centre offers a wide range of services including a free booking facility and friendly expert advice.

Visitor services run by the City of Perth include free daily orientation walking tours throughout the week plus free specialty tours each day from Monday to Friday. These leave from the City of Perth Information Kiosk located in Murray Street Mall.

Most public establishments in Western Australia are wheelchair accessible and can offer assistance to people with special needs. Advance notice is sometimes best if there are specific requirements.

English is Australia’s national language and is spoken by all. Multi-lingual interpreters are available at international entry points, major hotels and department stores. Foreign Language Services are available via a range of free call numbers for specific languages. Further details are available at www.telstra.com.au (search for Multicultural Service Centre in the alphabetical list).

Australia is a tolerant society where many forms of religion are practiced. Perth is a multi-cultural community and is home to many churches, temples, mosques and prayer rooms which cater to a wide variety of religions.

The Nyoongar Aboriginal people are the area’s indigenous inhabitants and have been the custodians of the land for tens of thousands of years.

The first Europeans to discover this coast were the Dutch in 1616. British settlers led by Captain James Stirling founded Perth in 1829. More information is available here. 
 

 

Here you will find a full list of public holidays in Western Australia.