Currency: The Australian Dollar (AUD). ATMs are found everywhere in cities and towns; cards (including contactless) are accepted almost universally, though some small businesses add a surcharge. Carry a little cash when heading into remote areas.
Health: Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. Medical care is excellent in cities. Emergency number: 000 (ambulance, police, fire). Australia has reciprocal health care agreements with some countries (including the UK and New Zealand); otherwise, travel insurance is strongly recommended — healthcare can be expensive for non-residents.
The sun is not a joke. UV levels are extreme, especially from October to April. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen, wear a hat, and seek shade in the middle of the day. "Slip, Slop, Slap" is the national sun-safety mantra — it's taken seriously for good reason.
Wildlife: Australia has a reputation for dangerous fauna that is somewhat earned but usually exaggerated. Snakes and spiders are present throughout the country, but encounters are uncommon if you watch where you step and put your hands. Swim between the flags on patrolled beaches; stinger suits and lookout signs should be heeded in northern Queensland waters (box jellyfish, Oct–May). In northern rivers and coastal areas, crocodiles are a real and serious risk — obey all warning signs.
Language: English is the sole official language. Indigenous languages are spoken in some remote communities; over 150 Aboriginal languages are still used.
Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Australian sockets take a distinctive two- or three-pin angled plug. Adaptors are available at airports and electronics shops.
Time zones: Australia spans three main time zones. Eastern Standard Time (AEST, UTC+10) covers Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT. Central Standard Time (ACST, UTC+9:30) covers South Australia and the Northern Territory. Western Standard Time (AWST, UTC+8) covers Western Australia. Daylight saving is observed in NSW, Victoria, SA, Tasmania and the ACT (but not Queensland or WA), which creates additional variation from October to April.
Mobile phones: Coverage is good in cities and along major highways, poor to absent in the Outback. The main carriers are Telstra (largest network), Optus, and Vodafone. Local SIM cards are inexpensive.
Tipping: Not obligatory or culturally expected, unlike in the US. Rounding up or leaving 10% at restaurants is appreciated but never assumed.