FAQs

1. What is Twinshare Accommodation
"Twinshare" means the hotel bedroom is for a couple to share, e.g. 1xKing, 1xQueen, 2xDouble or 2xSingle beds.  Our preference is always King or Queen.
2. What are the Baggage Restrictions?
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Checked Baggage Allowance on Qantas Airlines from the USA travelling in Economy is 2 free pieces at 23kg (50lb) per piece. Excess Baggage Fees of A$50 per piece weighing more than 23kg (50lb).  No single piece can exceed 32kg (70lb).  A$150 per additional piece.
More Details: http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/checked-baggage/global/en

Carry-on Baggages Allowace on Qantas from the USA travelling in Economy is 1 piece which must not weigh more than 7kg (15lb) and with dimensional* restrictions of:
   115cm (45in) bag, or
   185cm (73in) non rigid garment bag
*Total dimensions are measured by adding together the length, height and depth of the bag.
More details: http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/carry-on-baggage/global/en

3. Where/how do I get a US Passport?
To get a passport, please visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
4. Do I need a Visa to travel?
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You do need a Visa to travel to Australia, but not to New Zealand. For Fiji - some countries need Visas, others are exempt and just need their passport (which allows them in for up to 4 months). For a list of Travel Visa Exempt Countries for Fiji, please visit:http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/fiji_faqs.shtml

For more assistance with this, please contact us toll free at 1-888-359-2877, or via email at travel@aboutaustralia.com.

5. What airline will I be flying with when I travel?
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We are directly contracted with QANTAS Airlines.

http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/travel-classes/global/en

6. Can I use my cell/mobile phone when I travel?
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If you are taking your own cell (mobile) phone abroad, please contact your service provider to determine the Rates & Plans available to you.  We recommend you clarify the rates to: activate/de-activate the plan, receive calls, dial calls, receive text messages, send text messages and data roaming charges (email, web-browsing).  Should you be required to activate an International Plan on your phone, please remember to deactivate the plan when you return to the USA.  When abroad, turning off Data Roaming in your phone's settings may help you avoid excessive roaming charges. 

Also, Cell (mobile) phones or SIM cards can be rented for short periods of time from service counters in many of Australia's & New Zealand's major airports.  See: http://www.vodafonerental.com.au/

Note: Aussie's do not use the term "cell phone" instead they call it a "mobile phone".

7. Can I drive in Australia/New Zealand?
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Yes. All drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their license or permit at all times when driving. You must have either a current driver's license from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. Make sure your driver's license is current and in English. If your license is not in English, you must bring an English translation with you or obtain an IDP. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an IDP.  

Please remember that Australians & New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road. Drivers give way (or yield) to all traffic crossing or approaching from the right. Signposting follows standard international symbols and all distances are in kilometres (km). Both drivers & passengers must wear a safety belt in both the front and back seats.

Here are some general tips and hints to help you drive safely:

  • Always drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to your right
  • All road distances are measured in kilometres
  • When turning left, give way (yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right
  • When the traffic light is red, you must stop. There is no left turn rule as in North America.
  • The amber traffic light means stop unless you are so close to the intersection you can't stop safely.

 

8. Will I need a power adaptor?
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Australian domestic power standard is 240V @ 50htz, with 3 pronged power sockets. You may need to bring your own international power adaptor to use your electrical appliances or battery chargers.
9. What food and beverages are provided?
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All dive boats include all meals and snacks for the duration of your trip.  Special dietary needs can be catered to with prior notice.  Tea, coffee & water are complimentary on all boats.  Some drinks are available at no additional charge depending on the meal service.  Any alcohol served on board is available for purchase.  Please do not bring an alcohol on board with you.
10. What about tipping?
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Tipping is not mandatory.  Tips are always appreciated by a dive crew for a job well done.  There is no set percentage.  It is the practice of the dive boats to divide all tips received amongst the entire crew.
11. Concerned about seasickness?
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Most dive ships offer natural ginger tablets on board to aid in fighting seasickness.  However, if you are concerned about seasickness, please consult with your pharmacist or doctor.  It is best to try your seasickness remedy before your trip to familiarize yourself with any side effects you might experience.  It is important to remember to keep well hydrated while taking motion sickness medicine.
12. Can I use my credit cards when I travel?
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Visa and Mastercard are probably the most popular credit cards used in Australia, New Zealand & Fiji. American Express Credit Cards are also widely used, but may not be accepted as widely as Visa and Mastercard. Discover Cards are not commonly accepted in Australia, New Zealand or Fiji. Travelers Checks are also widely accepted throughout Australia, New Zealand & Fiji, although these are not commonly used anymore.

Australia, New Zealand & Fiji are well serviced with many ATM facilities that are globally connected. You can withdraw the local currency from ATMs using your Visa or Mastercard (please confirm with your bank that your credit/debit card is set-up correctly). Here is a link that you can use to help you locate ATMs worldwide: http://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/jsp/SearchPage.jsp

Please contact the Bank for your Credit Card and advise the Security Department of the dates that you will be traveling to Australia/New Zealand/Fiji. If you do not let them know they may "cancel" or "freeze" your Credit Card as soon as they see unusual Foreign Transactions appearing on your account. THIS IS IMPORTANT - PHONE THEM RIGHT NOW IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING SOON!

13. How long does it take to get to Australia/New Zealand/Fiji?
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An average non-stop flight from the the USA (West Coast) to Australia or New Zealand is approximately 14 hours. On the way back, the flight time is approximately 12 hours due to the prevailing Easterly winds across the Pacific. Flight times may vary depending on routing.

14. Do I need Power and Phone Adapters (USA to Australia)?
Yes.  For more details see: http://www.aboutaustralia.com/Power_Australia.htm
15. Where can I find phone numbers for places in Australia and New Zealand?
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For Australian Phone Numbers, Addresses & Timezones see www.whitepages.com.au

For New Zealand Phone Numbers, Addresses: www.whitepages.co.nz

For Fiji Phone, Numbers, Addresses: http://www.whitepages.com.fj/

16. When is the best time (climate) to travel to Australia?

Spring or Autumn.  For more details see: http://www.aboutaustralia.com/Weather.htm

17. How do I dial an International Phone Number from the USA?
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You can use the following website for help with dialing Internationally: http://www.countrycallingcodes.com/

‘61’ is the country code for Australia
'64' is the country code for New Zealand
'679' is the country code for Fiji
 

EXAMPLE - To dial an Australian Phone Number from the USA use the following example as a guide.

To phone Heron Island Resort, the Australian Number is (07) 4972 9055. From the USA dial 011-61-7-49729055. 

‘011’ to dial another country
‘61’ is the country code for Australia
‘07’ is the Area Code for the Australian State of Queensland (drop the ‘0’ when dialing from the USA)
4972 9055 is the local phone number.

18. What time is it in Australia/New Zealand/Fiji right now?
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To find the current ‘Time’ for any location within Australia, New Zealand or Fiji - go to www.worldtimeserver.com.  From this website you can also display the ‘Time Difference’ from your location to any location within Australia, New Zealand or Fiji.

19. Where can I find online street maps for my destination?
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For online Australian Street & City Maps go to www.whereis.com.au

For online New Zealand street & City Maps go to http://nzguide.newzealand.co.nz/whereis/

20. When in Australia who do I phone in an Emergency?

In case of an Emergency whilst in Australia Dial "000" (not 911).

21. What are Australia's School & Public Holiday Dates?
22. What are the Seasonal Dates for finding lower airfares to Australia?
Airfare pricing Tips: http://www.aboutaustralia.com/Airfare_Pricing_Tips.htm
23. What are the Child Discounts on Airfares to Australia or New Zealand?
24. What are the Current Special Airfares?
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Special (cheap) airfares are often announced by the airlines to help increase flight loading during slow periods or to match fares offered by competitive airlines.  These fares are typically announced at short notice (e.g. 1 day - 3 months prior to the required date of travel).  We can help you "cash-in" on cheap airfares. If a special fare is currently not available for the dates you want to travel, then we can offer you a "Special Fare Monitoring Service".  Call us to find out how this service works, or you can simply join our Mailing List and we'll send you an email every time a Special Fare is announced. 
To view current Airfare Specials click here SPECIAL FARES
25. Do I need Vaccinations to Travel to Australia
No vaccinations of any kind are required for travel into Australia, New Zealand or Fiji.
26. What is the current exchange rate?
The rate constantly fluctuates however, if you use the following website you will be able to view the current accurate rate for Australia, New Zealand & Fiji - www.xe.com
27. How much will it cost to travel to Australia?
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TRAVEL PACKAGE PRICING:
Prices for our travel packages from the USA to Australia typically start at US$3000 per person for 2 weeks including all accommodation, flights (domestic and international), transfers, tours, some meals and Visa issuance for entry into Australia. 
 
Pricing is dependent on the "class" of accommodation (3-5 Star) and the "number" of travelers in your group, the more people to share costs the less it will cost per person. Pricing is also significantly affected by the "Dates" you chose to travel ranging from Basic Season (cheap) to Super Peak (expensive). 
 
 
ITINERARY MODIFICATIONS:
We are happy to tailor any existing itinerary to meet your needs.  We can jazz it up to include rooms with a view, private tours or helicopter transfers to an Island on the Great Barrier Reef.  Alternatively we can tone it down to bring pricing within your budget in which case you might opt to eliminate select tours and/or transfers (chauffeur driven vehicles to & from major Airports). Basically, just let us know what you want and we'll do our best to accommodate your needs.

28. What is the Australian/New Zealand Date Format?

Common date format in both Australia and New Zealand is: DD/MM/YY (not MM/DD/YY).

EXAMPLE: May 3rd, 2010

US Date - 05/03/10

Australia/New Zealand Date - 03/05/10

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