Information for international visitors

	Banking and money Banks: As a general guide, banks across the city are open for business Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm. Some banks in local shopping centres are also open Saturday mornings (with varying opening hours). Automatic teller machines (ATMs): ATMs are located throughout the city and will recognise cards issued by most banks. Credit cards: MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted across the city by most outlets. Currency exchange: Travelex has multi-currency ATMs located throughout the International terminal where you can buy a range of foreign currencies. Currency exchange booths are also located throughout the International Terminal. Throughout the Melbourne CBD you'll find numerous bureaux de change. Most banks also offer currency exchange services.
	Climate Melbourne may be known for its fickle weather - the city has been described as having four seasons in one day - but it can still be enjoyed all year round. During spring average temperatures range from 9.6 - 19.6°C (49.3 - 67.3°F). The season is known as the most variable of the year, when weather can quickly change from calm and sunny to cold and windy. Pack your umbrella – October is the wettest month with roughly 10 days of rainfall.
	COVID-19 We monitor COVID-19 regulations in line with advice from the Australian Government and local health authorities to ensure your health is protected. Learn more
	Electricity Mains supply in Australia is 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz with three-pin plugs used across the country. The Australian three-pin electrical socket differs from those found in most countries, and international travellers may require an adaptor socket. Standard outlets for 100-volt small appliances can be found in most hotel rooms. Adaptors can be bought from all good travel stores, chemists and department stores located in and around the Adelaide CBD.
	Emergency services In a life-threatening or time-critical emergency, dial Emergency Services on 000. The Triple Zero service is an operator-assisted service that connects callers to the most relevant emergency service organisation (police, fire brigade or ambulance). Calls to Triple Zero are free and can be made from all telephones (landline, mobile phones and payphones). When you dial 000 services, the most important thing to remember is to stay focused, stay relevant and stay on the line.
	Goods and services tax The goods and services tax (GST) is a broad-based 10 per cent tax included in the shelf price of most Australian goods and services. The Tourist Refund Scheme allows international travellers to claim a GST refund (subject to certain conditions) on some goods purchased in Australia. The refund applies only to items worn or goods taken on board as hand luggage when leaving the country. Learn more
	Health and medical services The Australian Government has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) with many countries. Overseas visitors from these countries can access medical treatment in a public hospital. However, there are some services that are not covered, and so it is a good idea to have health insurance for your stay. Most visas require overseas visitors to hold private health insurance during their stay in Australia. Learn more
	Language English is the de facto official language of Australia, but many foreign languages are used by minorities in local communities, including Arabic, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese and Chinese dialects. Translation and interpreter services can be accessed 24 hours a day by calling 13 14 50.
	Passports and visas All international travellers must present a valid and approved travel document (generally a passport) as evidence of their identity and nationality to allow entry into Australia. In addition, all international travellers (with the exception of most New Zealand passport holders) must also obtain a valid visa before travelling to Australia. As a general guide, travellers are encouraged to apply for their Australian visa well in advance of their planned departure date. Find the right visa eVisitor visa Passport holders from certain countries can apply for a visa online through the Australian Government’s eVisitor system. The eVisitor allows visitors to travel to Australia for short-term business or tourism purposes for up to three months. eVisitor applications are free. Find the right visa Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Passport holders from a range of other countries (including the US) can apply for a visa online through the Australian Government’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system. Alternatively, passport holders outside of Australia can apply for ETA through a travel agent, airline office, specialist service provider or Australian visa office. The ETA allows people to visit Australia for short-term tourism or business purposes of up to three months. An ETA is available to passport holders from more than 30 countries, regions and locations. Learn more about the ETA Note: The eVisitor and ETA systems provide the electronic equivalent of a visa for the short-term traveller, replacing the traditional passport visa label or stamp. Most applications are processed within a day. For conference organisers and delegates, specialised visa advice is available through the Located across the country, IECN staff work with event organisers to provide free advice and visa-processing assistance for international travellers invited to speak at, perform in, or attend an event in Australia. Check the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection website for eligibility requirements at immi.gov.au. Visa letters If you require an invitation letter from AIEC to support your visa application, please send your request via email to aiec@thinkbusinessevents.com.au. Ensure that you include your full name and registration confirmation number in the email. Please note that invitation letters will not be issued unless a formal request is received and will only be provided after your registration is complete, and all registration fees have been paid in full.
	Population According to the latest Australian official population estimates, the City of Melbourne is the seventh fastest growing municipality in Australia and the fastest growing capital city council in percentage terms. At 30 June 2022 an estimated 159,810 people were living in the city. Learn about places of Aboriginal historical and cultural significance within the City of Melbourne using this interactive digital map, created with Traditional Owners, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples and the City of Melbourne.
	Post offices There are several Australia Post offices located around the Melbourne CBD. Stamps can often be purchased at newsagents. You may also be able to purchase stamps at your Hotel reception.
	Shopping From laneway chic to boutique sleek, discover edgy local designers, high fashion, historic arcades and department stores galore in inner Melbourne. We’ve got the perfect spots for your holiday spree. Read more
	Telephone assistance Most public telephones have International Direct Dialling and Subscriber Trunk Dialling. Phone cards for public phones and recharge cards for mobile phones can be bought from most newsagents, supermarkets and convenience stores. Many public phones also accept coins and credit cards. The international dialling code is 0011, followed by the country code and number. Directory assistance: 1223 Please note, costs may apply. The international dialling code for Melbourne is +613.
	Time zones During the conference, Daylight Saving Time is observed in Melbourne, where the time is shifted forward by 1 hour, resulting in a 11 hour difference ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+11).
	Tipping Service with a smile is the rule of thumb in Australia and tipping is always optional. If the service is worthy of a tip, it will be appreciated.
	Transportation Transportation Melbourne is easy to explore by bike, tram, bus, train or taxi. The city's public transport network extends from the city centre in all directions, and there's even a free tram zone throughout the central city and Docklands. Learn more Learn more
	Smoking and vaping As per the Tobacco and E-Cigarette Products Act 1987, the use of e-cigarettes and smoking is banned in the below settings: Enclosed public places, workplaces and shared areas, including inside a retail shop and on public transport Motor vehicles if a child under the age of 16 years is present Under covered public transport areas Near children's playground equipment Outdoor dining areas and other outdoor areas that have been declared smoke-free The fine for using an e-cigarette or smoking in a smoke-free area starts at $192. MCEC is a non-smoking zone, with the exception of the sunken garden. This also applies to the use of electronic cigarettes and vaporisers. All requirements outlined in Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 and the Smoke-free Environment Regulation 2016 apply. Tobacco is available at most supermarkets and convenience stores. Travellers exemption for e-cigarettes From 1 March 2024, travellers entering Australia can only bring a small quantity of vapes with them. The vapes must be for use in the treatment of the traveller or someone they are caring for, who is entering Australia on the same ship or aircraft. The maximum allowable quantity is: 2 vapes in total (whether disposable or reusable), 20 vape accessories (including cartridges, capsules or pods), and 200mL of vape substance in liquid form. Vapes that contain substances that are controlled drugs under regulation 5 of the PI Regulations, such as cannabis oil, are not counted in the above limits. E-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine are legal in Australia. Learn more
	Visitor information services Looking for help or recommendations in Melbourne? Stop by one of the visitor centres or look for one of the city ambassadors for advice on things to do, places to eat, or the best attractions to visit. For locations or more details, please visit https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/visitor-info/visitor-centres
	Wifi Wifi is available at AIEC in the MCEC areas. Details can be found on the AIEC app. VicFreeWiFi is available outdoors in the Melbourne CBD. In the Melbourne CBD there are more than 400 hotspots you can access wifi from, including: Bourke St Mall Queen Victoria Market Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre - outdoors Melbourne Museum - outdoors on platforms at CBD train stations. VicFreeWiFi is managed and maintained by telecommunications company TPG and allows for up to 5GB per device, per day. You do not need to provide personal information, passwords or wait for any pop-up advertising to log in. Learn more