Essentials
Electricity:
Australia runs on 240V, 50hz current, make sure the transformers, chargers, and electronic gear you bring can handle it. Plug adaptors with transformers are essential. If you need to purchase a transformer buy it before you depart for Australia, they are not easy to find here. The plugs used here are different from those used in the UK and USA. Plug adaptors are pretty easy to purchase here at electronic stores.
Units of measure:
Metric.
Public phones:
40-cent local calls (Melbourne metropolitan area).
Many pay phones will now only accept prepaid cards and phone credit
cards, not coins.
Directory assistance:
12455 (Melbourne area),
0175 (Australia),
0103 (International).
Coffee:
Generally around $AUD2.50-$AUD3.00 a cup, could be more in some
tourist areas.
Petrol (gas):
Fluctuates between $AUD1.15-$AUD1.30 a litre.
Emergency:
The emergency phone number for police, ambulance and
fire is 000.
Safety:
Generally
visitors to Melbourne are safe in the streets of the CBD during the
day and in the evenings. The exception is the nightclub areas late
at night and in the early hours of the morning, where alchohol and
violence are a bad mix. Also, it would be advisable to avoid walking
in dark laneways or arcades, or streets that have no people in them,
late at night or in the early hours of the morning.
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