Perth

Population:

1.7 million

Time zone:

GMT +8 hours

Language:

English is the official language, although you may come across a couple of unfamiliar phrases now and then!

Dialling codes:

+61 to call Australia followed by 08 92, 08 93 and 08 94 all in use for Perth. Mobile numbers all start with 04 and must be dialled in full.

Electricity

The voltage in Australia is 220V as in the UK, but the sockets are shaped differently so you will need an adapter. These will be three-pronged but the bottom two will be at an angle instead of vertical.

Money:

Australian Dollars (AUD). You will find that the Australian rates don't tend to be very favourable so make sure that you take at least some currency with you on your travels. Alternatively, you can use a prepay credit card and then use it like a normal chip and pin card whilst you're Down Under.

Costs:

A holiday in Perth is on a par with visiting a city in the UK.

Tipping:

Tipping isn't encouraged and the workers are all paid a fair wage but that needn't stop you if you want. Restaurants are the most common place to leave a tip, with more people doing to than not, and when using taxis rounding the price up seems to be the way to go. Be aware that in restaurants it's actually illegal for them to make you pay a service charge that is a percentage of your bill, but be prepared to pay the Goods and Services Tax which will be 10% on most things that you buy.

Local customs:

Customs by and large are very similar to the UK so we should have no problems fitting in. If you're asked to bring a plate to a barbeque though, make sure you bring enough food to fit on a plate, not just the empty plate or you could be going hungry!

Safety:

There are some poisonous animals in Australia but they very infrequently harm people. If you're heading to the beach make sure you choose one with a lifeguard patrol and stick to the rules, like swimming between the flags. The lifeguards are always on the lookout for sharks and jellyfish and will alert you if there is any danger. Other than that, the normal precautions apply such as looking out for pickpockets in busy city areas and using your common sense when it comes to heading out at night.

Health:

You don't have to have any vaccinations but you might like to check with your doctor before you travel that you are up to date with all your jabs. Make sure that you have health insurance that covers you for all the exciting things that you plan to do, and you are also entitled to some subsidised health care as a UK national.

Entry:

You need to apply for an electronic visa here prior to flying to Perth. There is no fee but some visitors may also need a medical check before they can enter the country.

Current Foreign Office Advice for Australia