Frequently Asked Questions
Information for International Visitors
Banking and Money
Local Currency: Australian Dollar $, AUD.
Banks: As a general guide, banks across the city are open for business Monday to Friday, 9:30am-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: Brisbane Airport offers currency exchange facilities within the airport. Throughout the Brisbane CBD you’ll find numerous bureaux de change. Most banks also offer currency exchange services.
Notes: $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100
Coins: 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1 and $2
Pricing: Australian prices occasionally end in a variant of 1¢ or 2¢. Where this occurs, at the cash register the price is rounded to the nearest 5¢.
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 Brisbane CBD.
GST
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.
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.
Passport 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.
FAQ
When does Early Bird close?
You must register online and pay before Friday, February 21, 2025
You can register online here.
How do I submit an abstract?
All abstracts must be submitted via the online portal.
Submissions must be submitted before Friday, 29 November, 2024
Submit your abstract online here.
How do I apply for an Award?
All award applications need to be submitted online. You will also need to ensure you submit all the supporting documents.
When are the workshops/education forum?
The Research Workshop and Education Forum will be held on the day prior to the start of the Congress, 26 June 2025.
Congress Office
Think Business Events
Level 1, 4 Anderson Street
Port Melbourne, VIC 3207
T: +61 (3) 9417 1350
E: ioc@thinkbusinessevents.com.au
