Travel Impressions

2015 TI Australia and South Pacific

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kNow before you go... Passport & Entry Requirements This information is subject to change. It is advisable to check with the nearest government representative of your destination prior to your travel. Australia - Passports must be valid for longer than the period of the stay. Visitors to Australia (with the exception of New Zealand passport holders) will require a visitor visa that allows for stays in Australia of up to 12 weeks. Visitor visas can be applied for online and must be done prior to arrival in Australia. New Zealand – Passports valid for at least three months, as well as onward or return air tickets, must be produced on arrival by all visitors. Visas are not required by most foreign nationals provided they are bona fide tourists and do not intend to stay more than 30 days. French Polynesia – A valid passport, return airline ticket to resident country or to at least two more continuing destinations, as well as sufficient funds to cover their planned stay is required for entry. Fiji – Visitors will be issued with a tourist visa on arrival. All visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least three months after departure from fiji, onward or return air tickets, and sufficient funds to cover their stay. Currency AtMs are prevalent in most areas and are usually your best source for cash at the most current exchange rate. Australia – the currency is based on the Australian dollar (Aud). New Zealand – the currency is based on the New Zealand dollar (NZd). French Polynesia - the currency is based on the Pacific franc (XPf). Fiji – the currency is based on the fijian dollar (fJd). Adapters and Converters A plug adapter and voltage converter are recommended, since they may not be available at all hotels. Australia – electric standard is 240/250 volts Ac 50hZ. universal outlets for 110 volts (shavers only) are standard in most hotels. New Zealand – electric standard is 220/240 volts Ac, generally accepting three-pin plugs. French Polynesia – the electric current in most hotels is 110 or 220 volts, depending upon the specific location. Visitors should bring adapters. Fiji – electricity in all resorts is 240 volts, 50 cycles Ac. some resorts may have 110 volt outlets for use as well. Temperature temperatures are recorded in celsius. to convert to an approximate fahrenheit temperature, double the celsius and add 30. Time and Date • The 24-hour clock is used to denote timetables. to convert to u.s. time for 13:00 and over, subtract 12 and add PM. for example, 18:00 is 6 PM. • Dates are written with the day coming before the month. for example, christmas is 25-12-15. Tipping Australia – hotels and restaurants do not add service charges to your bill. in upmarket restaurants, it is usual to tip servers up to 10% of the bill for good service. however, tipping is at your discretion. New Zealand – hotel porters are generally tipped a small amount for exceptional service. in restaurants, you can add 10% to the bill. there are no service charges added to bills. French Polynesia – tipping is not customary or expected in tahitian culture. however, tipping is always welcome for exemplary service. Fiji – tipping is not widely practiced and is at your discretion. Packing for Your Trip check with your airline for luggage weight restrictions, since many local carriers have their own rules. Clothing temperatures can fluctuate, so be prepared to dress in layers. Australia – Australia is a relaxed and casual place. the rule for most establishments is enclosed footwear. A jacket may be required in some nightclubs and restaurants. comfortable shoes are a must for hiking through national parks. New Zealand – informal (smart casual) dress is acceptable on most occasions in New Zealand, and is in fact quite appropriate given the easy-going lifestyle. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties except in a few of the more exclusive bars and restaurants in major towns. French Polynesia – the climate and lifestyle of the islands calls for casual and comfortable clothing. Pack loose-fitting, natural fabrics and plenty of shorts. for dinner, casual slacks and polos or golf shirts are the best choice for men, and cool sundresses for women. Fiji – Visitors need light casual clothing suitable for the tropical climates of fiji; however, during the dry season, nighttime temperatures can drop, and a light sweater may be needed. revealing clothing is frowned upon in public places, particularly in villages. To-Do List • if traveling to Australia, apply for a visitor visa. • Travel with credit cards and an ATM card. • keep a record of important numbers for credit cards, AtM cards, and travelers checks in a separate location. • Make two copies of your bank cards, credit cards, driver's license, passport, and return airline ticket. keep one at home, and bring one with you. • Leave an itinerary with a close family member or neighbor. • If you are going to a warm destination, bring strong sunscreen and a hat. excessive sun exposure has ruined many vacations. • If traveling with young children, take along play activities for the airport and plane ride. • Medications, jewelry, and other valuables should be hand-carried, not placed in checked luggage. • Place your airline tickets and other valuables in your hotel's safe deposit box. • Make sure your luggage has identification both inside and out. • Pack the following items: voltage converter and adapter plugs; calculator (for converting currency); camera with extra film or memory cards, battery, and charger; walking shoes; and rain gear. • Check with your airline several days before your departure date to reconfirm your flight. do the same before your return flight. • Call your airline before leaving for the airport to check on any last minute delays. • Due to increased security, arrive at the airport early. The South Pacific may appear overwhelming for a first-time visitor, or even a seasoned traveler. The following information will help prepare you for your vacation: 4 Know Before You Go

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