Business Customs

Conducting business in Australia is relatively easy for American companies due to similarities in language, cultural environment, business practices, and customer expectations. Australians value advance planning, promptness, and follow-up, and are generally direct in their business dealings. Business is typically conducted on a first-name basis, and business cards are exchanged for information purposes without any special ceremony. Token gift exchange is uncommon.  Luncheon and breakfast meetings are common, however, business functions are not typically scheduled on weekends.  Business attire is the norm in cities, while rural areas are slightly more informal. 

Travel Advisory

Please check the Australian Embassy in the U.S. for the latest information on entering Australia. For further State Department Travel Advisory information on Australia, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s travel website U.S. Department of State’s travel website. The website for the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, Australia is: U.S. Embassy in Australia.

Visa Requirements

Americans traveling to Australia for business or leisure must hold a valid U.S. passport and either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Information is available at Australian Embassy or Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. For the location of the nearest Australian diplomatic facility, please refer to Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

U.S. companies requiring travel of foreign business persons to the United States are advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. For information, visa applicants should go to the State Department Visa Website. 

Currency

Australia’s local currency is the Australian Dollar.  Credit cards are accepted throughout the country and ATM’s are readily available.  Additional currency information is available on the Australia website.

Telecommunications/Electronics

Australia’s telecommunications infrastructure is well developed. Cell phone network coverage is available across Australia, though it may be limited in some remote areas. Major providers include Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, all of which run 4G networks and are expanding 5G networks. Ensure prior arrangements with your carrier to use your phone in Australia. Power voltage is 240 volts/50Hz, and adaptors can be purchased at airports or electronic stores. Internet access is widely available at hotels, internet cafés, and libraries, with many Wi-Fi hotspots in central business districts.

Transportation

It is a 14-hour non-stop flight from the West Coast of the United States (San Francisco or Los Angeles) to the East Coast of Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, 16 hours non-stop from San Francisco to Adelaide, and 17-18 hours non-stop from Texas (Houston or Dallas Fort Worth) to Sydney or Brisbane. Several international airlines service the trans-Pacific route, including Air New Zealand, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Fiji Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Qantas Airways, and United Airlines. Please refer to airlines’ websites for updated flight options and information.

Most flights depart from the United States late in the evening and arrive in Australia early morning, with a day lost at the International Date Line. Travel to or from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South America, and South Africa from Australia is also convenient.

Australians drive on the left side of the road. Major U.S. and Australian car rental agencies operate throughout the country. Reservations can be made through airports, hotels, travel agents, or directly using a credit card and a U.S. or international driver’s license. Public transportation is well developed in urban areas, with convenient bus, rail, and air services between cities and country towns.

Air Travel Times Within Australia 
Sydney to Melbourne - 1 hour  
Sydney to Brisbane - 1 hour  
Sydney to Perth - 4 hours  
Sydney to Canberra - 35 minutes 
Sydney to Adelaide – 2 hours 
Melbourne to Brisbane - 2 hours 
Melbourne to Perth - 4 hours 
Brisbane to Perth - 6 hours 

Language

Australia is an English-speaking country.

Health

Australia has no notable health risks, and public tap water is safe to drink. There are active campaigns to encourage protection from the strong sun and the use of sunscreen. Medical and dental services, and all types of health facilities, are comparable with those in the United States. Visitors can easily receive medical attention but may be required to pay for services immediately, either by cash or credit card. 

Local Time, Business Hours & Holidays

Australia has three time zones: Eastern, Central, and Western. Not all states observe daylight savings time, and the dates for the switch vary. Office business hours are generally 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Most shops in major city centers are open on Saturday and Sunday and at least one night a week for evening trading. Banks are open to the public from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with 24/7 ATM service. Restaurants and convenience stores typically have extended hours.

Australians generally take annual vacations in December and January, combining Christmas/New Year with the school summer vacation period. Consequently, business slows down, and it may be difficult to schedule business appointments during this time. Business travelers should ascertain whether their contacts are available during this period before scheduling trips to Australia. A list of public holidays in Australia can be found on the Australian Government website.

Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings

Certain goods may be brought into Australia on a temporary basis for up to 12 months without the payment of duty or taxes. These goods are referred to as temporary imports. Approval for temporary imports is granted under Section 162 or Section 162A of the Customs Act 1901. Goods that qualify as temporary imports may also be imported under carnet or under security lodged with the Australian Customs Service at the time of import. The nature of the goods, their use in Australia, and the importer will determine qualification. 

Conditions are placed on temporary imports, the most important being that the goods must be exported within the approved time limits. Failure to do so will result in the payment of duty and taxes. For further information, please visit the Australian Border Force.