New Worlds, New Sovereignties - A cross-community interdisciplinary international conference
Melbourne, Australia, 11th — 14th December 2007
Melbourne Visitor Centre
The Melbourne Visitor Centre is situated on the edge of Federation Square on the corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets, directly across from Flinders Street train station and its tram interchanges. The Melbourne Visitor Centre is a one-stop-shop for information about Melbourne and Victoria including travel and accommodation.
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm, seven days a week
Ph: + 61 3 9658 9658
www.thatsmelbourne.com.au
Disabled Facilities
If you require specific facilities to access the conference, please notify the conference organizers by indicating on your registration form.
Useful information is available from the Melbourne mobility centre.
www.melbournemobilitycentre.com.au
TTY 9650 9316
Banks
Banks in Australia are open from 09:30 - 16:00 Monday to Friday. Most banks are closed weekends and public holidays. Automatic Teller Machines are open 24 hours and are located throughout the city and surrounds. Facilities for exchange of currency are available at the airport, larger hotels, banks and money changing services in the city centre.
Car Rental
Cars can be rented in Australia from local or international companies. Average cost per day for a medium sized car is A$70.00. All cars are right-hand drive.
Credit cards
Credit cards are widely accepted. Commonly recognised cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club.
Currency
Decimal currency is used in Australia (AUD) and currency units are dollars and cents. Australian notes are: $100, $50, $20, $10, $5. Coins are: $2, $1, $ .50, $.20, $.10, $.05 cents.
Electricity
The electrical supply is 240 volts, 50 Hz. The connection for appliances is a flat 3-pin plug. Participants from overseas are advised to bring adaptor plugs with them. Most city hotels provide 110 volts for shavers.
Health
Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from a yellow fever- infected country zone within six days prior to your arrival. You do not need any other health certificate to enter Australia. Australia has a high standard of hygiene and doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well equipped. In the event of illness, hotel staff can arrange a doctor for you.
Insurance
It is strongly recommended that overseas conference participants take out adequate travel and health insurance prior to commencement of travel. Further information can be obtained from your travel agent.
Liability
The Organising Committee and/or Conference Organizers shall not be held liable for personal accidents or losses or damage to private property of conference participants. Participants should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance.
Passport and Visa
All international visitors require a valid passport and visa for entry into Australia (New Zealand visitors require a valid passport only). A facility for electronically issuing visas, The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system, is currently available through international travel agents and airlines in 29 countries including the US, UK, parts of Western Europe, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This system also includes pre-clearance for entry which reduces the time needed to process passengers on arrival. Your local Australian Embassy or Consulate can advise of the availability. For non-ETA countries, visas are issued from Australian Embassies and Consulates around the world at a cost of AUD $60.00. In non-ETA countries, we recommend that you apply early for your visa. For further information, please visit: http://www.immi.gov.au
Tax
Australia applies a tax to the purchase of both goods and services called the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The rate of tax that applies to taxable products and services is 10%. Tax is already included in the advertised prices.
Tipping
Tipping (gratuities) is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in many parts of the world. Tipping is optional, a reward for extra or especially good service. Generally, no service charge is added to hotel or restaurant bills.
Travel
For international passengers, we suggest that you try to allow yourself at least a day in which to adjust to the time difference and relax after your flight before the conference commences.