AIRPORT AND TRANSPORT |
Brisbane’s International and Domestic Airports has been recently recognised as the world’s most efficient and customer-focused privatised airport by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It is located approximately 20 minutes drive (13 km) from Brisbane’s CBD.Whether you are an international or interstate visitor, there is a large range of accessible, reliable and cheap transportation options, including shuttle buses, Airtrain, taxis, car rental and hotel transfers to and from the CBD. Handy parking is also situated at both the International and Domestic Terminals with various parking options to suit your travel plans.
Here are some options you will find useful when travelling to and from the airport: Shuttle BusesIf you’re concerned about the amount of luggage you have accumulated during your stay in Brisbane, shuttle buses are a convenient, fast and comfortable way of travelling to and from the Airport. Services from Brisbane City operate daily every 30 minutes from 5.00am to 9.00pm from Roma Street Transit Centre and door to door of all CBD hotels. If leaving from Brisbane Airport, buses depart every 30 minutes from 5.30am to 11.00pm. All bus services meet flight departure and arrival times so you’ll always be on time. If you miss one, wait just half an hour for the next service. The cost is $9.00 per person to and from Roma Street Transit Centre and $11.00 per person to and from CBD Hotels. For information call Coachtrans on (07) 3238 4700. AirtrainClick here to download the ICASSP 2015 delegate discount letter for the Airtrain. For single travellers on the go, the Airtrain, operating 5am to 9pm 7 days a week, is probably the most time efficient option. If you’re in a hurry and require a direct line from the Airport to the City, jump aboard for a quick 22 minute train trip! Stations are conveniently located near most CBD accommodations and attractions. For on-line bookings visit www.airtrain.com.au. TaxisFor service with that personal touch, wait for one of Brisbane’s friendly and reliable taxi drivers to transfer you to your hotel. At Brisbane Airport’s Domestic Terminal, taxi ranks are located at both the Qantas and Virgin Blue ends of the terminal. As for the International Terminal taxi ranks are available on Arrivals Level 2. All Brisbane taxis have standard taxi meters so you won’t have to worry about being stung by overpriced fares. Keep in mind that a fare to Brisbane CBD is approximately $30 plus a $2 fee for departing taxis only. Go to www.brisbaneairport.com.au for more information about Airport travel. Hotel transfersMost Brisbane hotels provide coach transfers to and from the airport. Just ask the hotel representative when making your reservation. All you need is your flight itinerary; it’s that easy! Important note: International and interstate visitors should allow approximately 20-30 minutes for processing through customs. In peak periods waiting times may increase slightly. |
BANKING & CURRENCY |
Australian currency fluctuates on the international monetary exchange. Currency exchanges are located at airports, banks and major hotels. Consult a bank for the latest exchange rate. Banking hours are generally 0900 to 1700 hours. Several international banks have offices in the Brisbane CBD.
Australia operates under the decimal system of dollars and cents. Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 denominations. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 denominations. The Australian government levies a Goods and Services Tax (GST). This tax, at a rate of 10%, is included in the purchase price of most items for sale. Credit Cards |
BUSINESS HOURS |
General office hours are 09:00-17:00 Monday – Friday. Post Offices operate these hours; however stamps are often available from hotels. |
CAR HIRE/ PARKING |
All major car hire companies, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty, operate in Australia and vehicles may be hired at Brisbane Airport. Paid parking is available at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. |
EATERIES |
Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. Local specialties such as seafood and Australian wines are worth trying. At some restaurants you can keep the liquor bill down by taking your own wine or beer. These are called “BYO” restaurants, an abbreviation for “bring your own”. |
ELECTRICITY |
Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch. If not, you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels. |
GOODS & SERVICES TAX (GST) / TOURIST REFUND SCHEME (TRS) |
Australia levies a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10%. The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) enables travellers departing Australia to claim a refund of the GST (and also the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET)) paid on goods bought in Australia and taken out of the country. The refund applies to goods over the value of A$300 when items are purchased in the same shop within 30 days of your departure from Australia. Should an item be too large to take onto the aircraft as hand luggage you will need to visit the TRS clearing office at the international airport with the item and receipt. The receipt will be stamped “TRS sighted” and at that point you can check in the large item with your luggage. Once you have cleared customs you can collect your refund from the TRS desk by showing your receipt or items purchased. It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia. Goods which are to be exported can be used before departing Australia. |
LANGUAGE |
The official language for the conference is English. |
VISA INFORMATION |
All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia. Welcome letters can be requested from the Conference Managers following the completion of your Conference registration. For VISA information please download the information factsheet provided by the Australian Immigration Office or visit http://www.immi.gov.au. |
PRIVACY |
The Conference Managers comply with the Australian “Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000″ which is designed to protect the right of the individual to privacy of their information. Information collected in respect of proposed participation in any aspect of the Conference will be only used for the purposes of planning and conduct of the Conference and may also be provided to the organising body or to organisers of future events.It is also usual to produce a “Delegate List” of attendees at the Conference and to include the individual’s details in such a list. Consent for publication of the individual’s information may be withheld when completing the Registration Form for the Conference. Individuals are also entitled to access the information held by written application to the Conference Managers. |
QUARANTINE |
Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the import of animals and plants, including most food products, which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted. For more information visit http://www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity. |
TIME |
Brisbane is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and does not observe daylight savings. |
VACCINATIONS |
A current valid international certificate of inoculation against yellow fever is required if passengers come from, or travel through, infected areas. Check this carefully with your airline or travel agent. |
