General Information

Dates
The Symposium will take place from 12-14 April 2010.

Climate for April
Average maximum temperature 24°C
Average minimum temperature 13°C
For more information on average temperatures, rainfall and lots of other great information about Australian destinations, visit www.australia.com

Language
The official language of the Symposium is English.

Time
Melbourne is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time

Driving License
International Driving Licenses are recognized throughout Australia. Car rental companies ask for a valid driving license.

Electric Current
Electric current is 240 Volt, AC 50 cycles. Two or Three pin rectangular plugs are used. For more information, please visit your local travel store.

Exchange Rate
Australian currency fluctuates on the international monetary exchange. Therefore we recommend checking with your local bank for the exchange rate just prior to your arrival in Australia.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% on most goods and services such as accommodation, day tours, guides, translators, food, transport (including coach, rail and cruise) and other tourism services within Australia.

Name Badges
All delegates will receive a name badge upon registration. This badge is the official pass and must be worn to obtain entry to all Symposium sessions and associated activities.

Tipping
Tipping is not a general custom in Australia, and is at your discretion.

First Aid and Hospital Services
A first-aid room will be available to delegates during the Symposium . In the event of an emergency, transfer to the nearest hospital will be provided by ambulance. 

Restaurants
Melbourne is a multi-cultural city and countless cuisines are available throughout the many restaurants.

Shopping
Shops in Melbourne are generally open from 0900 to 1700, Saturday to Wednesday and 0900 to 2100 Thursday to Friday. In most stores and shopping centres major credit cards are accepted and tax-free shopping is possible within the city.
Walking is the best way to shop, especially along Melbourne's arcades and laneways. Outside the city centre, visit shopping precincts like Chapel Street in South Yarra and Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, especially on weekends. Here you'll find everything from retro homewares to funky shops selling cult-in-the-making jewellery. These strips also have numerous streetside cafes. Travelling between Melbourne's suburbs is best done by tram or train.
For bargains, head for Richmond (especially Bridge Road and Swan Street), where designer outlets and factory seconds sell jeans, swimwear, trainers, tops and bags at heavily reduced prices.

Private Touring/Hospitality Arrangements
Should you have any specialised group requirements for private touring, transportation or hospitality services, other than those organised for the official Program, please contact the Symposium Organisers who would be pleased to assist with arrangements.

Private Functions
It is requested that you advise the Symposium Organisers of any private/corporate functions that might be planned outside of the official Program. The Symposium Organisers would be pleased to assist with arrangements for any of these events.

Currency & Banking
Australian currency is the dollar. Coins have values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and AUD$1 and AUD$2; notes have values of AUD$5, AUD$10, AUD$20, AUD$50 and AUD$100.

Banks and Foreign Exchange
Melbourne's banking hours are generally Monday to Thursday 0900-1600 and Friday 0900-1700. All the major banks are equipped to exchange foreign currency. You can also exchange foreign currency any day or night at the airport or during normal business hours in Melbourne's central business district.