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Banks
Monday – Thursday: 0930 – 1600
Friday: 0930 – 1700
Most branches have 24 hour ATMs

 

Climate
The Conference will be held in August during Winter which on the Gold Coast is generally sunny and dry with average temperatures between 12.5 - 21.5°C (54.5 - 70.7°F). The Hinterland is slightly cooler with maximum winter temperatures around 16°C (60.8°F). Clear skies and dry air average cool nights with average 8 rainy days.

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Currency
Australia – units are dollars and cents. Currency exchange is available at banks, hotels and international airports. All major credit cards are widely accepted in Australia.  A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% applies to all consumer goods, and is included in retail prices, the price displayed in store is the final price

 

Electricity
The electrical supply is 240/250 volts, 50Hz.  Universal outlets for 110 volts (shavers only) standard in hotels, apartments and motels. The connection for appliances is a flat, 3-pin plug of unique design

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Mobile Phones
Australia operates on a digital network.  There is no analogue mobile/cell network.

The Gold Coast is serviced with the  4G, and 5G networks.  

To call Australian mobile/cell number from overseas: 

1. Dial +61, (the Country code for Australia)

2. Next Dial mobile/cell phone number (9 digits for mobile) Do not include the 0

3. e.g. +61 4xx xxx xxx

To call Queensland Australia landline from overseas: 

1. Dial +61, (the country code for Australia)

2. Next dial 7 (Queensland area code)

3. Finally dial landline phone number (8 digits)

4. e.g. +61 7 xxxx xxxx

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Personal Security
Australia has a stable political system
Low crime rate on a world scale
Australians experience a safe lifestyle
Tourists enjoy unhindered travel experiences in terms of their personal safety and security
Observe the same precautions you would at home with your personal safety and possessions

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Public Transport
The Gold Coast is serviced by trains, light rail, buses, taxis, ferries, and rideshare options.  Tours and transfers are available through hotels and motels. All transport is at your expense. A list of rideshares available on the Gold Coast can be found at https://ride.guru/cities/gold-coast-queensland-australia

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Shopping
An extensive range of shopping options exist from malls, boutiques and high end designers. See what the Coast has to offer – http://www.visitgoldcoast.com/things-to-do/shopping/

Major credit cards are accepted

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Smoking
Queensland has strict tobacco laws.  There is no smoking in indoor places.

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Sun/Surf Safety

Gold Coast beaches are beautiful however the water can at times be powerful. 

Always swim between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled beach.
Gold Coast beaches are patrolled by professional life guards 7 days a week
Always wear a shirt, hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen lotion, even on cloudy days.
Reapply sunscreen regularly. Stay out of the sun during the middle of the day
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration

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Time Zone
Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC/GMT +10)

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Tipping
You may tip hotel staff and restaurant wait-staff if you wish to acknowledge exceptional service.

Tipping is not expected at any time

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Drive times to Gold Coast

Brisbane International Airport to Gold Coast and Bond  University – 1 hour drive
Brisbane Domestic airport to Gold Coast or Bond University – 1 hour drive
|Gold Coast Airport to Bond University – 20 mins drive

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Taxi / Uber
Call 131 008 to arrange a taxi during conference, if when at Bond University arrange pickup from the Bond Clock Tower on University Drive, Varsity Lakes

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Airport Transfers
Attendees may be required to arrange their own transfers from and to airports.  See Gold Coast Airport transport options

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Visas
There are many visa options available for visiting Australia. Click here for information on the visa that is suitable to you for attendance at the YTVC conference

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COVID

The rules relating to COVID have significantly relaxed in QLD (CLICK HERE FOR QLD HEALTH WEBSITE).

If you display symptoms of COVID, please isolate yourself where appropriate and wear a mask in public.
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Liability
By registering for the Conference, participants agree that the QPS and/or the organising YTVC committee, do not assume any responsibility for damages or injuries to persons or property during the conference Participants are recommended to have their own health, travel and personal insurance