Visas
International visitors require a valid passport and may require a visa to enter Australia. Please contact your nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate prior to departure, as visas cannot be obtained upon arrival in Australia.

Air Travel
Ansett Australia have been appointed Official Airline for the conference. Special group airfares of up to 45% off the full economy fares will be available to delegates on domestic flights only and will not incur cancellation fees. Published airfares are also available subject to fare conditions being met. All fares are subject to availability at the time of booking. Please contact Ansett Australia on 131300 and quote masterfile number MC04951 to obtain these fares.
Website: www.Ansett.com.au

Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the registration fee. Delegates are advised to take out their own travel insurance to cover loss, cancellation, medical expenses, etc.

Climate
The climate in Melbourne in July is mild for winter, with mean maximum temperature around 13°C falling to 6°C overnight. The median rainfall for July is 49mm with a mean of 15 raindays. Melbourne's weather is quite changeable (noted for having four seasons in a day). The maximum recorded temperature for July is 23°C and the minimum overnight - 3°C. Further information is available at www.bom.gov.au/climate.

Electricity
Australia's electricity supply is 240-volt AC, 50Hz, with a three-pin power outlet. Adaptors are required for all appliances brought from overseas. Most hotels and motels have 110-volt outlets for electric shavers.

Embassies and Consulates
Many countries are represented in Melbourne by Consulates General. Embassies are located in Canberra, Australia's capital.

Australian Currency
The currency is based on the Australian dollar. The common coinage is 5, 10, 20 & 50 cents, and 1 & 2 dollar coins. Most notes are plastic (not paper) and include $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. Common credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Master Card, Visa) are readily accepted. Typically, one Australian dollar is worth around 60 US cents. Current exchange rates are available through the web (eg www.dna.lth.se/cgi-bin/kurt/rates/).