Australia is an incredible destination both for leisure and business purposes. Australia has the distinction of being the smallest continent and the sixth largest country in the world. It is a land of attractive cities such as Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane. The country is one of the most preferred destinations for Indian travellers. People from India are frequently visiting the country for various purposes. Indians visiting Australia have grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3 per cent over the last decade.

Things to be kept in mind when visiting Australia

• Bring a fair amount of sunscreen. Australia is known for being a hot place.


• Make copies of passport, travel route and tickets, credit cards, and any other important document.


• Never give passport to a hotel clerk. Some hotels have laws to hold the passports of their guests. In case of any urgent requirement, it is advisable to give a photocopy instead of original passport.


• Remember to get an Australian driver’s license before planning to drive in the country.


• Be extra careful in northern territory region. The country has the most poisonous snakes in the world.

Norms for business travellers in Australia

Some of the norms that a business traveller in Australia should follow are:

• Australians do not believe in status symbols or self-importance, so one shouldn’t show-off or exhibit their achievements.


• Gift giving is not common in Australian business practice, but a small gift will be appreciated if people are invited to someone’s place.


• It is usual to shake hands on meeting business contacts, and to exchange business cards.


• Australians may refer to some foreigners as "mate" instead of using more respectful titles such as Sir, Madam, Mrs, Mr, etc. So, one should be very careful while addressing Australians.

Money saving tips while travelling in Australia

• Travel inside the country is a costly affair. If people are travelling with friends, the cheapest way to get around is to take a car on rent and split the cost. Travelling by train is a better option for an individual.


• Australia offers various activities to do in different budgets. People can save hundreds of dollars by taking group packages through various travel sites and agents.


• Internet in Australia is very slow and expensive. So, business travellers in Australia are advised to carry Australia Data card from India itself.


• Eating out in Australia is very expensive. The best way to reduce cost is to cook as many meals as possible at home.

Major concern among Indian Travellers
The major concern among Indian travellers while planning a tour to Australia is the high roaming charges. This problem can now be solved with the introduction of country-specific SIM cards in India. These SIM cards provide various benefits such as free incoming calls, pre-activated mobile number, more savings on International Roaming, continuous connectivity, etc. There are number of country-specific telecom service providers in India, which provide reliable and affordable telecom solutions to business or leisure travellers in Australia. For instance, Matrix Cellular Services offers Australia SIM cards to people going to Australia for different purposes. With the help of these cards, people can save up to 60 per cent of their phone call expenses.