THE OPTIMA JURIS GUIDE TO OCEANIA

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Table of Contents

1. Overview of Oceania
2. Oceania Parties to the Hague Evidence Convention
3. Countries That Require Visas
4. Currency
5. Security Isssues
6. Tipping Rules
7. Transportation
8. Country Specific Information
9. Major Cities in Oceania
10. Major Oceania Airports
11. Useful Links

Overview of Oceania

Oceania is a region centered on the islands of the tropical Pacific Ocean. Conceptions of what constitutes Oceania range from the coral atolls and volcanic islands of the South Pacific to the entire insular region between Asia and the Americas. The term is used most specifically to denote a continent comprising of Australia and its proximate islands.

Oceania Parties to the Hague Evidence Convention

Australia
Full List of the Hague Evidence Convention Parties

Countries That Require Visas

If a visa is required, obtain it from the appropriate foreign consular representative before proceeding abroad. Allow sufficient time for processing your visa application especially if you are applying by mail. Most foreign consular representatives are located in principal cities and in many instances a traveler may be required to obtain visas from the consular office in the area of his/her residence.

Oceania Countries Requiring Visas:

• Australia
• Nauru
• Papua New Guinea*
  
  * You may be able to obtain a visa at the point of entrance to these countries. Please be sure to double check before traveling.
  Foreign Consular Offices in the United States
  Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Currency

Money

Cash is easy, flexible and you don't even have to show your passport as ID to exchange cash like you do with travellers checks. But easy come easy go. Cash is also the riskiest way to carry large amounts of money. If lost or stolen, it's gone - unlike travellers checks which can be replaced.

Credit cards

Check carefully for your credit card's terms and conditions. In particular, check the small print regarding ATM transaction fees and currency conversion charges so you don't get any suprises. Make sure your card has the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol - otherwise you may not be able to use it overseas.

Exchanging money

Compare exchange rates at a number of booths if possible, but don't waste time and money traipsing across town to save ten dollars. Banks and booths typically give much better rates than hotels or other businesses. It's wise to exchange money at a licensed foreign exchange location - while you may get a better rate on the street, you may get burned by a scam or wind up with obsolete or fraudulent notes - weigh up the pros and cons.

Travellers checks

The main advantage of travellers checks is that they can be replaced if lost or stolen. The disadvantage is that there is often (though not always) a fee to both buy and cash them. Even so, think of this small expense as a type of travel insurance, guaranteeing that you'll be able to get cash in an emergency, when you'll need it most. Travellers checks are most commonly issued in U.S. dollars, but other currencies are also becoming more widely accepted.

Security Isssue

• Ask your hotel for a list of safety cell numbers & email.
  There should be a main contact and a backup contact whom you can contact in the country you're visiting. Get a cell number and email. Getting a contact number of someone in the USA is ok, but keep in mind most of Oceania is on the other side of the clock time-difference wise.
• Carry some cash.
  While credit cards are accepted throughout the Oceania region, cash is still king when you are absolutely in a bind. While we aren't saying to be a walking ATM, do have several hundred dollars on you just in case.
• Get your paper work straight.
  Do make sure everyone has a passport (more family members means more chances someone is missing something). Do make sure everyone has a visa if applicable. Do check the embassy rules as they are constantly updated. Also, see what items are included in your travel package (insurance, tipping, forms, etc).

• We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the Oceania region.
• Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
• Global Security Updates
• Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
  • organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
  • register your travel and contact details, so someone can contact you in an emergency

Tipping Rules

Tipping is not usually expected and some employees may not understand the gesture. Some employees are forbidden from accepting gratuities(this is mainly in positions of authority e.g. in a casino one cannot tip the dealer or a security guard; however, this would not apply in a formal restaurant situation) and tipping face-to-face can create an awkward situation. However, it is appropriate to add a tip to restaurant bills if the service has been especially good. It is also acceptable to suggest that taxi drivers or waiters "keep the change", especially if the difference is small. Tips may be as large or as small as you feel appropriate, though obviously, a particularly small amount is also considered derogatory and extremely rude. Implications that tipping is expected are considered very rude. Where tip jars are provided, they are mostly used for loose change or coins.

Transportation

If you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the nearest tourism information office can recommend a reliable service.

Also available in Metropolitan Areas

• Buses
• Cars
• Taxis
• Subways

Country Specific Information

Major Cities in Oceania

• Sydney, Australia
• Melbourne, Australia
• Brisbane, Australia
• Perth, Australia
• Auckland, New Zealand

Major Oceania Airports

• Sydney, Australia
  Sydney Airport
  SYD
• Melbourne, Australia
  Melbourne Airport
  MEL
• Brisbane, Australia
  Brisbane Airport
  BNE
• Perth, Australia
  Perth Airport
  PER
• Auckland, New Zealand
  Auckland Airport
  AKL
• Christchurch International Airport
  Christchurch, New Zealand
  CHC

Useful Links

Hotels

Agoda Hotel Search in Oceania
Lonely Planet Oceania Hotel Search

CIA

CIA Factbook Page

U.S. Embassy

United State Embassies Around the World

Electrical Requirements

Detailed List on Voltage Requirments

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