Each overseas participant who has paid their registration fee will receive a letter confirming their registration by email. The letter will be required by Australian Overseas Visa Offices when considering their visa application.

We do not provide letters of ‘invitation’. If the Australian Overseas Visa Office to which you are applying insists on a letter of ‘invitation’, please draw their attention to this page.

All travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia.

For RADAR 2008 delegates, the appropriate visa is a Business (Short Stay) visa, even if some tourism activities are planned for part of the stay in Australia.

The Business (Short Stay) visa (subclass 456) allows the bona fide business person to make a visit to Australia of up to three months to conduct business - a conference, negotiation or an exploratory business visit. A single-entry or multiple-entry visa may be issued.

In many countries, you can obtain a Business (Short Stay) visa at the same time you purchase an airline ticket. Ask for a Business Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for Australia.

Alternately, you can apply for a short-stay visa on the Internet - see the ETA website for details. Or you can lodge a written application at a departmental office by using form 456, Application for a business (short stay) visa.

For more information, see: Frequently asked questions about business visitor visas.

It is important that you apply for your visas well in advance of anticipated travel.

Airlines

International airlines offer non-stop flights to Adelaide from Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Auckland and Denpasar-Bali

Airport Transfers

A taxi fare between Adelaide Airport and the Adelaide Hilton is approximately $15-20.

Climate

Australian seasons are the converse of the northern hemisphere. Weather conditions vary between regions in Australia, the north being more warm and tropical, and the south being milder and Mediterranean. Average temperatures for February range from a minimum of 16C to a maximum of 28C.

Click here for today's weather in Adelaide

Currency

Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents= $1). Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 denominations.

Banks in Australia are open from 0930 - 1600 Monday to Thursday and from 0930 to 1700 on Fridays. Banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Automatic teller machines (ATM's) are conveniently located throughout Adelaide.

Currently exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club.

Click here for Currency converter

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

All goods and services purchased for consumption in Australia are subject to a 10% tax which is usually included in the list price. Tourists buying goods in Australia and taking them out of Australia may be able to claim a tax refund at the airport on their departure from Australia if they meet certain requirements. See Tourist Refund Scheme for details.

Dress Code

Generally Australians dress informally and 'smart casual' would be acceptable for Conference sessions.

Duty Free

Stores are located at the International Airport and on King William Street in the city.

Electricity

Electrical voltage is 240/250V, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor. If your appliances are 100V, check there is an 110/240V switch. If not, you will need a voltage converter plug. Universal outlets for 240V or 100V shavers are usually found in leading hotels. Most hotels and motels provide 2 and 3 pin plugs or similar adaptors.

Insurance

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that all delegates take out their own travel insurance prior to coming to the Meeting. The Conference Secretariat will not take any responsibility for any participants failing to insure. Please seek further information from your travel agent or airline in regard to this matter.

Language

English is the official language of Australia, however interpreting services are readily available. In Adelaide, interpreters are available over the telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist with general information inquiries and communication between non-English speakers and various service providers. There is no cost for this service other than that of a local telephone call. On-site interpreters are also available (fees may apply).

Medical and Emergency Services

For all emergency services, dial 000. This applies in every State of Australia. Medical services are not provided free to visitors.

It is strongly recommended that health insurance be organised before your arrival. Visitors requiring pharmaceuticals after normal shopping hours should check with their hotel reception or the local Yellow Pages under 'Chemists'.

Shopping

The main shopping area of Adelaide is Rundle Mall, a short 10 minute walk from the Adelaide Hilton. Shops are open from 0900 to 1730 Monday to Thursday with late night shopping on Fridays to 2100. Most shops are open on Saturdays from 0900 to 1700 and from 1100 to 1600 on Sundays.

Telephone

International Dialling Direct Call 0011 followed by country code, area code and then the local number. International Dialling with Operator Assistance Call 1234 (fees apply).

Time

Adelaide, South Australia time is Standard Time + 1030 UTC.

Click here to see what the time is in Adelaide

Tipping

Tipping is not the general custom in Australia and service charges are not added to accounts by hotels and restaurants. You may, however, tip hotel porters and food and drink waiters for example for exceptional service. At any time, tipping is your choice.

Transport

There is good public transport in Adelaide incorporating train, bus, tram and taxis. Within the Central Business District a free bus enables ready transport between Adelaide's major attractions. You can find out further information, including timetables and costs at www.adelaidemetro.com.au

Tours to the nearby tourist regions can also be readily arranged directly through the Hotel or visiting the South Australian Travel Centre conveniently located in the city centre.

Hire cars are also available. An international visitor may drive in Australia on a valid overseas driver's licence for the same class of vehicle. Make sure you carry your licence when driving. If your licence is not in English, you must carry a translation. An international driver's permit is not sufficient by itself and must be accompanied by a valid driver's permit.