Communications

Telephone

Country Code: +61. Most payphones have International Direct Dialling (IDD) and Subscriber Trunk Dial (STD). Phonecards are available at newsagents, supermarkets and chemists and can be used for local, STD or international calls. Most payphones also accept coins. SMS text messages to Australian mobiles can be sent from almost half of all payphones.

Creditphones, which take most major credit cards, can be found at airports, city-centre locations and many hotels. Multimedia payphones are available in parts of Melbourne and Sydney. A touch screen allows visitors to gain access to information services, including tourist information which can be printed off for future reference. Phonecards for these telephones can be purchased from nearby shops.

Mobile Telephone

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good in and around populated areas; access in some of the more isolated, outback and rural areas is limited. US handsets are not compatible.

Internet

Available throughout Australia. Internet cafes are prevalent in all capital cities and tourist towns, and individual hotels may also provide facilities. Wi-Fi access is increasing in cities and is mainly found in hotels, bars and cafes.

Post

There are post offices in all the main towns of every state. Stamps are often available at hotel and motel reception areas and selected newsagents.Mon-Fri 0900-1700; some post office are also open Sat 0900-1200.