Despite the extreme distance involved, Australia remains a popular destination among American travelers for its otherworldly landscapes and easy-going vibe. From Perth to Sydney and everything in between, this enormous island country boasts an eclectic array of exciting attractions to explore.
Although it’s among the most developed nations on Earth, you’ll still need to do some planning to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch. And that includes getting your power supply in check.
Despite being a former British colony, Australia uses a different outlet type to the UK. All power sockets in Australia are Type I, which have two diagonal slits and one vertical slit (as you can see in the image below). Even though many charging cables only have the diagonal slits, these can still be used in Australia as the vertical slit isn’t strictly necessary.
Power outlets in Australia tend to be good as there are strict safety regulations in place. At the very least, they’ll snugly hold your adapter in place and have an on/off switch to control the electrical current. Australia runs on a frequency of 50 Hz and a voltage of 230 Volts.
Therefore, any American electronic devices rated to 50 Hz and between 220 and 240 V will work with the correct US to Australia power adapter.
When planning your trip you’ll ask yourself “What plug do I need for Australia?” Americans traveling down under will need to invest in an adapter to charge their electronics. Fortunately, there are some great US to Australia power adapter options out there.
When shopping for an adapter, ensure you get one that is capable of converting Type A/B to Type I. We highly recommend this Universal Adapter that will charge all of your personal electronics on your travels throughout Australia but also in over 100 additional countries around the world.
As one of the wealthiest countries in the world per capita, it should come as no surprise to hear that Australia has a reliable power grid in place. Strict legal regulations mandate that only quality power outlets can be used, while high-tech infrastructure ensures the power supply is constant and that surges are rare.
Blackouts can occur during extreme weather events such as storms and heatwaves when demand outstrips supply. Generally speaking; however, it’s unlikely you’ll ever be without electricity on your trip to Australia, even if you choose to visit remote rural towns.
Although America actually uses 120 V and 60 Hz, it’s worth noting that almost all personal electronic devices are dual voltage/frequency these days, meaning they’re capable of being used both here and in Australia. Among these are our everyday favorites such as laptops, cell phones, cameras, and electric razors, etc.
One common exception is the high powered hair dryer, typically rated at a fixed 110V, which tends to use a lot of juice. If in doubt, read the manufacture’s fine print. It should say: “INPUT: 100-240V / 50-60 Hz.” If not, you might not be able to use that device in Australia.
In addition to your US to Australia power adapter these items will help you on your travels:
Granted, pickpocketing isn’t really a thing in Australia, muggings and bag snatches can occur, and you’ll likely be more of a target as a tourist. Besides, it’s easy enough to simply lose your valuables, and you certainly don’t want to put that precious passport or credit card at risk. Strap them safely to your body by using a neck wallet instead.
If you’ve never traveled with packing cubes, then you’re in for a treat. These simple yet ingenious cubes allow you to store various clothing types together to organize your luggage with ease. Just put your shirts in one and trousers in another (and so on) to keep all your belongings nice and tidy.
Our cell phones are the lifeblood of the modern age, and travel is no exception. Whether you’re snapping a selfie in front of a landmark, navigating your way to Trip Advisor’s top-rated restaurant, or catching an Uber home after a boozy night on the town, the smartphone is the ultimate 21st-century travel accessory.
So it’s critical to ensure it’s got enough juice at all times. Thankfully, portable chargers are tiny these days, which means there’s really no reason to not have one on you at all times. Grab a lipstick-sized model to ensure your battery never runs flat while on the road again.
You already know how important it is to stay connected on the road, so an extra phone charger should be an obvious item to add to your packing list, so you can charge your personal electronics on the bus/plane/train as well as your hotel.
Have you looked at the time difference between the US and Australia? They’re pretty much on the opposite side of the world, which means you’re going to get some severe jet lag from the 15-hour flight. On the way back, you actually arrive a few hours before you depart due to crossing the International Date Line. With that in mind, grab a few jet lag relief pills to mitigate the effects.
Wi-Fi is abundant in Australia, from coffee shops to hotel lobbies and everywhere in between. Nevertheless, public networks are notoriously susceptible to cyber-attacks, so it pays to invest in a VPN to keep your precious data safe. At the very least, it’s highly recommended you activate your VPN when using internet banking and other financial apps.
The quality of healthcare in Australia is generally excellent, though the costs are high and travelers aren’t covered under their universal medical scheme. Therefore, American tourists would be foolish not to take out travel insurance to cover them in the event of an injury or illness. Most policies also cover other incidents such as lost or stolen luggage and travel delays.
The best time of year boils down to where you want to go. Even though it can get stinking hot, summer (Dec-Feb) is a popular time to visit as the country comes alive with a string of fun events and a more festive vibe. The lead up to Christmas is particularly exciting as the country gears up to take a few weeks off work. You can expect extreme humidity in the north and high temperatures all throughout, however.
Winter (June-Aug) is a nice time to visit as most of Australia doesn’t get too cold. You won’t need much warm weather gear outside of a select few cities in the south such as Canberra and Melbourne. Spring (Sep-Nov) and Autumn (Mar-May) offer excellent value for money with lower airfares, cheaper lodging, and fewer crowds. It tends to be balmy in most destinations during these months as well. Be sure to check current Australia travel advisories before you go.
Everything you’ve heard is true, as Australia generally has a hot and perpetually sunny climate. There are a few exceptions, though. Melbourne is known for its “four seasons in one day” climate, several southern cities get pretty chilly in winter, and there are even a few snowfields in New South Wales and Victoria. Generally, however, you can expect plenty of warmth and sunshine on your trip down under.
As Australia’s biggest metropolis and the home of the “best ever” Olympic Games, Sydney is among the most vibrant cities in the world. And there’s no shortage of star-studded attractions to keep an intrepid traveler entertained. Most of the action focuses on Circular Quay, A.K.A the epicenter of Australian tourism. From there, you can walk across or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, catch a live concert at the oddly shaped Opera House, or jump on a ferry to Manly Beach to enjoy a scenic harbor cruise on the cheap.
Bondi is a must for beach bums, the Rocks is the go-to neighborhood for a colonial history fix, and Darling Harbour is an ideal upscale dining and drinking district with glitzy views. Be sure to give its world-class museums a look, especially the National Maritime Museum, the Powerhouse Museum, and the Australian National Museum.
Australia is ripe for exploration, no matter what you’re into. Outdoor enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice as pristine national parks can be found at every turn. Depending on your itinerary and time constraints, Uluru, the Yarra Valley, the Blue Mountains, Fraser Island, Kakadu, and the Great Ocean Road are well worth a look. If you’re more into marine environments, then a SCUBA or snorkeling trip to the Great Barrier Reef is a must.
City slickers will relish in the urban vibe of its bustling metropolises, particularly around Sydney’s internationally renowned harbor and the vibrant pulse of Melbourne’s hipster-friendly CBD.
The ideal mode of transportation really depends on where you want to go, and the kind of traveler you are. Long term backpackers tend to rent a van, often sharing the cost between a group of like-minded folk. Australian roads are in tip-top shape, which makes driving between major cities a breeze. Buses are a viable option, depending on the distance in question. Greyhound Australia is the biggest operator and services most major routes.
Australia’s a pretty big country (only marginally smaller than the US), so you’ll need to fly between certain destinations. Local carriers Qantas and Virgin Australia are the full-service airlines, while Jetstar and Tiger run on a low-cost model. On the whole, airfares are more expensive than in the United States. Book ahead for the best rates.
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