20th UNIMA Congress & World Puppetry Festival. 2nd - 12th April 2008

Visitors

Travel

As Perth is the most remote city in the world, we suggest planning your trip early to secure the best flights and accommodation. There are a number of routes to consider when flying to Perth, and depending on your departure city, direct flights may not be the cheapest option.

To book the most cost effective flights we suggest exploring the links below and consulting with your local travel agent.

FLIGHTS

Qantas
Australia’s domestic and international airline

Virgin Blue
Cheap flights within Australia and New Zealand with daily online sales between noon and 1pm (Eastern Standard Time GMT +10 hours)

Emirates
United Arab Emirates’ international airline with good deals to Australia

Singapore Airlines
Asia’s leading airline, Singapore is a major hub into Perth

Malaysian Airlines
Affordable international flights with good deals to Australia

American Airlines
One of several budget options if you are flying from America

AIRFARE DEALS

Webjet
For Australian travellers - compare and book flights on Qantas, Virgin Blue, Jetstar, Rex and a wide range of international airlines

Best Flights
For international and Australian travellers

Booking Buddy
For international travellers - save on airfares by comparing fares from all major travel sites

Student Flights
Cheap flights for students and backpackers

STA Travel
Cheap flights and insurance for student travellers

TRAVEL TIPS

Immigration and Visas

Visitors arriving in Australia maybe required to have a VISA to ensure entry into the country. For information on what Visa you may require please visit the Department of Immigration website or talk to your local travel agent.

Quarantine

Australian quarantine regulations prohibit the import of many plants and animal derived products, for example; untreated leather, food, feathers, seeds, grasses and sand.

To avoid disappointment and to ensure your puppets and props can be brought into Australia, please contact the Australian Quarantine Services well before your travels as quarantine treatments can take up to six weeks.


For more information please visit What can’t be imported to Australia

Tax Concessions and Customs Clearance

Upon arrival in Australia you must declare currency exceeding more than AUD$10, 000 and bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers cheques and money orders. Each passenger aged 18 years and over is permitted to bring AUD$900 worth of duty free goods (AUD$450 for travellers under 18 years of age), and up to 2.25 litres of alcohol and 250 cigarettes, or 250 grams of cigars or tobacco products. Goods and services in Australia are subject to a 10% goods and services tax which will be included in the total cost shown on anything you purchase.

To assist with Customs inspection, it is advised to pack all goods you wish to declare in an easily accessible bag.

For more information about Australian Customs please visit the Australian Customs service website or contact your Customs representative at the following Australian missions:

Bangkok + 66 2 287 2680 Extn 4407
Brussels + 32 2 286 0583
Tokyo + 81 3 5232 4078
Washington +1 202 797 3189
Australia 1300 363 263
Other Countries +61 2 6275 6666


Perth Airport Transport

Bus

A private shuttle bus runs between the Domestic and International airport terminals, and the city. Departure points are near hotels, motels and hostels in Perth. A shuttle service to Fremantle is also available.
(This service can be booked online or by telephone)
Fremantle Airport Shuttle +61 (08) 9335 1614
Perth Airport City Shuttle
+61 (08) 9277 7958


Taxi

Taxi ranks are situated outside the Domestic and International terminals. It costs approximately AUD$30 to travel between Perth airport and Perth city, and you may be required to pay the fare in advance. Taxi services are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Swan Taxis +61 (08) 13 13 30
Black and White Taxis +61 (08) 13 10 08

Perth Public Transport

Perth’s public transport system combines the use of trains, buses, ferries and CAT buses. All UNIMA 2008 venues are connected with the city's free CAT bus service which runs through the CBD every day of the week.

There is a wide range of tickets available to suit both the frequent and occasional traveller. These are: cash tickets, day rider, family rider, special event ticket, 50 cent student fare, or Smart Rider.

There are nine Transperth zones which are defined by circles centred on Perth city (please see Transperth Public Transport Map). Fares are calculated by the number of zones you travel through in each journey. Most tickets are valid for 2 hours and can be used to transfer between any Transperth bus, train, or ferry service in the same travel zone.

Currency


Australia uses a decimal currency system. Notes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 and coin denominations are 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent, as well as $1 and $2. Prices less than 5 cents are either rounded up or down to the nearest 5 cent.

Tipping


Tipping is generally not expected within Australia; however it is acceptable to leave a small amount should you feel you have received exceptional service.