Australian sockets take a plug with two flat metal pins forming an inverted V, sometimes with a third pin in the centre. Tourism Australia calls it the "Type 1" plug; internationally it is usually labelled Type I. European, Korean and Chinese round-pin plugs do not fit without an adapter.
Voltage
The supply is 230 V, 50 Hz (Tourism Australia also gives the range 220–240 V). Most phone and laptop chargers are rated 100–240 V and work with a plug adapter alone. Check the label: if it does not cover 230 V, you need a voltage transformer, not just an adapter.
What to pack
- A Type I plug adapter, or a multi-country adapter
- A transformer only for devices that are not rated for 230 V
Source: Tourism Australia — Useful tips for travelling to Australia
Source: Tourism Australia — Ultimate Australia packing list
Common questions
Do I need an adapter for Australia?
Yes, if your plugs are not the Australian type with two flat pins in an inverted V. European, Korean and Chinese round-pin plugs need an adapter.
Do I need a voltage converter?
Only for devices not rated for 230 V. Chargers labelled 100–240 V work with an adapter alone.
More on the eVisitor
Phones and SIM cards
Activating an Australian prepaid SIM requires an ID check — a passport in your name is accepted. Check your phone works on Australian 4G/5G first.
Money, cards and tipping
Prices include 10% GST, card surcharges are banned from 1 October 2026, and tipping is optional. Cash of AUD 10,000+ must be declared.
After you land
Your visa gets you on the plane. What comes after — SmartGate, cash, tax refunds, healthcare, driving, emergencies — checked against official sources.
Public holidays
Each state and territory sets its own public holidays. The dates that apply everywhere, the ones that differ, and what it means for your trip.
Driving
Each state sets its own rules: NSW allows up to 6 months on an overseas licence, the NT 3. Non-English licences need a translation or an IDP.
What is the eVisitor
The eVisitor is a full visitor visa granted electronically to holders of eligible European passports. What it covers and how it differs from the ETA.