FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS

Before you make your flight arrangements, be aware of the following:

• See if you have an 'Emigration Clearance Not Required' or ECNR stamp on the last page of your passport. If it says ECR or 'Emigration Check Required', talk to your travel agent and have him get you ECNR status, or tell you how to get it.
• Be sure of your itinerary before finalizing your ticket because last minute changes are subject to penalties.
• Most flights out of India leave early in the morning. Be sure to confirm departure times and connections from where you are to the city of departure, and onwards.
• If you are vegetarian, most airlines provide special meals on their flights. Make sure to call your airline well in advance and request this, especially if you have any other restrictions, such as no fish or eggs. Also confirm that all your connecting flights are aware of your needs. Some foreign airlines are also able to provide what is called a "Hindu Vegetarian Meal" if specifically asked for one.
• Make sure to carry enough money to pay the International Departure Tax (airport tax) at the airport, which is About Australia Rs. 300.
• You are allowed to carry foreign exchange, and you can change your money at the airport, or you can get it done through your travel agent. You have to present your passport and valid visa for the exchange.

LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS

All airlines have baggage restrictions that you must observe as follows:

• The luggage does not have to be more than 20 - 25 kg excluding your hand luggage.
• You are allowed to check-in one suitcase not larger than 62 inches (combined dimensions of length, width and height) and another not more than 55 inches.
• You are allowed one piece of baggage on board the plane, but it must be no bigger than 45 inches so that it fits in the overhead compartments. Along with that, you are allowed to carry a handbag or camera.
• You should confirm the baggage allowances of your airline because they can change.

TRAVEL SMARTS

Here's a list of things you should do to avoid being stranded, losing your baggage or any other complications that may arise during your travel:

• Do not carry goods for other people. If the goods are or contain dutiable, controlled or prohibited items, you will be held responsible.
• Make sure that your passport and Visa are valid and in order.
• Make photocopies of the important pages of your passport and visa. Pack one set of these separately from your passport and leave another with someone in India who can be reached easily.
• Make a note your visa duration, i.e. the date of expiry, and any other forms that may be issued to you.
• Write down the serial numbers of your travelers checks, if you are carrying any, in your diary or notebook.
• Carry your passport and ticket in a safe and convenient place on yourself, like a jacket pocket or purse because you will need to pull them out quite often.
• Make sure that you have foreign exchange and that you have enough of it.
• Carry a list of contact names and telephone numbers of people in Australia in case you need help.

DUTY-FREE SHOPPING

For visitors over 18 years of age the usual regulations apply to Australia. There are no customs charges on personal belongings which you intend to use for your stay. In addition you may import:

• 200 cigarettes.
• 250 grams of cigars or tobacco.
• one liter of alcoholic liquor.
• goods to the value of $200 in personal baggage.

On arriving in Australia the interior of your aircraft will be sprayed with a particularly foul-smelling substance. This is not a happy introduction to Australia, but is just art of the strict control on the importation of flying insects, animals or plant products fruit, vegetables and seeds. Australia is free from many exotic insect pests and intends to stay that way. Visitors should also note there are various restrictions on taking fruit or vegetables between states.

ABOARD THE FLIGHT

On the plane, you will be given certain forms to fill in like disembarkation forms. Make sure you fill these out and have them ready for presentation to the Immigration counter at the airport. Part of this form may be attached to your passport, and you must keep this carefully because they'll need to see it when you leave the country.