SOTC SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS

FLAT NO 201, II FLOOR, TIWARI CHAMBERS,

PLOT NO 11B/8, PUSA ROAD, NEW DELHI - 110005

Dear Esteemed Guests

We welcome you on SOTC ULTRATECH CEMENT TOUR TO AUSTRALIA. In our endeavor to make your
trip as enjoyable as possible we would like to inform you of all the arrangements that have been confirmed
by us.
You are requested to be at the respective International Airport three hours prior to the departure of your
flight from India. Please ensure that your baggage is neatly labeled with your name and address both on the
outside and the inside and that you are in possession of your passport and ticket.
NOTE: Please ensure you are carrying the following with you while
traveling
1. Original Passport (Valid for six months from the date of travel).
2. Your International Airline Ticket
3. Overseas Medical Insurance.
We recommend that you carry with you a photocopy of the first and last 2 pages of your passport
as well as a photocopy of your visas. May kindly keep an additional ID like Drivers License/
Voter ID card
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
All check in baggage will be x-rayed due to security reasons. All baggage will be lined up,
counted and tagged. You are allowed to carry 1 piece of check in baggage (weighing maximum
up to 30 Kgs on Singapore Airline & Silk Air and 23Kg On Virgin Australia Airline, internal sectors
) and one piece of Hand Baggage (weighing up to 5-7 Kgs). Any baggage carried in excess of this
entitlement will be subject to excess baggage fees by the airline.
After check-in you are required to proceed to the Immigration counter where your passport will be stamped
for exit. You cannot come back to the departure/check-in area after this point.
After Immigration, it may be necessary to identify a few pieces of baggage and in case they have been
segregated by customs, please ensure that if your baggage is there, you identify it prior to going to the
customs counter, where it is advisable to declare any expensive items like Cameras, Watches, Computers
etc. After clearing customs please ensure that you identify your departure gate and time of boarding before
visiting the Duty Free Shops.
AUSTRALIA

Website: www.sotc.in : Phone: +91-11-25819000 : Fax: +91-11-25819003

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SOTC SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS

FLAT NO 201, II FLOOR, TIWARI CHAMBERS,
PLOT NO 11B/8, PUSA ROAD, NEW DELHI - 110005

AUSTRALIA
Australia officially the Commonwealth of
Australia, is a country in the Southern
Hemisphere comprising the mainland of
the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and
numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Neighboring countries include Indonesia, East Timor and
Papua New Guinea to the north, the Solomon Islands,
Vanuatu and New Caledonia to the northeast and New
Zealand to the southeast.
MELBOURNE
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the
Australian state of Victoria, and the second most
populous city in Australia. The name "Melbourne" refers
to the area of urban agglomeration spanning 9,900 km2
(3,800 sq mi) which comprises the broader metropolitan
area, as well as being the common name for its city
Centre. The metropolis is located on the large natural bay
of Port Phillip and expands into the hinterlands towards
the Dandenong and Macedon mountain ranges,
Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley.
Melbourne has a strong cultural and intellectual heritage.
There are a range of galleries and museums, both large and small, as well as world-renowned universities
and research facilities. The city also provides a canvas for artistic expression the laneways are home to
constantly changing street art.
GOLD COAST
The Gold Coast is a coastal city of Australia located in South East
the state capital Brisbane. With a population approximately 540,000 in
populous city in the state, the sixth most populous city
most populous non-capital city in Australia.

Queensland, 94km south of

2010, it is the second most
in the country, and also the

The Gold Coast is known as a major tourist destination

its sunny subtropical climate, surfing beaches, canal
waterway systems, its high-rise dominated skyline,
nightlife, and rainforest hinterland. The Gold Coast is a
candidate
city
for
the
2018
Commonwealth
Games.Gold Coast is Australias entertainment capital,
an enormous range of sights and attractions to delight
all ages. From theme parks and wildlife sanctuaries to
sports, day tours and cruises, the holiday options are
endless.

with
and

offering
visitors of
adventure
almost

SYDNEY

Website: www.sotc.in : Phone: +91-11-25819000 : Fax: +91-11-25819003

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SOTC SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS

FLAT NO 201, II FLOOR, TIWARI CHAMBERS,
PLOT NO 11B/8, PUSA ROAD, NEW DELHI - 110005
Sydney is the largest and most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney
is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. Inhabitants of Sydney are called Sydneysiders,
comprising a cosmopolitan and international population of people from numerous places around the world.
Sydney is the biggest, oldest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia and one of the most exciting cities on
earth. Endowed with a sparkling harbor, fabulous beaches and a sunny, Mediterranean climate, it seems
only right that its setting should have spawned one of the most glamorous and exciting cities in the world.

Full Name
Capital City
Area
Population

:
:
:
:

Commonwealth of Australia
Canberra
7,682,300 sq km / 2,966,136 sq miles
19,500,000

GEOGRAPHY AND MAP

Australia's division into six states and two territories is probably the best way to get a handle on the
geography of this vast country. There's so much, though, that this can only be a broad generalization at
best. Basically, the most populated areas are on the East Coast and in the South.

Victoria
Queensland
New South Wales

Melbourne
Gold Coast
Sydney

- Melbourne
Gold Coast
Sydney

Climate August
Max
13 C
23 C
16 C

Min
07 C
10 C
08 C

CLOTHING
It is advisable to carry Light Woolen clothes, light Jackets, Sunglasses, Sports Shoes, hats, Caps, Swimming
Suite.
Smart casuals for Cruise Dinner e.g. trousers, collared shirts, dresses, jeans
An umbrella / Rain coat should be taken in case there is an unexpected rain.

Website: www.sotc.in : Phone: +91-11-25819000 : Fax: +91-11-25819003

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SOTC SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS

FLAT NO 201, II FLOOR, TIWARI CHAMBERS,
PLOT NO 11B/8, PUSA ROAD, NEW DELHI - 110005
MUST CARRY ITEMS

Original Passport with a photocopy, Visa copy (in case it is not stamped
on the passport), Overseas Insurance, Camera, Sun glasses,
Sun
screen, Medicines with Medical prescription, Raincoat, Swim suit.

TIME DIFFERENCE

Melbourne is 4 and half hours ahead of India.

Gold Coast is 4 and half hours ahead of India.
Sydney is 5 and half hours ahead of India.

ELECTRICITY - The electrical current in Australia is 240/250 volts, AC 50Hz. The Australian three pin
power outlet is different from that in North America so you will need an adapter socket. If your appliances
are not 240/250 volts you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 11 OV appliances are
usually found in leading hotels.
LANGUAGE - English is the official language.
COMMUNICATION - The international access code for Australia is +61. The area codes are:
Melbourne (03) Gold Coast (07). Sydney (02), Internet cafes are widely available.
DUTY FREE - Travelers to Australia over 18 years do not have to pay customs duty on 1.125 liters of
alcohol; 250 cigarettes or 250g cigars or other tobacco products. Gifts are included in the AU$400 duty-free
allowance. Fresh produce and animal/plant products are prohibited.
CUSTOMS - Strict laws prohibit or restrict the entry of drugs, steroids, medication, firearms, protected
wildlife and associated products. All animals, animal products, food stuffs, plants, and plant products must
be declared.
When entering Australia you will have to surrender all fresh food, animal and plant products and any
unprocessed foodstuffs. You will be required to sign a declaration to this effect. This is a quarantine
requirement to prevent the entry of foreign organisms that may have a harmful effect on Australia's native
vegetation, wildlife and farming products.
Strict regulations apply to the import and export of protected wildlife and items made from protected
species. Any such items will be seized by customs officials upon arrival.
MONEY EXCHANGE
Currency:
Australian Dollar (AUD)
01 AUD
Equivalent to
50 INR (approx)
01 USD
Equivalent to
1.35 AUD (approx.)
Travelers cheque are widely accepted by many hotels, restaurants and
larger stores. You are advised to carry travelers cheque in Australian
Dollars.
Banks are open Mon-Thu 0930 hrs -1600 hrs and Fri 0930 hrs
-1700 hrs.

Website: www.sotc.in : Phone: +91-11-25819000 : Fax: +91-11-25819003

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SOTC SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS

FLAT NO 201, II FLOOR, TIWARI CHAMBERS,
PLOT NO 11B/8, PUSA ROAD, NEW DELHI - 110005
One is entitled to avail foreign exchange up to US Dollars 10,000 or its equivalent per person in a
calendar year.
As per Immigration and Customs Policy any international traveler is not allowed to carry more
than INR 25,000 cash.
You are allowed to buy foreign exchange worth INR 50,000 only by paying cash.
SAFETY
Water in towns and cities is safe to drink.
Note that the sun in Australia is very harsh indeed - use loads of sun cream,
cover up, wear hats and sunglasses - and make sure that the kids do too.
Getting seriously sun burnt in the first few days of your holiday will ruin the
rest of it.
On the whole, Australia is one of the world's safer countries in terms of crime.
People are generally good-natured towards visitors, Australians are great travellers themselves and thus
largely tolerant of the many tourists that land on their own shores.
SHOPPING
Melbourne:
Shopping in Melbourne always comes with added extras, with laneway
discoveries and cafe culture as much a part of the experience as the loot from
local designers and the best of international brands.
Ever-evolving shopping choices make it possible to create a different shopping
spree every time you venture out, whether you're after high fashion or fine art,
jewellery or accessories, homewares or stationery. The city's myriad laneways
and arcades harbour untold gems, inner city precincts spoil you for choice, while department stores and
shopping centres continue to raise the bar.
The city's passion for fashion is a serious matter, a fact not overlooked by international retail giants looking
to establish Australian outposts, and local designers keen on getting a strong start.
Gold Coast:
Shoppers are well catered for on Australia's Gold Coast. With a seemingly endless supply of shopping
villages, major shopping center, variety stores, independent boutiques, arcades, malls and craft markets
throughout the entire city, dedicated shoppers will find a store for every purpose just about everywhere.
Pacific Fair is an open-air and undercover shopping extravaganza that houses major stores, over 200
specialty shops, multi-screen cinemas, and an amazing range of eateries.
Oasis Shopping Centre offers independent boutiques, a food court and a Woolworths supermarket.
Numerous al fresco cafs and multi-cultural restaurants are found in the mall outside the centre. A feature
of the Oasis is the monorail that travels back and forth to Jupiters Casino.
Sydney:
Many of the biggest names in the fashion world have stores in Sydney - check out Castlereagh and Elizabeth
Streets in the city for Chanel, Gucci and the like. For those with a less ambitious budget, the central district
is awash with shops and malls, especially along Pitt and George Streets. Most malls are interconnected and

Website: www.sotc.in : Phone: +91-11-25819000 : Fax: +91-11-25819003

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SOTC SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS

FLAT NO 201, II FLOOR, TIWARI CHAMBERS,
PLOT NO 11B/8, PUSA ROAD, NEW DELHI - 110005
whole days can disappear without a glimpse of the sun as you plunge into mainstream shopping heaven.
This is where you'll find the familiar international high-street stores such as HMV (in a massive store on Pitt
Street). Dont forget to explore the Paddys market (local flavor market)
What to buy:
There is a range of typical Aussie tourist souvenirs sold all over the country. These include stuffed toy
kangaroos, koalas and wombats, sheep-skin slippers and rugs, Australian rugby jerseys and hats with corks
dangling from the rim.
Australia's most abundant semi-precious stone is the opal, and it has become something of a symbol of the
country. Opal jewellery can be found all over the country, and much of it is gorgeous. You should also look
out for pearls from the country's extensive coastline.
Opening hours:
Shops are generally open from 1030 hrs - 1700hrs Mon-Sat. There will be significant variation in rural areas,
when shops may close for lunch or even the weekend.
TOURIST REFUND SCHEME:
Australia adds a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% on to the price of all goods and services bought in
Australia, including accommodation, tour guides, meals and ground travel. Wine carries an "equalization
tax" of 14.5%.
Through the Tourist Refund Scheme (TFS), it is possible for all visitors to claim back the 10% GST paid on
goods worth AUD300 or over which were bought at the same store. You can also claim your tax back on
wine. The refund only applies to goods that are taken out of Australia as hand luggage.
FEW POINTS TO NOTE
Declare all food products, including fresh, dried, canned and frozen foods.
Declare all medicinal products.
It is advisable to have a letter or a prescription from your doctor or practitioner describing the
medication and your medical condition.
Importation of many drugs described as performance enhancing drugs in sport is prohibited without a
permit.
As a routine part of their work, Customs officers may question travelers at any time. Trained dogs may
also be used to detect illegal drugs or prohibited imports. If you are in doubt, declare your goods or ask
a Customs officer for advice.
There are severe penalties for not declaring prohibited or restricted items and goods on which you must
pay duty/tax. Presenting false receipts also carries heavy penalties.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT AUSTRALIA

You should have your passport and completed Incoming Passenger Card ready.
Follow the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare.
Follow the Red Channel if you have something to declare. Pack all goods you wish to declare in an easily
accessible bag to assist with Customs inspection.

LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST; THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT POINTS SHOULD BE FOLLOWED IN
ORDER TO AVOID ANY SORT OF PROBLEM DURING THE TOUR:
1. The hotel room provided to you might have a Mini-bar in it. One has to pay directly to the hotel for
anything consumed out of this bar.
2. Follow the Rules & Regulation of the country you are traveling.

Website: www.sotc.in : Phone: +91-11-25819000 : Fax: +91-11-25819003

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SOTC SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS

FLAT NO 201, II FLOOR, TIWARI CHAMBERS,
PLOT NO 11B/8, PUSA ROAD, NEW DELHI - 110005
3. Always cross the road from Zebra Line.
4. Do not leave any valuables in the hotel room or in the bus. Please use lockers provided in hotels for this
purpose else carry them on your person.
5. Please listen and follow the demonstration given by airline crew once you board the aircraft.
6. Smoking and eating inside the coach is prohibited.
7. Please take special care of that your travel documents are always in your hand baggage for easy access.
8. We request you to kindly pack your heavy luggage as well as settle your extras with the hotel the night
prior to departure as this will facilitate easy check out.
9. We would highly recommend that you carry a small handbag for the internal sector flight
which must have 01 pair of clothes to change so you dont have to unpack immediately when
you arrive at your next destination.
BASIC DOS AND DONTS
Don't bad-mouth the Queen. Although she doesn't actually live in Australia she
is still its nominal ruler through the commonwealth and popular amongst many
Aussies.
Don't expect to be a world beating surfer in an instant. Take things slowly to
avoid injuring yourself or your pride.
Tipping is fairly widespread now, although you're not expected to leave tips in
bars (though they won't be turned down), you'll be expected to leave 10 12%
at a restaurant and probably some change with a taxi driver.

FLIGHT DETAILS(SQ-Singapore Airlines)

SQ 401
SQ 237
VA 739
VA 518
SQ 242
SQ 402

30JUL
30JUL
02AUG
05AUG
08AUG
09AUG

DELHI
SINGAPORE
MELBOURNE
GOLD COAST
SYDNEY
SINGAPORE

SINGAORE
MELBOURNE
GOLD COAST
SYDNEY
SINGAPORE
DELHI

0900
2355
1110
1105
1800
0235

1725
0920+1 Day
1315
1235
0020+1 Day
0540

The success of any group is in direct relation to the co-operation amongst its members. We therefore
request you to be punctual at all times and follow the rules and etiquette of the country that you will be
visiting, which will ensure that the arrangements go smoothly and that your tour will be successful and
enjoyable. Please do not hesitate to contact your tour escort should you require any further clarifications.
We wish you a pleasant journey.

Website: www.sotc.in : Phone: +91-11-25819000 : Fax: +91-11-25819003

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