Australian Business Travelling Guide: Where to Start

If you own a company or a business, chances are you may consider travelling to the land down under at some point. Perhaps you already have a plan in the works to visit Australia to further your business. Regardless of which boat you find yourself in, it is vital to prepare before you travel. Ensuring that you have done your homework and due diligence prior to landing in Australia is key to avoiding unnecessary hiccups or problems on your journey. 

Today, we’ve prepared a guide that contains facts on Australia, visa information, business customs, useful tips and other resources that are sure to come in handy on your next business trip. Read on to find out more. 

Tip: stay until the end of the article for information on how you can compare business credit cards to maximise savings on your business trip. 

Australian Visa Requirements

Like most countries, you are required to have a valid visa to enter Australia. The only exception to this rule is if you hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship. Depending on the duration and nature of your visit, you may be eligible for either a Tourist Stream Visa which offers a stay of up to 3 months or a Temporary Work (Short Stay) Visa which can be granted for up to 6 months depending on individual circumstances. Please note that anyone without a valid visa for entry may be denied entry at the border. 

Can I Work Whilst In Australia?

Business trips may last up to months, and some business owners or employees may wonder if they can pick up a part-time job during their stay in Australia. Unfortunately, anyone who holds a Tourist Stream Visa is not allowed to find work in the country. Any non-citizen on a Visitor visa or ETA who is working in Australia is doing so illegally. 

On the other hand, a temporary work visa lets you come to Australia to work on a temporary basis. There might be visa conditions on your visa that only allows specific work or work with a certain employer. It is vital that you do your research on this matter. Always contact the Department of Immigration and Border Protection if you have any queries or concerns regarding the matter. 

Australian Business Customs and Etiquette

Aussies are pretty laid back and easy-going, so you won’t have to worry too much about offending anyone on your trip down under. However, here are some things to note:

• Business dress is usually conservative in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.
• In sunnier areas such as Brisbane, dressing can be more relaxed but it is best to always check first. 
• Generally, you are required to make appointments for meetings.
• It is the norm to greet business partners with a handshake. However, due to COVID-19, many Australians are now happy to give handshakes a miss.
• Business cards are usually exchanged after a meeting, with minimal emphasis on the importance of business cards compared to Asian countries. 
• Punctuality is important.
• Business may be conducted over meals or a drink, and a sense of humour is often used by the hosts to break the ice. 
• Decisions are made at the top so getting decisions may be slow, depending on your individual circumstances. 

COVID-19 Business Travel Checklist

• The pandemic has completely transformed how we travel, and ensuring that you have ticked everything off your COVID-19 travel list is essential in order to prevent unnecessary delays.
• People travelling to Australia must wear a mask for the duration of their flight and in all Australian airports. A cloth or surgical mask is acceptable and you are allowed to remove your mask when eating or drinking.  
• Testing and quarantine requirements differ by state and territory. Always check if you will be subject to quarantine on arrival visit your local state or territory’s website. 

Other Helpful Travel Tips and Information

• Tipping is not a very widespread custom in Australia and is not required by law. However, rounding up restaurant bills and taxi fares is appreciated.
• Regular business hours are 9am – 5pm on weekdays.
• Weather conditions vary greatly depending on which state you are in. Melbourne is notorious for its 4 seasons in a day, while Queensland remains relatively sunny and warm all year round. For more information on weather, please visit this page. 

Bonus: Business Credit Cards

If you have a business credit card, now is the time to use it. Your business credit card may offer more perks than your personal cards, such as more points for cash-back or frequent-flyer programs, waived airline baggage fees, car rental discounts, airline lounge memberships, and hotel deals. 

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And there you have it – everything you need to know to make your next business trip to Australia a success. Australia is an amazing country filled with some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. By ensuring that you have ticked all the boxes off your travel list, you will be able to rest easy and fully enjoy your trip down under.