There are a wide variety of quality products on offer in Australia at very competitive prices. When shopping, sightseeing or visiting theme parks on tours, remember you have a choice of where and when to shop. Shop around and compare prices and quality before you buy. This will help you get the great bargains that are available across a range of stores in Australia.

Shop around

As in other countries, some Australian businesses pay commissions to tour operators and tour guides to bring tour groups to their stores. These costs are often passed on to you, the customer, through higher prices for products and services. If you are on a tour, do not feel you have to buy ONLY from the stores you are taken to. You should have an opportunity to visit and buy from other stores so check your itinerary for free shopping time.

While you are in Australia you are covered by Australia’s consumer protection laws, which require businesses to treat you fairly. All stores must obey these laws. Industry and governments are also working together to introduce standards of professionalism, with these to be embodied in a set of Tourism Export Code of Conduct standards for industry to follow. Your country also has similar laws that protect your consumer rights and govern the professional standards of travel wholesalers and retailers. If you are not satisfied with what you have purchased from them, contact the relevant government authority for travel and tourism in your home country.

Other handy information

In Australia many stores sell duty-free and tax-free products and services. Make sure you keep originals or copies of your passport and travel ticket with you to take advantage of these discounts. If you buy an item and it does not work properly, you have the right to a refund or to have the item replaced or repaired. Also ask about the store’s policy on repairing or returning their products in your home country (keep your receipts). Before buying watches and cameras, check that they have an international warranty valid in your country. Always compare prices and itineraries for optional sightseeing and theme park tours. Restaurants usually have prices on a menu/noticeboard. Check before you order. You are not obliged to give your tour guide a tip. Tipping is not obligatory in Australia.

Contact details

If you are unsure of your consumer rights or have a problem with a tour, store or product in Australia, please contact Australia’s Consumer Affairs/Fair Trading agencies in the state that the incident occurred on:

South Australia (08) 8204 9777
Canberra (02) 6207 0400
Northern Territory (08) 8999 1999
New South Wales (02) 9895 0111
Tasmania 1300 654 499 (within Australia)
Victoria 1300 55 81 81 (within Australia)
Queensland 13 13 04 (within Australia)
Western Australia 1300 136 237 (within Australia)

If you do not speak English, you may wish to talk to these agencies through an interpreter service, which will help you with your query. For 24 hour Interpreter Services telephone 131 450. If you would prefer to pursue a complaint or query once you’ve returned home, you can find further information by visiting the following websites: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Please copy all e-mails about your complaints to the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) - info@atec.net.au to help it follow up complaints against any of its members.