Yes, but it's vey simple and very cheap. Americans need to get an "ETA" which is a super easy process that can be done ahead of time for about $15 ($20 AUD). It links electronically to your passport and you don't need to bring anything special with you to the airport. Just visit this website and be sure to have your passport information handy to fill out the form. https://www.migrationexpert.com.au/travel/apply If you are traveling from South Africa or elsewhere, please research before you come as we aren't sure what the requirements are and don't want to give the wrong advice. Sorry!
Yes, there is Uber in Australia. It's a good way to get around town. Flights between cities can be purchased for relatively cheap through companies like JetStar or Tiger Air. It costs a few dollars more to get on a Qantas flight, but they are more lenient about carry-on luggage weight and the other niceties that the budget airlines don't have. Trains are not a great idea as they are slow. Same with boats, blimps, hovercrafts, and unicycles. If you decide to rent a car, remember that Aussies drive on the other side of the road, which makes for a good time.
Tipping is not standard protocol in Australia. As an American, it feels pretty weird and rude to just pay the bill and leave, but don't worry, it isn't rude, it is absolutely expected. The only time when you might tip is if you dine at a truly upscale establishment. In this situation you might give 5-10% tip if the service and food is wonderful. Also note that sales tax is always included in a listed price. What you see is what you pay. Factoring in the exchange rate, a $20 AUD breakfast is actually the equivalent of perhaps a $12 breakfast in the US where you'd end up paying $16-17 USD after tax and tip.
It's basically a different language. CBD = Downtown Hotel (on a building sign) = Pub Midday = Noon Brekkie = Breakfast Serviette = Napkin Entrée = Appetizer Main = Entrée Hot Chips = French Fries Tomato Sauce = Ketchup Biscuit = Cracker Mate = Friend Skull = Chug Jumper = Hoodie / Sweatshirt Bathers = Bathing Suit Footy = Aussie Rules Football Root = Slang for sex (don't root for a team, "go for" them) Hire a Car = Rent a Car Ute = Pickup Truck Ripper = Fantastic! Bloody oath = A phrase of approval
Coffee is a way of life in Australia, and particularly in Melbourne. Any retail street in Melbourne will have 2-3 coffee shops on each block. Despite all of the cafes, Americans are hard pressed to find a standard "cup of joe". Even the grimiest pub offers proper espresso drinks rather than drip, filtered coffee. The sizes are also a bit different, so here are some tips on how to make your morning order: Latte = This is more like the American cappuccino. Around 6 ounces of milk with a shot of espresso. Strong latte = Same as above, but with two shots. Skinny latte = You can probably figure that one out. Cappuccino = Similar to a latte, but with chocolate sprinkled on top (heck ya). Flat White = Basically a latte, but with a slightly different foam to milk ratio Long Black = As close as you'll get to a drip coffee, basically an Americano (espresso with extra water) But how do I get my venti latte, Starbucks style, with two shots of espresso and 12oz of milk?! Simple. You don't.
Most bars and/or breweries offer a variety of glass sizes. They can vary, but typically run in this order, from smallest to largest: Pony, Butcher, Pot, Schooner, Pint There is no shame in asking for a pot in order to taste more than one beer at each stop. There is also no shame in skulling a pint. There are plenty of craft breweries in Oz, you should check them out and order local. No, Fosters is not Australian for beer. In fact, it's unlikely that you'll ever even see one on a menu.