Visas & entry
Most short-stay visitors need an electronic visa before travelling — typically an ETA (subclass 601) or eVisitor (subclass 651), depending on your passport. They're applied for online and usually approved quickly. Always confirm the current requirements for your nationality on the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website before you book.
Flights & airport
Cairns is served by Cairns Airport (CNS). Around 10 minutes to the city; shuttles, taxis and rideshare operate.
Money & currency
Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). Cards and contactless/phone payments are accepted almost everywhere — you rarely need cash. Tipping is not expected (it's a genuine extra for great service, not an obligation). Prices on this site are in AUD; here's a quick guide:
Rates are approximate and for orientation only — check a live converter before you travel or transact.
Staying connected
Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs from the major carriers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) are easy to buy at the airport or online before you arrive — handy for maps, rideshare and public-transport apps. Free wi-fi is common in cafes, libraries and shopping centres.
Weather & when to come
Remember the seasons are flipped: summer is December–February (warm to hot) and winter is June–August (mild in the north, cooler down south). For Cairns, layers and sun protection are the year-round essentials.