Money

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ABSOLUTELY! Australia produces 95% of the world's precious opals and 99% of black opals. Coober Pedy in South Australia is known as the opal capital of the world. With year-round extremes in temperature, more than 50% of the population live in below-ground dugouts! From diamonds, emeralds, gold, silver and industrial minerals Australia's natural resources are fabulous. This amazing natural wealth, still largely untapped, makes Australia one of the most resource-rich nations on earth.

It is very easy to get money everywhere you go in Australia. The exchange rate isn't always very good at airports, and we recommend using a debit card. There are ATM's everywhere just like the USA and Europe! Credit cards generally have the best rate of exchange, followed by travelers' checks, and cash is the worst.

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Tipping is neither required nor routinely expected in Australia, but it is appropriate for VERY good service. So in Australia you don't usually tip in restaurants, or if you take a taxi, or get a haircut. Some of our clients do choose to tip our guides at the end of an awesome trip. This of course is totally at your discretion.

The exchange rate fluctuates with both yours and the Australian economies. As an American, Brit or EU citizen traveling to Australia you usually come out well ahead. You can check the current exchange rates at: www.iccfx.com

Travel insurance is left to individual discretion, if you do not purchase travel insurance and for some reason need to leave the trip early your unused portion of the trip is non-refundable and you may incur some additional travel costs returning home. Most students do not take out travel insurance policies. Some credit card agencies, homeowner's insurance policies, or other insurance avenues have provisions for traveler's insurance. Before purchasing an additional policy, we advise that you investigate the details of your current coverages.