Customs and Quarantine in Australia

Australia puts a lot of effort to protect its ecosystem from the rest of the world. Therefore, every traveller is obliged to obey the strict quarantine rules. Every kind of animal import is restricted. Importing food, plants and soil (for ex. under the shoes) is strictly forbidden. The airports are equipped with amnesty bins where such material should be thrown. The same restrictions apply in case of interstate travels within Australia as well. It is not allowed to carry any restricted item from one state to another.

Medicine can be brought in Australia only in case it is possible to identify what it is for.

The limitations at the customs are also useful to know. Personal goods like cameras, videocameras etc. can be brought in Australia without any problem. Other than that, 200 cigarettes, 250gr. tobacco and 1125ml. alcohol can also be imported without paying anything at the customs. Presents that are not more expensive than 400AUD (for the people who are over 18) are also allowed to be imported for free.

It is possible to get the paid taxes back while leaving Australia. For this, the bought goods must have the value of at least 300AUD and the tax number (ABN) of the shop must be provided on the bill that has been obtained. The tax refund is being done at Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) Desk at the airports.