Australia is not known as a dangerous place to visit, but as in any other country, there are always certain things to be wary of as a tourist. Just following a few simply guidelines will help you stay safe so you'll only bring home good memories of your vacation in Australia.
Record all of your traveler's check numbers. Having your traveler's checks lost or stolen is not the best experience, but if you keep track of which ones you've used and which ones you're missing, it will make reporting the loss and getting them replaced a lot easier. Keep your documentation separate from the actual checks as well.
Keep track of all of your ATM transactions. Australia has had some trouble with ATM scams in recent years where the machines are tampered with and the money is either trapped inside the machine, or your card information and PIN number are recorded. Only use ATMs in well-traveled places, and report the machine immediately if money is deducted from your account, but doesn't actually dispense from the ATM.
Bring enough medicine for your entire trip. Most Australian pharmacies will only fill Australian prescriptions, so make sure you are well stocked if you take any regular medications.
Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone at home, and check in regularly. If an emergency occurs, it's much easier for your friends and family to track you down if they know where you are and where you're supposed to be at a particular time.
Check travel advisories. These advisories are designed to keep travelers safe all over the world, so be sure to check them at least before you depart. You can check these warnings and alerts on the Bureau of Consular Affairs travel site (see Resources below).
Register with the American embassy. Notifying the government that you will be traveling into a foreign country is always a good idea. You can register online for free on the Travel Registration website (see Resources below). Carry the contact information for the nearest embassy to your vacation site with you at all times.
Call your insurance company and verify that they will cover treatment in a foreign country. Most medical insurance companies will cover your expenses while overseas, but you'll want to make sure just in case.
Dial 000 for emergencies. All cell phones--even those without SIM cards--are permitted to access the airwaves for emergency calls in Australia, so if you get into trouble just dial 000 instead of 911.
Put a note or sign on your dashboard to remind you to drive on the left. It's easy to drift over onto the wrong side of the road when you've spent your whole life on the right, so take precautions to remind yourself not to invite a head-on collision.
Swim between the read and yellow flags. This marks the area that is patrolled by lifeguards and where motor activity is restricted. If the flags aren't out, stay on the shore.
Remember that there are several venomous species of spiders, snakes and ocean life in Australia. Jellyfish and blue-ringed octopus are the big concerns in the water, while funnelweb and red back spiders are worries on the land. There are also plenty of crocodiles in the Outback, so stay safe and don't swim in billabongs, lakes or rivers, particularly in Northern Australia.
