Australia and New Zealand, cold medication, cash and Brisbane/Gold Coast

[Been There 2]

Hi!   I’m hoping some of you can answer a few of questions.  I’m cruising out of Sydney on Celerity if that makes a difference.

 

When going through customs in Sydney, do they care if you bring cold medications like NyQuil or nose spray?

 

Can anyone tell me if there is a resort for day use in Brisbane/Gold Coast?  Also, even if there is, are umbrellas for rent on the beach “Gold Coast”?  Are there a lot of shops and places to eat and drink along the beach?  Is there transportation from the cruise port to the beach?  If so, what kind and how hard is it to get a return trip back to the ship?

 

Can anyone tell me if Australia or New Zealand is basically “cashless”?  That you use either your phone or a credit card  to purchase things?  if so, do I need to have some cash on hand?

 

Thank you very much for your help.  Janet

[capriccio]

1 hour ago, Been There 2 said:

Hi!   I’m hoping some of you can answer a few of questions.  I’m cruising out of Sydney on Celerity if that makes a difference.

 

When going through customs in Sydney, do they care if you bring cold medications like NyQuil or nose spray?

There isn't an issue with OTC drugs.  We did make sure to keep them in their original packages.  Prescription drugs are another case.  You need to fill out a questionnaire upon entry to the country so have documentation for your prescriptions.  See  https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/crossing-the-border/at-the-border/incoming-passenger-card-(ipc)

 

Information on bringing meds into Australia:  https://www.odc.gov.au/travellers/travelling-or-australia-medicines-and-medical-devices

 

Can anyone tell me if Australia or New Zealand is basically “cashless”?  That you use either your phone or a credit card  to purchase things?  if so, do I need to have some cash on hand?

Almost totally cashless.  We changed $100 in Australia and $0 in New Zealand and still had a little bit of cash left over after more than a month of travel.  Make sure your credit card doesn't charge you foreign transaction fees.

 

A year ago today we boarded a ship in Sydney for a 28 day round Australia cruise that had been preceded by 5 days in Sydney and 7 days on the south island of New Zealand.  One of our best trips - cruise and/or land - ever!

 

Remember that you will need Electronic Travel Authority docs completed online for both countries:

 

Australia:  https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601

 

New Zealand:  https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/

 

I've added my answers in red above.

[Been There 2]

2 hours ago, capriccio said:

A year ago today we boarded a ship in Sydney for a 28 day round Australia cruise that had been preceded by 5 days in Sydney and 7 days on the south island of New Zealand.  One of our best trips - cruise and/or land - ever!

 

Remember that you will need Electronic Travel Authority docs completed online for both countries:

 

Australia:  https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601

 

New Zealand:  https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/

 

I've added my answers in red above.

Thank you Very Much!  This is very helpful!

[Essiesmom]

Some of your questions can be answered by folks on the Australia/New Zealand board here.  EM

[Been There 2]

9 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

Some of your questions can be answered by folks on the Australia/New Zealand board here.  EM

Thank you EM.  Janet