Practical information

Perth is a modern, safe and easy-to-navigate city with excellent public transport, reliable mobile coverage and modern payment systems. The information below should help international visitors settle in quickly during ADASS XXXVI.

Climate and Weather

November is late spring in Perth, with warm sunny days and cool evenings. Typical daytime temperatures range from 24–32°C, although hotter days are possible. Rain is uncommon at this time of year, but a light jacket for evenings is recommended.

Perth has a Mediterranean climate and high UV levels. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are strongly recommended when outdoors.

Drinking water

Tap water in Perth is safe to drink everywhere, including hotels, restaurants and public facilities. Some water is sourced from desalination plants, so the taste may differ slightly from other countries.

Health and Emergency number

Australia’s emergency number is 000 for ambulance, police and fire services. Calls are free.

Perth has excellent medical facilities, pharmacies and hospitals. Visitors should ensure they have appropriate travel and health insurance, as medical services for non-residents are generally not free.

Power and Connectivity

Australia uses 240V / 50Hz electricity with Type I power sockets. Travel adapters are available at Perth Airport and most electronics retailers.

Mobile coverage and internet access are excellent throughout Perth. Prepaid SIM cards are available at the airport, although eSIM options are often simpler for international visitors.

Currency & Prices

Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards and contactless payment are accepted almost everywhere, including public transport, cafes and taxis. Carrying cash is generally unnecessary.

Perth is comparable in price to many major European and North American cities. Typical prices:

  • Coffee: AUD $5–6
  • Casual lunch: AUD $15–25
  • Restaurant dinner: AUD $40–70
  • Beer or wine in a bar: AUD $10–15

Transport and Getting Around

Transperth operates Perth’s public transport network and includes trains, buses and ferries. Delegates can use SmartRider cards or tag on and tag off using contactless payment with a credit card, phone or smartwatch.

Perth also includes a Free Transit Zone (FTZ) within the CBD and free CAT bus services around the city centre. UWA is connected to the CBD via the free Purple CAT service and regular bus routes, including the 24 and 950.

Taxi, Uber and DiDi services are safe, reliable and widely available. Typical rideshare costs from Perth Airport to the CBD are around AUD $40–50.