Driving and walking on the LEFT

If you intend to hire a car be aware of the following.

You need to have a valid driver's license from your country. Generally, an International Driving License is not required.

As a German visitor once said, "We bought some expensive insurance, and they threw in a car". Check whether you need rental car insurance or whether your travel insurance already covers car hire.

It is a very serious offence to drive while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (DUI) with a maximum of 0.05 blood alcohol concentration allowed.

It is also an offence to use your mobile phone while driving.

Speed limits are in km per hour with the state maximum being 110.  Within the city the maximum is 100 kph on the freeway and other major roads, and 50 in built up areas unless signed posted. Major local roads may be 60 or 70. School zones and road works are 40 kph.

There are speed cameras on the freeways and highways and often intersections with traffic lights have cameras that check both for speed and running red lights. An app on your phone, such as WAZE can give you warnings about cameras, speed limits etc.

We drive on the LEFT here and the driver's seat is on the right, ie right hand drive. Indicators and Wipers may be the opposite of what you are used to. It is easy to accidentally turn on the wipers when you mean to indicate. Fortunately the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals are the same everywhere.

The left hand orientation also applies to pedestrians, so walk on the left side of footpaths, in airports and train stations.  Also go up and down stairs on the left or you will be bumping into people. Escalators and travelators in airports are also on the left.

In the city area, some traffic lights have 4-way pedestrian cycles so you can cross diagonally if you need to. Check whether this is happening, as not all of them have this.