Q: What am I permitted to take from Cocos when returning to the mainland?
A: Full Customs & Quarantine arrival procedures apply just like if you were returning from any overseas country. Fresh foods will generally be prohibited. Small quantities of fresh / frozen fish may be permitted.

NB: The selling or purchase of shells or coral is prohibited without a permit. Beach collected (dead) shells are also prohibited, however they may be permitted entry if declared and found to be odour and insect free.

For more information re Customs, Quarantine or Immigration issues contact Cocos Islands
Australian Federal Police: +61 8 9162 6600

ROAD RULES & REGULATIONS

Q: Do Australian road rules apply on Cocos
A: Yes, most definitely. Western Australian rules apply on Cocos and are inforced by the Australian Federal Police. Please ensure seat belts are worn at all times and do not carry anyone in the tray of utes. Push bike helmets must be worn otherwise you will incur a fine.

FEDERAL AVIATION TRANSPORT SECURITY

Q: Are you able to cross the runway?
A: No. Cocos (Keeling) Islands airport enjoys the rare luxury of not being fully fenced. However due to recent changes in Federal Aviation Transport Security Legislation, access across or onto the runway is no longer permitted , except under specific circumstances for authorised persons only. You will notice the runway strip is defined by white gable markers. These markers act as an invisible fence-line. Please remain outside these markers at all times or you may risk prosecution. Your co-operation is essential in maintaining airport safety and benefits our community's efforts endeavour to not fence the whole airport.

HEALTH SERVICE

Q: Is there a doctor or health service available on the island?
A: Yes. Both Home Island & West Island have a clinic. A doctor is based on Home Island and visits West Island twice a week. On call nurses are available 24 hours a day for emergencies.

Q: What if I need to be evacuated off-island due to an emergency related illness?
A: Currently, the Patient Assisted Transport Scheme is available only to residents. In the event of such an emergency International travel insurance is strongly advised to cover the evacuation costs.

WEATHER

Q: Is Cocos affected by cyclones?
A: Low pressure systems may occur during the doldrum season, November through to May, with the more likely period being February to April. These systems rarely cause too much of an inconvenience to visitors. If the low pressure systems develops into a named cyclone (maybe 1 or 2 per season), Cocos may experience a couple of days of inclement weather.

Q: In the wake of the Tsunami disaster in December 2004, how did this effect Cocos.
A: It has long been thought that the exceptionally deep waters surrounding the atolls would protect Cocos from these natural disasters. In the case of the December 2004 earthquake, this theory proved correct. Cocos was spared the terrible tragedy that affected many of the other Indian Ocean islands. The only effect the atoll experienced were the waters of the lagoon "sloshing" 0.4 of a metre either side of the predicted tide height.

CASH REQUIREMENTS:

Q: Do I need to bring cash or are there EFTPOS facilities?
A: Most of the smaller traders have EFTPOS or major credit cards facilities (except Diners & AMEX), including the Cocos Club, Tropika Restaurant and West Island Supermarket. However it is advisable to carry a small amount of cash as there is no ATM.

The local Commonwealth Bank agency offers CBA Keycard customers on-line withdrawal facilities. This agency is not able to cash travellers cheques or foreign currency, so please make sure you either have a credit card or Australian currency.

Currency is Australian dollars. Small notes and $1 & $2 coins are always welcome.

ACCOMMODATION:

Q: Are there any "5" star resorts available?
A: The Islands' accommodation would range between 1-star+ to 3-star+, however no official rating has been undertaken. There is a variety of options from basic motel style, self-contained units, villas, bungalows and cottages to three & four bedroom houses.

Q: Do any of the accommodation options offer direct views to the Indian Ocean?
A: Yes, Cocos Beach Motel has several rooms that offer views to the ocean. Cocos Castaway also located beach side has direct views.

Q: Is air conditioning available?
A: Most units, bungalows and villas offer air conditioning as well as ceiling fans. All the houses are fan cooled with the exception of the The Lagoon which also offers air conditioning to the lounge area.

Q: Are there any accommodation options available on Home Island?
A: Yes, Ocean Villas located near the Home Island Health Centre has two units. Previously Oceania House offered accommodation to guests. Oceania House is now a private residence.

Q: Some of the accommodation options are close to the airport. Does this mean it will be noisy?
A: No. We have a regular bi-weekly plane service. Occasionally we do have private aircraft visiting Cocos however it is highly unlikely that you will be annoyed by aircraft movement.

Q: Is it safe to drink the water?
A: Yes, most definitely. The drinking water is naturally filtered through the sand before it is collected and pumped to the town's water tanks. There it receives mild chlorination.

BEACHES & SWIMMING:

Q: Are we able to swim directly in front of our accommodation?
A: Like most coral atolls, Cocos is fringed by a reef, which enables you to enjoy reef walking at low tide. There is an amazing amount of marine life ready for you to discover and enjoy. The beaches close to town are ideal for beachcombing and wading. The popular swimming areas are Trannies, 6km to the north and Scout Park, 6km to the south of town. Most guests find once they have travelled to either beach they are free to explore in privacy.

An ocean pool has been developed opposite House 15. Although small, it is proving very popular.

Q: Is there anywhere else to swim?
A: Yes! The most popular beach for swimming, snorkelling or just having fun is on Direction Island. You can visit the island via the Ferry on Saturday or take a day trip with one of the local tour operators. Whatever your choice, don't miss Direction Island. Also Prison Island is another popular area to swim as is many of the channels between the more remote islands.

MOBILE PHONE SERVICE:

Q: Is there a mobile phone service on Cocos?
A: Cocos has its own unique mobile service. The service was installed for the residents. Phones may be hired from the Telecentre office which is located in the Admin building.

INTERNET SERVICE

Q: Is there an internet service available:
A: Yes, Cocos is serviced by a local internet provider, CIIA. The Telecentre, located in the Administration building on West Island provides a public internet service.

TV & RADIO SERVICE:

Q: Is there a television or radio service available on Cocos?
A: Yes. The local radio station, 6CKI broadcasts 24 hours a day with a live news segment at 12.30pm Monday to Friday. ABC regional radio and Red FM are also re-broadcasted with kind permission from the station owners. Cocos also has 4 TV stations; GWN, WIN, ABC and SBS.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

Q: What power supply is available?
A: Cocos has a continuous power supply that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Standard Australian 3-pin plug is used on all outlets. Current is 240v 50Hz.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS:

Q: Is there a taxi service to our accommodation?
A: All accommodation providers will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation. Cocos Castaway Villas, Cocos Village Bungalows and Cocos Beach Motel are just across the road from the airport, while the remaining options are a quick drive (3 mins!!). Return transfers available if required.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Q: Is public transport available?
A: There is a bus service on West Island that runs five times per day from town up to the jetty. This service links up to the Home Island Ferry. Timetables are available from the Tourism Office, Telecentre and Cocos Duty Free.

LIMITED BAGGAGE:

Q: Are there baggage restrictions when travelling?
A: Yes, you are limited to 23kg luggage plus 7kg carry-on. For surfers, wind surfers etc, we suggest you contact Virgin Blue several weeks prior to your flight as they may require to up-lift boards etc before your departure date.

TIME DIFFERENCE:

Q: Is there a time difference?
A: Yes. Cocos (Keeling) Islands is 1.5 hours behind Perth, 0.5 hours behind Christmas Island and 3.5 hours behind the eastern States. Remember to add an extra hour during daylight saving periods. Cocos (Keeling) Islands do not use daylight saving. For international visitors, Cocos is GMT +6.5 hrs.

SHOP HOURS:

Q: Is it true that most of the shops operate at different times during the day?
A: Yes! This can be a challenge when you first arrive on Cocos. Being such a small island, many operators have a variety of "hats", so opening hours are limited and varied. We suggest you first visit the Tourism Office or check on the doors of the shops for their hours of business.

RESTAURANTS:

Q: Are there many restaurants or eating places on Cocos?
A: There are a limited number of restaurants on West Island and Home Island.

The Tropika Restaurant, situated in the Cocos Beach Motel complex serves 3 meals a day. Bookings are essential. Use the chalk board at the door to add your name and number of dining guests. Please note that the restaurant closes at 8.00pm so early eating is advisable in the evening.

The Cocos Club hosts "Food Nights" every third Friday during the school year which are run by various on-Island Social Clubs. Come along and support the clubs.

The Bunga Melati Restaurant is situated on Home Island. It is opened for evening meals on requested. Bookings are essential. A late ferry operates to cater for guests wishing to take advantage of tasting local Malay cuisine. Please note the Bunga Melati is strictly no alcohol.

In the case of all the restaurants we suggest you eat your evening meals early to avoid disappointment as they usually close in order to meet the scheduled ferry services.

TOUR OPERATORS

Q: Are there any organised tours available
A: Yes, there are several operators available to take you lagoon exploring, bottom fishing, snorkelling, diving, sunset island hopping as well as organised cultural tours on Home Island. Apart from the organised tours, you are also free to explore the islands yourself.

COCOS CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

Q: As a visitor am I welcome to join in with organised club activities.
A: Most definitely, apart from a few tournaments, guests to the islands are most welcome and encouraged to join in on the fun.

Q: Am I able to become a member of the Cocos Club
A: Yes. By becoming a member it also allows you to "book" up your drinks and pay by credit card before leaving the island.

INSECTS & SPIDERS:

Q: Do we have to be concerned with mosquitoes & disease?
A: Cocos is free of Malaria, Dengi and Ross River fever. We do have mosquitoes, however they are more of a nuisance than a health risk. You might like to use a cream or spray if you are outside around dusk.

Q: Are there any poisonous spiders?
A: Most spiders you find in the house will be either Huntsman or Daddy Long Legs, neither of which are poisonous.

Q: What about centipedes?
A: Once again, not normally a worry unless you are foraging in coconut litter.

Q: Do you have fire-ants?
A: Yes. Cocos has these annoying ants, which can inflict a nasty bite. Be very aware of "bare" patches as this is usually an excellent indication that a fire ants nest is there.

Q: What other insects are we likely to encounter?
A: Mainly ants. Flying ants can "hatch" during rainy periods and crazy ants are usually found in most areas. These ants are not hazardous to humans.