Snapshot of Sydney
Population
Sydney: Approximately 4.2 millionNew South Wales: Approximately 6.7 million
Time Zone
Summer: GMT plus 11 hours (October to March)
Winter: GMT plus 10 hours (March to October)
Daylight Hours
Summer:Sunrise approximately 0530 - 0600
Sunset approximately 1930 - 2000
Winter:
Sunrise approximately 0700
Sunset approximately 1700 - 1730
Climate
Sydney enjoys a temperate climate year-round. It has four distinct seasons, with summer running from December to February and winter extending from June to August. Sydney’s sub-tropical climate gives average temperatures ranging from 16ºC in the winter months to 26ºC in summer.Banks
General opening hours are:Monday to Thursday: 0900 to 1600
Friday: 0900 to 1700
Saturday: Some banks are open in the morning
Sunday: Closed
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available at many places in the city and in restaurants and pubs, offering 24 hour banking.
Shopping Opening Hours
General opening hours are:Monday to Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 0900 to 1800
Thursday: 0900 to 2100
Sunday: 1000 to 1700
Most grocery stores have extended trading hours with some operating 24 hours/7 days a week.
Dress Code
Sydney dwellers are on the whole casual dressers. For business people it is normal for suits to be worn by both men and women.Travel Information for Overseas Delegates
Visas
Travellers to Australia need a valid passport and visa (or ETA - Electronic Travel Authority) unless you are from New Zealand in which case you will need a passport only. An ETA is equivalent to a visa and is fully electronic. We strongly recommend you visit the Department of Immigration website for the latest information.
Customs
Australia has strict laws regarding goods brought into the country. Business travellers may need to obtain permits for commercial goods or samples, depending on the nature of the goods. Quarantine and wildlife regulations may apply to certain goods. All travellers must declare amounts of $10,000 or more in foreign or Australian currency (notes and coins) taken into or out of Australia. Visit the Australian Customs website for more information.
Currency
- Australian Dollar (A$) = 100 cents
- All major credit cards are widely accepted in Australia
- Travellers cheques are widely accepted or can be changed at the bank
- International airports and major hotels provide money-changing facilities
Language
The spoken language in Australia is English and approximately 80 per cent of Australians speak English at home. Being a multicultural environment, many Australians speak other languages including Chinese, Greek, Lebanese, Turkish and Vietnamese.Religion
Australia is predominantly a Christian country, but has such a diverse ethnic society most major religions are practised and have their own places of worship.Electricity
- Electrical supply: 240 volts, 50 Hz
- 3 pin plugs are used, although an adapter is required
- Most hotels provide 110 volt outlets for shavers
National/International Telephone Calls
To Sydney:
National 02 + number
International 0061 + 2 + number
From Sydney:
National Area code + number
International 0011 + country code + area code + number
Travel and Health Insurance
It is strongly recommended to have insurance policies to cover medical and travel expenses.Vaccinations
No specific vaccinations are required for entry into Australia.A yellow fever certificate will be required if you are travelling from an infected country.
Taxes
A 10 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) is included in the price of all goods and services sold in Australia.If you’re leaving Australia and buy goods no more than 30 days before leaving, you can take advantage of the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) to claim back the GST and wine equalisation tax (WET) paid while you’re shopping. The TRS only applies to goods you can take as hand luggage when you leave. Other conditions apply.