Travel Information

Sydney

Built around the foreshores of one of the world's most scenic harbours, Sydney is the Capital of New South Wales and Australia's oldest, largest and most culturally diverse cities. The birthplace of the nation, Sydney is a city of icons, one that's instantly recognised by its Harbour Bridge, the soaring sails of its Opera House and magnificent beaches. Equally renowned for its laid-back, friendly lifestyle and rich multi-cultural heritage, Sydney has something for everyone. For more information on Sydney, visit the website at: www.sydneyaustralia.com

Sydney Airport's international and domestic terminals are approximately 8 kilometres from Sydney's CBD - just a short drive, depending on traffic conditions and the time of day. The airport is served by all major international airlines, as well as all three of Australia's major domestic airlines, Virgin Blue (www.virginblue.com
.au), Qantas (www.qantas.com.au), and Jetstar (www.jetstar.com.au). Buses, a train link and taxis service the airport.

Visas

Travellers to Australia require a valid passport or similar certificate of identification. Everyone, except travellers with Australian or New Zealand passports, requires a visa. Visit the Department of Immigration's website at: www.immi.gov.au for information on tourist visas, working holidays, business visits, students, immigration, Electronic Travel Authority (ETAs), visas and other useful contacts.

For the location of the nearest Australian consulate see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's website at: www.dfat.gov.au

Customs and Quarantine

For information on duty free entitlements, see the see the Australian Customs Service website at: www.customs.gov.au

Because of Australia's unique environment there are restrictions on certain food, plant and animal products. For further information see the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service website at: www.affa.gov.au

Health Requirements

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from, or visited a yellow fever infected country or zone within six days before arrival. No other health certificate is required in order to enter Australia.

Medications

Medicinal products brought into Australia are subject to strict controls and should be declared on arrival. It is advisable to have a letter or prescription from your doctor describing your medical condition and the medication.

Currency

Australia has a decimal system with 100 cents to the dollar (AUD$). Coins have values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and AUD$1 and AUD$2; Notes have values of AUD$5, AUD$10, AUD$20, AUD$50 and AUD$100.

Banking

All main banks in Sydney are equipped to exchange foreign currency. You can also exchange foreign currency any day or night at the airport, or during normal business hours at any of the city's many foreign exchange outlets.

Travellers Cheques are the safest and most convenient way to carry funds. Brands like American Express and Thomas Cook are widely accepted and can be cashed at banks, foreign exchange brokers, larger hotels and restaurants, and for car rental. Passport ID is required when you cash Travellers Cheques. Fees for changing Travellers Cheques vary from bank to bank.

Major credit cards - Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club and their affiliates - are widely accepted throughout New South Wales. Some retailers in larger centres will also accept JCB cards. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) with around-the-clock access are available in convenient locations like banks, along main shopping streets and in malls.

Climate

Temperate with four distinct seasons: Summer (December - February); Autumn (March - May); Winter (June - August); Spring (September - November). Average Sydney temperatures for the month of March are 17 C. (63 F.) at night and 24 C. (75 F.) during the day with 63% humidity.

Tipping

Tipping is not a general custom in Australia, and is at the discretion of the individual.

Hotels and Accommodation

Sydney offers the complete range of accommodation choices, (from hostels to serviced apartments and luxury 5-star hotels) priced to suit every budget and taste. For details of recommended accommodations for exhibitors, conference delegates and visitors to OZTeK'09 see 'Accommodation'.