CANSO GLOBAL ATM SAFETY CONFERENCE SYDNEY AUSTRALIA
PRACTICAL INFORMATION GUIDE
Location Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales, located on Australia’s east coast. It is Australia’s most populated city with a lively and vibrant buzz and many things to do at any time of the year. Surrounded by the world’s largest natural harbour, the city boasts a myriad of architectural feats, beautiful parks and open spaces. Being home to more than 5 million people, its population comprises many different nationalities and it is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Coogee Beach, where our conference is being held, is a beachside suburb of Sydney, located 8 kilometres south-east of the Sydney central business district. The beach is popular among families and is famous for its safe swimming conditions.
Time Zone During the conference, Sydney is part of the Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) and is equal to Coordinated Universal Time plus 11 hours (UTC +11).
Currency The Australian dollar (AUD) is the currency of Australia. Cash can be withdrawn from automated teller machines (ATMs), or exchanged at banks and foreign exchange locations. The cheapest way to avoid commission fees is to withdraw cash through an ATM. All major international credit cards can be used in Australia, however not many places accept travellers cheques. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including paying in hotels, taxis, public transport ticket machines, as well as in most restaurants, bars and shops. If your credit card has a PIN number you will be able to withdraw cash from ATMs found at banks, shopping centres and other places throughout the city.
Tax Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 per cent, which is included in the price of goods and services. You may be able to claim a refund for the GST on goods if you have spent AUD$300 or more with a single business, no more than 60 days before departing Australia. Tourist Refund Scheme facilities are located in the departure area of international terminals.
Electricity You may require an adapter in order to plug your appliances into the power sockets. The adapter required for Australia is Type 1 Australia plug. The plugs in Australia have two flat metal pins, forming an inverted ‘V’ shape, and occasionally a third pin in the centre. The electrical current in Australia 220 – 240 volts, AC 50Hz.
Climate During the conference, we can expect temperatures between 16oC – 23oC during the day and night. Sydney can expect sunny days and little rain during the conference.
Water Australia has excellent water safety standards and pipes, meaning that the water is fresh and safe to drink. However, if swimming at a beach, the water can be salty.
Food Sydney restaurants have a high international reputation, offering a variety of local and international cuisine options. Sydney offers Michelin-Star restaurants who offer outstanding dishes and excellent wine options from many local and international regions.
Tipping
Religion
Hotels and restaurants do not add service charges to your bill, and tipping is always your choice. In upmarket restaurants, it is common to tip waiters 10 per cent of the bill for good service.
Australia is predominantly a Christian country, but has such a diverse ethnic society with most major religions being practiced and having their own places of worship.
Visa
Emergency contacts
Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders must apply for a visa before leaving home. You can apply for a range of visas, including tourist visas and working holiday visas, at your nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate. You can also apply for certain types of visas on the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.
For ambulance, fire or police, call 000 from any public, private or mobile phone in Sydney.
Transportation Sydney offers travellers a wide selection of transport options, suiting all budgets and travelling preferences. The city centre and hotel are accessible from Sydney International Airport by taxi (approximately AUD$40 one way), which is the quickest and most convenient way. All Sydney taxis must be licenced and operate for the same fare. They are either white or yellow in colour, have to be air conditioned, have a credit card terminal, give a receipt automatically and issue an invoice on request. It is recommended to order cabs by phone in Sydney, or to board them at official taxi ranks or in front of major hotels. Phone: Web: App:
13 CABS (13 2227) www.taxiscombined.com.au 13 CABS
Buses are also frequently used and information is available at Transport NSW.
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