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General Information

Airport and Transport

Travel by train

There are rail stations located at both the International and Domestic Terminals. The Domestic rail station is located directly between T2 and T3 Terminals and is accessible from within the terminals from the arrivals level. The International rail station is located at the northern end of the terminal and is accessible from the arrivals level. Trains run approximately every 10 minutes and the journey into the city takes only 25 minutes.

The State Transit Website - www.131500.com.au - has useful information regarding public transport options, including a trip planner function that will provide you with detailed information on how to get around Sydney.

Travel by Taxi

Each terminal has its own sheltered taxi rank with supervisors on hand in peak hours to ensure a smooth flow of taxis for travelers. From Sydney airport to the Hilton Sydney or surrounding Conference hotels the fare will range between $50.00 to $55.00. A $3.00 airport toll is payable by all passengers taking a taxi from any of Sydney Airport's taxi ranks.

Contacts have been provided below if you would prefer to pre-book your taxi.

Taxis Combined Services
Phone: 133 300
Web: www.taxiscombined.com.au

Silver Service Fleet
Phone: 133 100
Web: www.silverservice.com.au

Banking/Currency

Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = $1).  Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5.  Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 denominations. 

Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours.  Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club.

Business Hours

Banks generally open from 0930 - 1600 hours Monday - Friday.  General office hours are 0900 – 1700 hours Monday - Friday.  Post Offices operate these hours; however stamps are often available from hotels.

Climate and Clothing

September is spring and the temperature ranges from 11 – 19 degrees Celsius. Generally Australians are informal dressers. We suggest you bring a jacket and tie with you for special occasions. 

Please refer to the information on the social program page for dress at social functions organised as part of the Conference.

Eating Out

Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. Local specialties such as seafood and Australian wines are worth trying. At some restaurants you can keep the liquor bill down by taking your own wine or beer. These are called "BYO" restaurants, an abbreviation for "bring your own".

Electricity

Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz.  The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor.  If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch.  If not, you will need a voltage converter.  Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.

Goods & Services Tax (GST) / Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

Since 1 July 2000, Australia has adopted a new taxation system incorporating the Goods & Services Tax (GST). All prices quoted in this brochure are inclusive of GST, unless otherwise specified.

As part of this new taxation system, the Australian Government introduced the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). The scheme is administered by the Australian Customs Department and took effect on 1 July 2000. The TRS enables travellers departing Australia to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australia. The refund applies to goods over the value of A$300 when items are purchased in the same shop within 30 days of your departure from Australia.  Should an item be too large to take onto the aircraft as hand luggage you will need to visit the TRS clearing office at the international airport with the item and receipt.  The receipt will be stamped TRS sited and at that point you can check the large item in with your luggage.  Once you have cleared customs you can collect your refund from the TRS desk by showing your receipt or items purchased.  It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia, however the goods can be used before departing Australia.

Language

The official language for the conference is English.  

Privacy

Australia introduced the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 in 2001.  The Conference Managers comply with such legislation which is designed to protect the right of the individual to privacy of their information.  Information collected in respect of proposed participation in any aspect of the Conference will be only used for the purposes of planning and conduct of the Conference and may also be provided to the organising body or to organisers of future events.  It is also usual to produce a ‘Delegate List’ of attendees at the Conference and to include the individual’s details in such a list.  

Consent for publication of the individual’s information may be withheld when completing the Registration Form for the Conference. Individuals are also entitled to access the information held by written application to the Conference Managers.

Private Functions

It is requested that you advise the Conference Managers of any private /corporate functions that might be planned outside of the official program. The Conference Managers would be pleased to assist with arrangements for any of these events.

Private Touring/Hospitality Arrangements

Should you have any specialised group requirements for private touring, transportation or hospitality services other than those organised for the official program, please contact the Conference Manager who would be pleased to assist with arrangements.

Quarantine

Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries.  Very strict quarantine rules apply to the import of animals and plants, which cannot be brought into the country without prior application.  Animal and plant products are also restricted.

For more information see the ‘Information for International Travellers’ on the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) website, which you can access by visiting http://www.affa.gov.au.

Shopping

Shops open from 0900 to 1730 hours during the week with late night shopping on Thursday. On Saturdays and Sundays most shops are open from 0900 to 1600 hours.

Time

Sydney is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Tipping

Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. It is customary to tip hotel porters and a gratuity of about 10 per cent is usual in restaurants if good service is received. Tips for taxis are regarded as optional.

Vaccinations

A current valid international certificate of inoculation against yellow fever is required if passengers come from, or travel through, infected areas. Check this carefully with your airline or travel agent.