Passport and Visa close

All travellers to Australia, other than those holding New Zealand passports, require a valid entry visa prior to travel to Australia. For many nationalities an Electronic Visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) can be obtained from your travel agent or airline when making your travel arrangements. Please see your travel agent or airline for further details.

We strongly recommend you additionally check the latest information on the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs website

Local Transportation close

Sydney’s Central Business District is served by trains, buses, monorail and light rail services. Taxis: Taxis in Sydney operate under 2 pricing structures. From 6.00am to 10.00pm the standard fare applies. On the left hand side of the taxi meter, above the word ‘rate’ you should see the number 1. From 10.00pm to 6.00am, a 20% night tariff applies. During these times the meter should be set on rate 2. Please check the meter is set correctly when you begin your journey. Taxi rates are reasonable by international standards.

Airport Information close

The central business district is 10km north of the International Airport and takes approximately 20 minutes to reach by car. A taxi costs approximately A$ 30.

• Train – Trains run approximately 6-8 times per hour and the duration from the Airport to Town Hall station is 13 minutes. The cost of a single ticket is A$12.80. For further information please visit: www.airportlink.com.au
• Bus - The green and gold AIRPORT EXPRESS bus provides a fast, comfortable connection between the International Terminals and the City. Route 300 picks up passengers for Sydney City. The service operates daily, from approximately 5am to 11pm. Ticket price is A$7.00 one way. Note: this service is not recommended for those with large amounts of luggage.
• Hotel buses – The Kingsford Smith Transport / Sydney Airporter service operates to all places of accommodation, such as hotels, bed & breakfasts and backpackers, in the Kings Cross, City and Darling Harbour areas. If you wish to book this service call Phone +61 2 9666 9988, Fax +61 2 9666 7099, Email: airporter@kst.com.au. Cost: Adult one-way A$8.00. Frequency: every twenty – thirty minutes.

Alternatively, the Conference Managers are able to assist with transport arrangements.

Aviation Security Measures for Carry-on Baggage at International Airports close

From 31 March 2007, the Australian Government will introduce enhanced security measures to limit the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels that can be taken through the screening point for people who are flying to and from Australia.

All containers with drinks, creams, perfumes, sprays, gels, toothpaste and similar substances will have to be carried in a re-sealable transparent plastic bag, no larger than one litre, and be inspected separately at the airport screening point.

Each container should not have a capacity greater than 100 millilitres and all containers should fit comfortably in the re-sealable plastic bag. Exceptions will be made for passengers with medical conditions and quantities of baby food required for the flight. However, these items may be subject to additional security checks. Passengers can still take on board items purchased after the screening point, including duty free.

For more details please visit: http://www.dotars.gov.au/transport/security/aviation/LAG.aspx

Climate and Clothing close

August is winter in Australia and the average temperature in Sydney is approximately 16°C. Days are generally mild and sunny however it is necessary to carry warm clothing such as a coat or pullover. Generally Australians are informal dressers. We suggest you bring a jacket and tie for special occasions. Please see Social Program page for dress details at social functions.

Vaccinations close

No specific vaccinations are required for entry into Australia. However, 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 before departure.

Insurance close

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that at the time you register for the Conference and book your travel you take out an insurance policy of your choice. The policy should include loss of fees/ deposit through cancellation of your participation in the Conference, or through cancellation of the Conference, loss of international/ domestic air fares through cancellation for any reason, loss of tour monies through cancellation for any reason including airline or related services strikes within Australia, failure to utilise tours or pre- booked arrangements due to airline delay, Force Majeure or any other reason, medical expenses (including sickness and accident cover), loss or damage to personal property, additional expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered. The Conference Managers cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin.

Medical Care close

The addresses and telephone numbers of hospitals, health and dental clinics are available at the Registration Desk.

Emergency Phone Numbers close

Sydney Police Centre: (02) 9281 0000
NSW Ambulance Service: 000
Sydney Fire Brigade: 000
Translating and Interpreting Service: 131- 450

Currency and Exchange Rate close

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. Automatic Teller Machines are widely available.
Current exchange rates can be found at www.x-rates.com

Business Hours close

Banks generally open from 9.30am to 4.00pm Monday - Friday. General office hours are 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Friday. Post Offices operate during these hours; however stamps are often available from hotels.

Electricity close

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 are 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) close

Since 1 July 2000, Australia has adopted a new taxation system incorporating the Goods & Services Tax (GST). All prices quoted on this website 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 sighted 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.

Tipping close

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

Food close

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". A small service surcharge, known as “corkage” may apply.

Privacy close

Australia introduced the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 in 2001. The Conference Managers comply with this 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 have access to the information held, by written application to the Conference Managers.

Quarantine close

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 www.affa.gov.au

Shopping close

Shops in Sydney open from 9.00am to 5.30pm during the week with late night shopping on Thursday. On Saturday, most shops open from 9.00am to 4.00pm. On Sunday shops are open from 10.00am to 4.00pm.