Sydney for International Visitors

Time
Sydney is 10 hours ahead of GMT (GMT/UTC +10 hours). Sydney has daylight savings time from 2am on the last Sunday in October (with the exception of the year 2000 when it is from the 27th of August) until 3am on the last Sunday in March. All clocks are turned forward one hour for the duration of daylight savings time.

Banking
There are branches of all the national Australian banks throughout the city and most large international banks will also have branches in the city. All banks provide electronic banking facilities including ATMs outside almost all branches and in other positions where access to cash is regularly required by large numbers of people such as within shopping malls and pubs.

Currency
There is a decimal currency in Australia, with bank notes for five, ten, twenty, fifty and one hundred dollars. The cost of the Australian dollar (AUD) does fluctuate, but is about $0.75 US Dollars. Exchange facilities are available for all incoming and outgoing flights at the Sydney International Airport. Changing foreign currency can be done quickly and efficiently at most banks and at Bureau de Change outlets.

Tipping
As a rule, tipping is not expected in Sydney, however, it is customary so if you are happy with someone who has tried that little bit harder and gone the extra mile, then a tip is in order and always appreciated. Giving a small tip (10% of the bill) in a restaurant is in order if the service is good. It is also fairly common practice to tip bellhops in international hotels a few dollars, some hotels discourage tipping so don't be offended if they refuse to take it.

Getting Around
Taxi services are usually plentiful within the CBD, however, it is a good idea to know where you are going as you will often be asked for directions by the driver. There is a good public transport system (busses, ferries, light rail and train) with regular services operating within the city's underground rail network and throughout the suburbs. Cars drive on the left hand side of the road. If you're not used to it, take care when crossing the road - you should always use a "zebra crossing" to cross safely.

Seasonal Information
The temperature in Sydney, on average, ranges from 23C (72F) in summer to 13C (55F) in winter. The seasons in Australia are:

• Spring : September 1 through November 30
• Summer : December 1 through February 28 or 29
• Autum : March 1 through May 31
• Winter : June 1 through August 31

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in government buildings, on any public transport, including domestic flights and is banned in public spaces including indoor areas of pubs and some outdoor public spaces.

Emergency
In a life threatening emergency dial 000 for Fire, Ambulance & Police

Related Links

• Visa Requirements for International Visitors
• Health Care for International Visitors
• Dates of Public & School Holidays
• Sydney Accommodation
• Sydney Tours & Activities