General Information

Airport and Transport

The conference venue is approximately 15km north of the International Airport and a taxi transfer will cost approximately A$25 (trip duration is about 15 minutes).
A regular airport to city bus service operates from approximately 0600 to 2100 hours (not recommended for those with large amounts of luggage). Any queries please see the Travellers Information Desk at the Airport. A taxi to the city costs approximately $40 and the trip will take about 25 minutes.

Taxis:  Taxis in Sydney operate under 2 pricing structures.  From 0600 – 2200 hours the standard fare applies.  On the left hand side of the taxi meter, above the word ‘rate’ you should see the number 1.  From 2200 – 0600 hours, a 20% night tariff applies, at these times the meter should be set on rate 2. Please check the meter is set correctly when you begin your journey.

Bus Routes: Sydney has a comprehensive bus network, regularly connecting the venue to both the city and all transport terminals connecting to Sydney International airport. 
Regular bus services provide excellent connections to the city from the University of New South Wales. Bus routes L94 and 397 run from Anzac Parade (the bus stop is opposite the University) to Circular Quay and the City, taking approximately 30 minutes. Bus routes 393 and 395 run from Anzac Parade (the bus stop is opposite the University) to Central Station, taking approximately 20 minutes, where regular trains operate to both International and Domestic airport terminals.

For further information on Sydney public transport, please visit www.131500.com.au

Trains: There is a train station located at both the Domestic and International Terminals at Sydney Airport. Trains run on average every 10 minutes during the day on a weekday, and every 15 minutes on weekends. From the Domestic Terminal, it takes 10 minutes to reach Central Station and 15 minutes to Circular Quay. From the International Terminal it takes a few minutes longer. Lifts are available at both the International and Domestic Terminals for the easy transfer of luggage. Fares from the Domestic Terminal to the City start at $10 per adult for a single journey. For further information on the service that the Airport Link provides, please see the following website: www.airportlink.com.au

Banking and 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.

Climate

September is Spring in Sydney and the average temperature range is 13º Celsius at night to 22º Celsius during the day (55º Fahrenheit to 72º Fahrenheit).

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 Congress is English.  

Parking

Public parking is available nearby the conference venue at a metered cost of $2 per hour.

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.

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 Travelers’ on the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) website, which you can access by visiting http://www.affa.gov.au.

Time

Sydney is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time during the time of the conference.    

Australian Visa Information

All travellers to Australia, other than Australian and New Zealand citizens, are legally required to hold a valid visa to travel to Australia.
Visas are either issued electronically (ETA) with nothing appearing in the passport or through application where a sticker is required in the passport (Non-ETA).
It is advised to apply for your visa as soon as possible to ensure processing time.  The minimum time frame stated for an Australian visa application is six (6) weeks.
Delegates applying for a non-ETA visa may present their paid confirmation letter to an Australian visa office to support their application. No other letters will be issued for this purpose. As a conference delegate, you are not guaranteed to be granted a visa.