Sydney is a cosmopolitan city. From its beginning, it has been a home to people from all over the world. Many generations and cultures have left their mark in defining Sydney’s evolution into one of the world's most diverse and exciting social centres. The city is also a key player in the Asia-Pacific region.
Currency
The unit of money is the Australian Dollar (AU), made up of 100 cents.
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls. 24-hour automated teller machines (ATMs) are widely available.
Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.
AUD 1.00
equals:
|
Exchange Rates
|
Currency
|
|
0.66
|
Euro
(EUR)
|
|
0.56
|
British Pound
(GBP)
|
|
55.55
|
Indian Rupee
(INR)
|
|
93.59
|
Japanese Yen
(JPY)
|
|
1.10
|
New Zealand Dollar
(NZD)
|
|
1.14
|
Singapore Dollar
(SGD)
|
|
0.91
|
US Dollar
(USD)
|
Taxes
A 10% Goods and Services Tax applies to most purchases.
This tax is refundable to visitors with purchases in excess of AUD 300 per store made within 30 days before departing Australia. It applies only to goods visitors take with them as hand luggage.
Please call 1300 363 263 or visit www.customs.gov.au for further information.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory. However, it is acceptable to give a gratuity for good service.
Business Hours
Bank Hours
9.30am - 4pm, Monday through Thursday
9.30am - 5pm, Friday
Office Hours
9am - 5.30pm, Monday through Friday
Shop Hours
9am - 5.30pm, Monday through Wednesday and Friday
9am - 9pm, Thursday
9am - 5pm, Saturday and Sunday
Public Health
Healthcare in Australia follows Western traditions with advanced medical resources widely
available. However, we do recommend that all travellers be in good health prior to undertaking any strenuous travel.
Drinking water from the tap is safe throughout Australia. Bottled drinking water is also available in every hotel room.
Dress
Australia is known to be casual in its approach to dressing. However, light suits and dresses are appropriate for business meetings.
Weather
Sydney has an oceanic climate with warm summers and mild winters. Rainfall is spread evenly throughout the year.
Expect temperatures ranging from 18 C to 30 C (65 F – 86 F) during the warmer months (October - March), and between 12 C and 25 C (50 F – 63 F) during the cooler months (April - September).
Today
Mostly Sunny
An a.m. shower; otherwise, mostly sunny
|
High:
|
31°C /
87°F
|
|
Low:
|
18°C /
64°F
|
Tomorrow
Partly Sunny
An a.m. shower; otherwise, partly sunny
|
High:
|
29°C /
84°F
|
|
Low:
|
18°C /
64°F
|
|
Thursday:
|
|
Partly Sunny
|
High:
26°C /
78°F
|
Low:
18°C /
64°F
|
|
Friday:
|
|
Mostly Sunny
|
High:
28°C /
82°F
|
Low:
18°C /
64°F
|