Currency
Decimal currency is used in Australia - units are dollars and cents. Current exchange rates can be obtained from your bank. All major credit cards are widely accepted in Australia.

Banks
Banks in Australia are open from 0930 to 1600 Monday to Thursday and 0930 to 1700 on Fridays. Banks are closed all day Saturday and Sunday. Exchange facilities are available at the airport and most major hotels.

Language
English is spoken throughout Australia and is the official language for the Congress.

Time
Local Sydney time during October/November is 'Summertime' - Greenwich Mean Time plus 11 hours.

Electricity
The electrical supply is 240 volts, 50Hz. The connection for appliances is a flat 3-pin plug of unique design. Most hotels provide 110 volt outlets for shavers.

Climate and Clothing
In Sydney in October/November you can look forward to temperatures of approximately 23 C during the daytime and 21 C in the evening.

Shopping
Shops open from 0900 to 1730 during the week with late night shopping on Thursdays to 2100. On Saturdays and Sunday most shops are open between 0900 and 1600. Sydney is considered an excellent duty-free port for travellers.

Visas
Most travellers will require a visa for entry into Australia. Please check this with your airline, travel agent or nearest Australian Consulate as immigration laws are very strict.

Travel and Health Insurance
We strongly recommend that you take out insurance policies to cover medical and travel expenses. If necessary, consult your travel agent.

Taxes
Australian Government legislation states that a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% will be introduced on 01 July 2000.

Tipping
Tipping is not the general custom in Australia and service charges are not added to accounts by hotels and restaurants. However, you may tip hotel porters and food and drink waiters in restaurants (up to 10% of the bill) for special service. At any time, tipping is your choice.

Eating Out
Sydney's multicultural population is reflected in the wide variety of excellent restaurants offering a diversity of cuisine from around the world. Local seafood delicacies are recommended and include Sydney Rock Oysters, King Prawns, Queensland Mud Crab, Balmain Bugs and Barramundi. These are delicious when accompanied by Australian wines, many of which have won major international awards.