Climate and Clothing

Sydney is located in the southern temperate zone and does not suffer extremes of cold or heat. At the end of August, Australian winter turns into spring. The climate in Sydney is similar to coastal California and the northern Mediterranean. In August - September, temperature may vary between 9 and 19 °C. As the temperature drops in the evening, a jacket or jumper is needed. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology gives the exact weather information for Sydney and New South Wales.

Credit Cards

All banks have automated teller machines (ATMs) accessible 24-hours a day, generally outside the branch or in the foyer. Check with your card issuer that your charge or account-linked credit card can be used in this way, and at which bank as none accept every brand of card.

Currency

The local currency is the Australian dollar (AU$). Check the International Currency Converter for exchange rates. The currency guide of the Australian Tourist Commission gives a general idea of the price level.

Shopping

An immense variety of tempting shopping districts, arcades and boutiques invite the visitor to do some “serious” shopping in Sydney.

Highlights include:

• David Jones Food Hall, Market Street
• QVB, George Street (fashion, accessories)
• Strand Arcade (designer fashion, jewelry)
• Gowings, George Street (menswear)
• R M Williams, George Street (outback including leather boots, akubra hats and drizabone jackets)

Driving

Australians drive on the left hand side of the road. The maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60 km/h (35 mph) and on country roads and highways, 100 km/h (62 mph) - 110 km/h (68 mph) unless signs indicate otherwise. Tourists may drive in Australia on a valid overseas driver’s license for the same class of vehicle. Licenses must be carried when driving, in addition to a valid passport.

Electricity

240V, 50Hz

Restaurants

The incredible diversity of Sydney's multi-cultural society has produced a food lover's paradise. Australia has no rival when it comes to clean, fresh food. Brilliant chefs at top restaurants constantly stretch the boundaries of what goes with what to create dishes which blend influences from other countries, notably Japan and Asia, with superb local produce. Seafood, prime beef and lamb feature prominently.

Sydney City Search Food and Wine Guide
Sydney Food Guide

Bars

Sydney has a broad selection of bars ranging from English style pubs to ultra-slick hip bars.

Sydney Cool Bars

Telephone

Outside of Australia, dial your international access code, followed by 61 for Australia, 2 for New South Wales (which includes Sydney), and then the eight digit local number. Within Australia but outside New South Wales, dial 02 followed by the eight digit local number.

Public Transport

Taxis are available at taxi-stands or can be hailed in the street. Trains and buses travel around the city and the suburbs. Ferries travel from Circular Quay around Sydney Harbour.

Timetable, tickets and trip planner for trains, ferries and buses.

Time Zone

The time zone in Sydney is GMT/UTC +10 hours (Eastern Standard Time).

Tipping

No service charge applies in Australia. Tipping is not mandatory but a 10% tip in restaurants and hotel bars is not unusual for very good service.