All your pre-visit and on-location info, from taxis and tipping to visas and vaccinations. At a glance: lovely weather and visas all round
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Australian Eastern Daylight Time (GMT+10). Daylight saving in summer
Australian Dollars (AUD$)
+61
Sydneysiders are rightly proud of their weather – temperatures around 26C/79F from December to February, 16C/61F June to August. They’ll never mention the occasional rain
April to September/October – the Australian winter – is high season for tourists. You’ll still be able to swim in Sydney, and there’s the opportunity to visit other regions which would be too hot and/or humid during the Australian summer
All visitors require a visa. Type of visa is dependent on a traveller’s passport – find out more here
None required
Type I (two- or three-prong)
Not expected, but always appreciated for good service. There is an extra service fee on some public holidays, and weekends
Dial 000 for fire, police or ambulance
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Airlines and airports: Sydney’s international and domestic airport, Kingsford-Smith, is in the city’s southeast. Most major airlines fly there
Transfers:. There are trains, buses, shuttles and car hire at the international and domestic terminals at Sydney Airport. Taxis cost around AUD$50 to the city centre. Alternatively, you can look into car hire here
Public transport: There’s a regular and extensive bus, train and ferry network (ride the ferries for pure pleasure, too)
Cabs: Not cheap and their quality varies, plus booking fees usually apply. Major groups include taxiscombined.com.au, premiercabs.com.au and legioncabs.com.au, but many locals prefer to use Uber