General Information

Visas

It is important that you apply for your visa to Australia at least 6 to 8 weeks before the conference. All travellers to Australia must have a valid visa before boarding their plane. You cannot apply for a visa on arrival in Australia.

There are two possible visa options. The appropriate visa will depend on your country of passport.

1.	The electronic short stay Business visa (ETA 977):
The ETA is an electronic or invisible visa and can be applied for online and issued the same day. It is only available to people with a passport from one of the following countries: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco,The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal , Republic of San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland Taiwan*, USA, United Kingdom - British Citizen, United Kingdom - British National (Overseas)**
*	Taiwan passport holders can be processed for an ETA only if resident in, and applying from, Taiwan.
**	UK passport holders whose nationality is British National (Overseas) can be processed for an ETA only if resident in, and applying from, Hong KongSAR.
***	Please be aware that Taiwanese passport holders and BNO passport holders cannot apply for an ETA online. Such passport holders must contact their closest visa office for information about how to obtain their ETA.
The Internet address for ETA applications is http://www.eta.immi.gov.au
2.	The paper short stay Business visa (subclass 456):
If you do not hold a passport from one of the above countries or locations, you will need to apply for a short stay Business visa (456) at the Australian visa office closest to your to current place of residence. There is a current fee of AUST$70 for 456 visa processing. This fee is to be paid at the time of lodgement of the visa application.
Form 456 can be downloaded from: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/456.pdf

Arriving in Sydney

Sydney's Kingsford-Smith Airport, more often referred to as 'Mascot', lies just 8km south of the city. Shuttle buses, trains and taxis operate between the airport and the city.

Maps

Visit the following websites for maps of Sydney and its transport services: http://citymap.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/

Weather

Sydney experiences a year round temperate climate. July is in mid-winter. The mean winter temperature is 12 degrees. You should come with some warm clothing and prepared for the possibility of rain. Sydney does boast an average of 342 days of sunshine a year!!

Time Zones

Sydney operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST), calculated by adding 10 hours to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). During Daylight Saving (from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March) add 11 hours to GMT.

Money

Australia uses a decimal currency system of dollars and cents. Credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere and traveller's cheques are also widely accepted. International airports and major hotels provide money-changing facilities.

Currency converter: go to http://www.xe.net./ucc/

Cost of Living

Sydney can be an expensive city. However, you can live relatively cheaply. Our estimates (in Australian dollars):

Accommodation: from $80 to $350 per room per night.

Meals (purchased in cafes, restaurants etc - minimum prices):

• Breakfast: $10
• Lunch: $20
• Dinner: $20 to $45.

The conference venue is centrally located. Public transport costs (train and bus) around the city are around AU$4 per trip. Walking is also an option!

Goods and Services Tax

For international visitors, a tax refund may be sought at the airport for goods beyond the value of $300 which they take with them as hand luggage when leaving the country. A tax refund is not available for goods or services consumed in Australia – and therefore the GST component of conference registration fees, accommodation, tours, etc are not claimable.

Sydney Sites and Tours

The following websites provide information about sight seeing, cultural activities and other experiences in Sydney and beyond. You are encouraged to spend time in Sydney, NSW and Australia after the conference.