Sydney is located on the southeastern coast of Australia and is the capital city of New South Wales (NSW). Geographically, the city is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Blue Mountains to the west, the Hawkesbury River to the north and the Royal National Park to the south. Sydney is one of the most iconic and dynamic cities in the world, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and urban sophistication. 46% of Sydney is green space, including parks and gardens. As Australia's largest city, it is a leading destination for international conferences and events.

Sydney Airport is the largest in Australia, with more than 220 direct flight routes from 27 countries, operated by 65 airlines. Sydney Airport is only 8km from the Central Business District (CBD), which can be reached by train in under 15 minutes (approx. AUD$20), and by taxi or rideshare services (approx. 20 minutes, AUD$45-55).

There are more than 44,000 hotel rooms in the city centre, with a range of options, whether you want luxury or affordability, heritage or ultramodern.

The official language in Australia is English.

Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD), symbolized as $. Common denominations include 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1 and $2 coins and $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 banknotes.

Currency exchange services are available at the airport, in the city centre and at most banks and Australia Post offices. ATMs are widely available throughout Sydney. Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. Contactless payments (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay) are also common. Cash is less frequently used.

Sydney operates on Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) in December, which is UTC +11:00.

December marks the beginning of summer in Sydney. Expect:

- Average daytime temperatures: 22–26°C

- Warm evenings: around 18–21°C

- Sea temperature: ~21°C

- Sunshine: ~8 hours/day

- Rainfall: Moderate, with occasional showers

Light clothing, sunscreen and a hat are recommended.

Sydney is rich with cultural diversity. It is home to a truly diverse population and welcomes people with a range of identities, perspectives and experiences including people from different cultures – with more than 40% of Sydneysiders born overseas – people young and old, and LGBTIQA+ communities. This makes for a thriving cultural scene, with First Nations art sand cultures; libraries, galleries and museums; live music; and performing arts – from opera, musicals, ballet and theatre to contemporary dance, comedy and drag shows. There are 170 art galleries and 79 museums in Sydney.

Whether you are a spectator or participant, Sydney has an action-packed sports calendar. If you are looking for something to watch there are plenty of options, from test-match and one-day cricket and yacht races on Sydney Harbour, to rugby union, rugby league, AFL and soccer matches at stadiums across the city. And if you are feeling active, Sydney has great options for running, cycling, golfing, kayaking, sailing, snorkelling and surfing. Sydney has more than 100 beaches within its city limits.

Sydney might be relaxed, but it is serious about its food and drink. There are almost 20,000 restaurants and 802 bars in Sydney. It has a dedicated coffee culture, commitment to brunch, and a range of great bars and restaurants – from the affordable to the flash – with cuisine that spans Asian-fusion, fresh seafood, modern Australian, and European and Middle Eastern cuisine. In the inner city, popular dining districts include Barangaroo – our newest waterfront precinct with fine dining options –Chinatown, Chippendale, Potts Point and Surry Hills. In the CBD, you can also find YCK Laneways, a buzzing late-night precinct with small bars, dining and entertainment.

Tipping is not mandatory in Australia. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a 5–10% tip for excellent service is appreciated, especially in restaurants or for hotel staff.

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is banned in all enclosed public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and public transport. Designated outdoor smoking areas are available.

- Country Code: +61

- Sydney Area Code: 2

- To call a Sydney number internationally: dial +61 2 xxxx xxxx

- For local calls within Australia: dial 02 xxxx xxxx

Sydney offers a vibrant shopping scene:

- Hours: Most shops open Monday–Saturday 9am–5:30pm, with late-night shopping on Thursdays until 9pm. Sunday trading is typically 10am–4pm.

- Popular areas:

- Pitt Street Mall & Westfield Sydney: International brands and department stores

- Queen Victoria Building (QVB): Historic architecture and boutique shopping

- The Strand Arcade: Australian designers and specialty stores

- Paddington Markets: Local crafts and fashion (Saturdays)

Australia applies a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10%, which is included in displayed prices. Tourists may be eligible for a GST refund on certain purchases over $300 through the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) at the airport.

Sydney is considered a safe city. Sydney ranks in the Top 5 in the Safe Cities Index (2021). As with any major urban area, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Emergency services are reliable and accessible.

Emergency Number: 000 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)

From mobile phones: 112 also works

Poison Information Centre: 13 11 26

International visitors need a visa to enter Australia unless they are a citizen of Australia or New Zealand. Find current visa information on the Australian Government website: Australian Department of Home Affairs https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/.

Plug Type: Type I (three flat pins in a triangular pattern)

Voltage: 230V

Frequency: 50Hz

Visitors from North America and Japan may need a voltage converter and plug adapter