Page 220 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sydney

218  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

As a modern, global city that welcomes beauty. A multi-billion dollar upgrade of the
over 30 million visitors to its shores each year, city’s public transport facilities, including new
Sydney has all the services expected of a Light Rail and Metro trains, will provide more
major destination, including reliable and efficient and better connections for getting
inexpensive public transport, plenty of around, and are set to transform major
cash dispensers and bureaux de change, thoroughfares into pedestrian-friendly zones
good communications networks and a with more public open spaces by 2019 (see
comprehensive range of comfortable p230). Visitors will find Sydney a safe, clean
accommodation, making it easy for visitors and welcoming city. They should encounter
to enjoy Sydney’s thriving dining scene, few practical problems as long as they follow
shopping, arts and culture, sporting activities, a few commonsense guidelines about
entertainment, exciting nightlife and natural personal security (see pp222–3).
When to Go Travel Safety Advice plants and plant products,
The best times to travel are Visitors can get up-to-date and any endangered species or
during autumn (March–May) travel safety information animal products. Packaged food
and spring (September– from the Foreign and such as biscuits and chocolates
November), when the weather Commonwealth Office in are usually allowed but must
is warm to mild. The summer the UK, the State Department still be declared. There are
months tend to be hot and in the US and the Department severe penalties for bringing in
humid, particularly in February. of Foreign Affairs and Trade illegal drugs. Because of these
However, if you can stand the in Australia. restrictions, personal luggage
heat then some of the best and hand luggage may be
deals often occur during this X-rayed before you can leave
period when children are Customs Information the bag gage reclaim area and
back at school. Winter (June– The customs allowance per often customs officers with
August) is rarely very cold, and person over 18 entering sniffer dogs will check luggage
temperatures can be as high Australia is up to the value of both near the baggage carousel
as 20° C (68° F). A$900 plus 2.25 litres (3.75 pints) and along the queues of exiting
of alcohol and a carton of passengers from the airport.
250 cigarettes or 250 grams Australia levies a departure
Visas and Passports (0.5 pounds) of cigars/tobacco. tax on all passengers aged
All visitors to Australia must Australia’s quarantine 12 or over. This is included in
hold a valid passport and, regulations are strict and all the cost of your airline ticket.
with the exception of New people entering the country
Zealand, must either have an at Sydney Airport will be given
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) a customs form to fill in on the Tourist Information
or a tourist visa (depending plane. Visitors must declare all To obtain information about
on your country of origin). foods – it is illegal to bring in Sydney and the rest of Australia
Citizens of the UK, the USA, fruit, vegetables, seeds, live before leaving home, travellers
France, Spain, Ireland, Germany, should look at the Destination
Denmark and several other NSW website.
countries qualify for an ETA, In Australia, Sydney’s principal
which allows entry to Australia tourist information points are
for up to three months. The ETA the The Rocks and Darling
can be applied for online or Harbour Sydney Visitor
through a travel agent, airline Centres. Both centres can book
or an Australian Visa Office, tours as well as recommend
and has a service fee of A$20. accommodation at certain
Visitors who are not eligible listed hotels. Infor mation booths
for an ETA, who want to stay can also be found in Chinatown
longer or enter on a working and at Circular Quay and Town
holiday, should check the Hall, as well as at Sydney’s
require ments through the major attractions. These booths
Department of Immigration have free maps, brochures and
and Citizenship. All visitors flyers promoting activities and
must also have an onward ticket tours (see p208).
and proof that they have An information sign at the Museum of For visitors arriving by air,
sufficient funds for their visit. Contemporary Art at Circular Quay there are free Sydney visitor
Surfers and beachgoers on Bondi Beach

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