General Information

Airport and Transport

The central business district is 10km north of the International Airport and takes approximately 20 minutes to reach by car. A taxi costs approximately AU$25. A regular airport to city bus service operates from approximately 0600 to 2100 hours (not recommended for those with large amounts of luggage). Any queries please see the Travellers Information Desk at the Airport.

Currency

Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = $1) Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 denominations.

All fees in this Registration Brochure have been quoted in Australian Dollars (AU$). For current exchange rates please visit the website http://www.x-rates.com/html

Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club.

Climate and Clothing

September is spring and the temperature range is 11oC to 20oC. Generally Australians are informal dressers. We suggest you bring a jacket and tie with you for special occasions. A light jacket is recommended for evenings. Please see the social program on section for dress details at social functions.

Goods & Services Tax (GST) / Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

Since 1 July 2000, Australia has adopted a new taxation system incorporating the Goods & Services Tax (GST). All prices quoted in this brochure are inclusive of GST, unless otherwise specified.

As part of this new taxation system, the Australian Government introduced the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). The scheme is administered by the Australian Customs Department and took effect on 1 July 2000. The TRS enables travellers departing Australia to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australia. The refund only applies to goods which travellers take with them as hand luggage when leaving the country. It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia, however the goods can be used before departing Australia.

Passport & Visa

All travellers to Australia, other than New Zealanders, require a valid entry VISA prior to travel to Australia. For many nationalities (29 in total) an Electronic Visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) can be obtained from your travel agent or airline when making your travel arrangements. Please see your travel agent or airline for further details.

Planning your travel

Because of time change and jet lag the Organising Committee suggests you consider arriving in Australia by Friday 20 September 2002. This will enable you to relax and familiarise yourself with your hotel and its surrounds before the start of the Congress.

Quarantine

Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the import of animals and plants, which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted.

Time

At the time of the Congress, the local time in Sydney will be Eastern Australian Day Light Saving Time which is 11 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean time.

Vaccinations

A current valid international certificate of inoculation against yellow fever is required if passengers come from, or travel through, infected areas. Check this carefully with your airline or travel agent.