Language
English is the official and dominant language in Australia. About 15 per cent of the population speak a different language at home including Greek, Chinese, Korean and Turkish. Australian English sometimes seems to be a language all of its own; it’s influenced by what comes out of the US and UK, but with many phrases that might baffle first-time visitors. For instance, someone who’s not quite there mentally might be said to ‘have a few kangaroos loose in the top paddock.’ To ‘spit the dummy’ means to get very upset, and something might be described as ‘as dry as a pommy’s towel’ (based on the premise that Poms – English people – bathe about once a month.) If you’d like a more comprehensive guide, just put ‘Australian slang’ in your Internet browser and see what comes up.
Currency And Tipping
The Australians use their own dollar, which is divided into 100 cents. Every denomination note is a different colour and size. You might hear of the orange-hued $AU20 being referred to as ‘a lobster,’ or the yellow $AU50 as ‘a pineapple.’ Tipping is not compulsory in cafes and restaurants, but is always appreciated. The standard tip for good service is 10% and 15% to 20% for something exceptional.
Safety
The usual big-city warnings apply to Sydney. Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas and keep valuables locked in the hotel safe. Check with the front desk at the hotel before embarking on a trip to somewhere off the tourist track.
Sexual harassment and discrimination, while uncommon, can occur and shouldn’t be tolerated. If, as a woman you do encounter infantile sexism from drunken louts, the best option is to leave and find a better place. There have been a number of reports recently of spiked drinks at inner-city bars. Don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know or leave your drink unattended. It’s also wise to stick to drinks that are sealed, such as bottled beer.
Many tourists do not realise how harsh the Australian sun can be. If visiting the beach or walking outdoors on a sunny day, sunscreen and a hat are a must. And make sure you re-apply that sunscreen every 2-3 hours.
Visas
Nearly all visitors to Australia need a visa. New Zealand nationals are exempt and even they receive a ‘special category’ visa on arrival. The type of visa you require depends on the reason for your visit. Application forms are available either from Australian diplomatic missions or travel agents; you can apply by mail or in person. Full details of the requirements for entry can be found on the Immigration Service’s website, www.immi.gov.au
Weather
Sydney is comfortable to visit at any time of the year, but summer (December to February in the southern hemisphere) can be very hot and humid, punctuated by the odd torrential downpour. Autumn is delightful, especially around March and April, with clear, warm days and mild nights. In spring (September to November), there’s more chance of rain but it clears quickly. Winter (June to August) is cooler, although the average temperature wouldn’t drop much below 56F (13C).
Getting Around
Sydney’s public transport system consists of buses, trains, modern trams, a monorail, ferries and taxis. The Sydney Explorer is a guided bus tour which takes in a 22-mile circuit of all the major attractions in the city. One-day tickets, available from the driver, allow passengers to board and leave the bus at any of its 22 stops. For comprehensive information on all public transport in Sydney, along with special savers, go to the City of Sydney website, www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/AboutSydney/...
