Insurance

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind.  It is strongly recommended that at the time you register for the Conference and book your travel you take out an insurance policy of your choice.  The policy should include

• loss of fees/deposit through cancellation of your participation in the Conference, or through cancellation of the Conference,
• loss of international/domestic air fares through cancellation for any reason,
• loss of tour monies through cancellation for any reason including airline or related services strikes within Australia,
• failure to utilise tours or pre booked arrangements due to airline delay,
• Force Majeure or any other reason,
• medical expenses (including sickness and accident cover),
• loss or damage to personal property,
• additional expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered
• Medical expenses

The Conference Managers cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance.

Airport and Transport

Coogee is situated in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. The airport is located 12.58km east and it takes approximately 20 minutes to reach Coogee by car. A taxi ride into Coogee from the airport costs approximately A$40.  The only form of public transport to Coogee is bus. Coogee is only 20 minutes by car from Sydney’s Central business district.  A regular airport to Bondi Junction 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.

Taxi
Taxis in Sydney operate under 2 pricing structures. From 0600 – 2200 hours the standard fare applies.  On the left hand side of the taxi meter above the word "rate" you should see the number 1. From 2200 – 0600 hours, a 20% night tariff applies, at these times the meter should be set on rate 2. Please check the meter is set correctly when you begin your journey.

Trains
There is a train station located at Sydney Airport with lifts available for easy transfer of luggage. Trains run on average every 10 minutes during the day on a weekday and every 15 minutes on weekends and it takes approximately 10 minutes to reach Central Station and 15 minutes to Circular Quay. Fares to the City start from A$16.40 per adult for a single journey.

For further information on the service that the Airport Link provides, please see the following website: www.airportlink.com.au  Once in the City, a bus is required to Coogee.

See more information about transportation in Sydney and plan your trip here.

Banking/Currency

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

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 and American Express.

Business Hours

Banks and post offices generally open from 0930 – 1600 hours from Monday to Friday.  Business office hours are 0900 – 1700 hours from Monday to Friday. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available 24 hours in many locations.

Climate and Clothing

Sydney has a humid subtropical climate with warm, sometimes hot summers and mild winters, with rainfall spread throughout the year. April is autumn and the temperature range is 14 - 22 Celsius (58 - 72 Fahrenheit)

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 refer to the information on the social program for dress at social functions organised as part of the Conference.

Eating Out

Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. Local specialities such as seafood and Australian wines are worth trying.

At some restaurants you can keep the liquor bill down by taking your own wine or beer. These are called "BYO" restaurants, an abbreviation for "bring your own".

Electricity

Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz.  The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch.  If not, you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.

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

All prices quoted in this brochure are inclusive of 10% GST (Goods & Services Tax), unless otherwise specified.  GST applies to most goods and services in Australia.
The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is administered by the Australian Customs Department and 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. 

For detailed information on the TRS visit the website of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Services of the Australian Government here.

Language

The official language for the conference is English.  

Photography

The Conference Hosts and Conference Managers have arranged for photography onsite throughout the Conference. The images may be used for post-conference reports, case studies, marketing collateral and supplied to industry media if requested.  If you do not wish for your photo to be taken, please inform an Arinex staff member at the registration desk onsite.

Parking

Parking is available at the Conference venue with the Scientia Building, entry through Gate 11, Botany St or Gate 14, Barker St.  Park in the multi-level parking station.  Casual all day parking is $6.00 for the first 3 hours and then $2.50 per hour after, up to 12 hours on weekdays.

Pay and display tickets may be purchased from dispensing machines in certain areas.  These tickets allow full or part day parking on the date of issue in the designated area the ticket was purchased.  Tickets are not transferable to another area.  The ticket must be displayed on the vehicle dashboard in accordance with the instructions on the ticket.

Passport & Immigration (VISA)

All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia.  Welcome letters can be requested by emailing the Conference Managers lce2015@arinex.com.au following completion and payment of Conference registration. For VISA information please download the following information factsheet from the Australian Immigration Office.

VISA FACTSHEET

Planning Your Travel

Because of time change and jet lag the Organising Committee suggests you consider arriving in Australia a few days prior to the commencement of the Conference.  This will enable you to relax and familiarise yourself with your hotel and its surrounds before the start of the Conference.

Privacy

Australia introduced the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 in 2001. The latest updates have been published 2014. The Conference Managers comply with such legislation which is designed to protect the right of the individual to privacy of their information.  Information collected in respect of proposed participation in any aspect of the Conference will be only used for the purposes of planning and conduct of the Conference and may also be provided to the organising body or to organisers of future events. Information may also be used for advice as to future conferences in a related area. Further information on Privacy Laws in Australia can be found here.

It is also usual to produce a "Delegate List" of attendees at the Conference and to include the individual’s details in such a list.  Consent for publication of the individual’s information may be withheld when completing the Registration Form for the Conference. Individuals are also entitled to access the information held by written application to the Conference Managers.

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. See more information here.

Shopping

Sydney shops open from 0900 to 1730 hours during the week with late night shopping on Thursday until 2100 hours.  On Saturday, most city shops open from 0900 to 1700 hours. On Sunday Darling Harbour shops are open from 1000 to 1800 hours and major department stores in the centre of city are open from 1000 to 1800 hours.  

Time

Sydney is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Tipping

Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world.  Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. It is customary to tip hotel porters and a gratuity of about 10% is usual in restaurants if good service is received. Tips for taxis are regarded as optional.

Vaccinations

There is no vaccination required for entering Australia.  However, if you enter Australia from a yellow fever declared country but do not hold a vaccination certificate you will receive a Yellow Fever Action Card for further information.  More information can be found on the Department of Heath of the Australian Government at http://www.health.gov.au/yellowfever.