Sydney Transport
Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) is 10km north of the International Airport and takes approximately 20 minutes to reach by car. 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.
Taxi
A taxi fare from Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD is approximately A$50. If you would prefer to pre-book your taxi during your stay in Sydney, here are the contact details of the main taxi companies:
You can request a ride from Uber from either the Domestic or the International terminal of Sydney Airport. Just request your Uber once you have exited the terminal and your driver will meet you at the pick-up area. A typical UberX (low cost ride) to Sydney’s CBD costs A$43 and a typical UberBLACK ride (premium ride) to Sydney’s central business district costs A$89-114. For more information on Uber please see here.
Train
There is a train station located at both the Domestic and International Terminals at Sydney Airport. Trains run on average every 10 minutes during the day on a weekday and every 15 minutes on weekends. From the Domestic Terminal, it takes 15 minutes to reach Central Station and 20 minutes to reach Circular Quay. From the International Terminal it takes just a few minutes longer. Lifts are available at both the International and Domestic Terminals for easy transfer of luggage. Fares from Sydney Airport terminals to the CBD are approximately A$17 per adult for a single journey. For more information on departures and prices please visit here.
Banking and 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 denominations. 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.
To view the current foreign exchange rates, please visit www.x-rates.com
Call for Papers
The Call for Papers will open September 2021. More information will be available shortly
Climate and Clothing
In Sydney, the average Autumn temperature is as follows:
- Autumn (Mar-May): 12-25 ºC (55-77 ºF)
Generally Australians are informal dressers. We suggest you bring attire with you for special occasions. A light jacket is recommended for cooler evenings.
Sunrise and Sunset
The average time the sun rises in May is 6:30am – 6:50am.
The average the sun sets in May is 4:45pm – 5:15pm.
Eating Out
Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. Local specialties 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. We advise you check with the restaurant if this is a BYO restaurant prior to your arrival.
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.
Flights
Qantas is Australia’s largest domestic and international airline and is widely regarded as the world’s leading long-distance airline. With a reputation for excellence in safety, operational reliability, and world class customer service; Qantas offers a truly global network proposition for delegates who will be travelling to the International Congress of Actuaries in 2023 (ICA2023).
To ensure you can book and travel with confidence, the Qantas Group is introducing a range of new measures, which will be available once normal travel resumes. Qantas Travel Update – Coronavirus.
The health and safety of our delegates is, and always has been our highest priority. The Fly Well program by Qantas brings together a number of new and existing wellbeing measures to give you peace of mind as you prepare to travel. For more information please click here to view the Qantas Fly Well guidelines.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) / Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
All prices quoted on this website are inclusive of 10% GST (Goods and 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 travelers departing from Australia to claim a refund of the GST and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australia. For detailed information on the TRS visit the website of the Australian Border Force of the Australian Government.
Insurance
Registration fees do not include insurance. It is strongly recommended that at the time you register for the Congress 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 Congress or through cancellation of the Congress,
- 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 Organising Committee and Congress Hosts cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin.
Language
The official language for the Congress is English.
Passport and Immigration (Visas)
All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia. For visa information please refer to the website of the Department of Home Affairs.
Note that it is strongly recommended that Australian visa applications are lodged at least two months prior to departure from your point of origin.