55th Session of the International Statistical Institute (ISI)

Passport And Visa

All travellers to Australia, other than those holding New Zealand passports, 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.

Download Visa Guide (PDF File, 12Kb)

If you do not have Acrobat Reader, click below to get your free software that lets you view and print Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files.

Public Transportation

Please note that the hotels listed in this brochure are within walking distance of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. Sydney’s Central Business District is served by trains, buses, monorail and light rail services.

Taxis: Taxis in Sydney operate under 2 pricing structures. From 6.00am to 10.00pm the standard fare applies. On the left hand side of the taxi meter, above the word ‘rate’ you should see the number 1. From 10.00pm to 6.00am, 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. Taxi rates are reasonable by international standards.

Airport Information

The central business district is 10km north of the International Airport and takes approximately 20 minutes to reach by car. A taxi costs approximately A$ 25. A regular airport to city bus service operates from approximately 6.00am to 9.00pm (not recommended for those with large amounts of luggage).

A train service also runs from Sydney Airport to Sydney City every 10 minutes. The trip takes approximately 13 minutes and costs A$ 11.00 from the airport into the city centre but you may then require a taxi to reach your hotel, particularly if you have luggage. For further information please visit: http://www.airportlink.com.au/

Alternatively, the Conference Managers are able to assist with transport arrangements.

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 before departure.

Insurance

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It you register for the Session and book your travel. The policy should include loss of fees/ deposit through cancellation of your participation in the Session, or through cancellation of the Session, 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. The Conference Managers cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin.

Medical Care

The addresses and telephone numbers of hospitals, health and dental clinics are available at the Registration Desk.

Download Medical Care (PDF File, 9Kb)

If you do not have Acrobat Reader, click below to get your free software that lets you view and print Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files.

Emergency Phone Numbers

Sydney Police Centre: (02) 9281 0000
NSW Ambulance Service: 000
Sydney Fire Brigade: 000
Translating and Interpreting Service: 131- 450

Climate And Clothing

April is autumn in Australia and the average minimum to maximum temperature range in Sydney is 15 to 23° C. Generally Australians are informal dressers. We suggest you bring a jacket and tie for special occasions. A light jacket is recommended for evenings. Please see the Social Program page for dress details at social functions.

Daily Costings

To assist your planning financially to attend the ISI Conference we have provided a guideline below indicate the expected costs you will need to allow for during your stay in Australia.
* Airfare and Registration Fee
* Meals per day: A$100
* Accommodation per night: A$160
* Taxi to and from airport to the Convention Centre: A$35 (per way)

Currency And Exchange Rate

Decimal currency is used in Australia with thedollar 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. 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. Automatic Teller Machines are widely available.

Current exchange rates can be found at www.x-rates.com

Business Hours

Banks generally open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday - Friday. General office hours are 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Friday. Post Offices operate during these hours, however stamps are often available from hotels.

Time

Sydney is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time in April.

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)

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 applies to goods over the value of A$ 300 when items are purchased in the same shop within 30 days of your departure from Australia. Should an item be too large to take onto the aircraft as hand luggage you will need to visit the TRS clearing office at the international airport with the item and receipt. The receipt will be stamped TRS sighted and at that point you can check the large item in with your luggage. Once you have cleared Customs you can collect your refund from the TRS desk by showing your receipt or items purchased. It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia.

Tipping

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

Food

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". A small service surcharge, known as “corkage” may apply.

Darling Harbour Shops provide a convenient place to purchase your lunches during the session and are located next to the Convention Centre.

Privacy

Australia introduced the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 in 2001. The Conference Managers comply with this 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 Session will be only used for the purposes of planning and conduct of the Session and may also be provided to the organising body or to organisers of future events. It is also usual to produce a ‘Delegate List’ of attendees at the Session 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 Session. Individuals are also entitled to have access to 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. For more information see the ‘Information for

International Travellers’ on the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) website, which you can access by visiting http://www.affa.gov.au.

Shopping

Shops in Sydney open from 9.00am to 5.30pm during the week with late night shopping on Thursday. On Saturday, most shops open from 9.00am to 4.00pm. On Sunday Darling Harbour shops are open from 10.00am to 6.00pm and major department stores in the centre of the city are open from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Planning Your Travel

Because of time change and jet lag the National Organising Committee suggests you consider arriving in Australia by 3 April 2005 . This will enable you to relax and familiarise yourself with your hotel and its surrounds before the start of the Session.




	Services and Facilities Passport And Visa All travellers to Australia, other than those holding New Zealand passports, 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. Download Visa Guide (PDF File, 12Kb) If you do not have Acrobat Reader, click below to get your free software that lets you view and print Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files. Public Transportation Please note that the hotels listed in this brochure are within walking distance of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. Sydney’s Central Business District is served by trains, buses, monorail and light rail services. Taxis: Taxis in Sydney operate under 2 pricing structures. From 6.00am to 10.00pm the standard fare applies. On the left hand side of the taxi meter, above the word ‘rate’ you should see the number 1. From 10.00pm to 6.00am, 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. Taxi rates are reasonable by international standards. Airport Information The central business district is 10km north of the International Airport and takes approximately 20 minutes to reach by car. A taxi costs approximately A$ 25. A regular airport to city bus service operates from approximately 6.00am to 9.00pm (not recommended for those with large amounts of luggage). A train service also runs from Sydney Airport to Sydney City every 10 minutes. The trip takes approximately 13 minutes and costs A$ 11.00 from the airport into the city centre but you may then require a taxi to reach your hotel, particularly if you have luggage. For further information please visit: http://www.airportlink.com.au/ Alternatively, the Conference Managers are able to assist with transport arrangements. 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 before departure. Insurance Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It you register for the Session and book your travel. The policy should include loss of fees/ deposit through cancellation of your participation in the Session, or through cancellation of the Session, 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. The Conference Managers cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin. Medical Care The addresses and telephone numbers of hospitals, health and dental clinics are available at the Registration Desk. Download Medical Care (PDF File, 9Kb) If you do not have Acrobat Reader, click below to get your free software that lets you view and print Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files. Emergency Phone Numbers Sydney Police Centre: (02) 9281 0000 NSW Ambulance Service: 000 Sydney Fire Brigade: 000 Translating and Interpreting Service: 131- 450 Climate And Clothing April is autumn in Australia and the average minimum to maximum temperature range in Sydney is 15 to 23° C. Generally Australians are informal dressers. We suggest you bring a jacket and tie for special occasions. A light jacket is recommended for evenings. Please see the Social Program page for dress details at social functions. Daily Costings To assist your planning financially to attend the ISI Conference we have provided a guideline below indicate the expected costs you will need to allow for during your stay in Australia. * Airfare and Registration Fee * Meals per day: A$100 * Accommodation per night: A$160 * Taxi to and from airport to the Convention Centre: A$35 (per way) Currency And Exchange Rate Decimal currency is used in Australia with thedollar 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 $2 denominations. Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club. Automatic Teller Machines are widely available. Current exchange rates can be found at www.x-rates.com Business Hours Banks generally open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday - Friday. General office hours are 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Friday. Post Offices operate during these hours, however stamps are often available from hotels. Time Sydney is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time in April. Electricity Electrical current is 240/ 250V, AC 50Hz. The Australian three- pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/ 240V switch. If not, you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels. Goods & Services Tax (Gst) /Tourist Refund Scheme (Trs) Since 1 July 2000, Australia has adopted a new taxation system incorporating the Goods & Services Tax (GST). All prices quoted in this brochure are inclusive of GST, unless otherwise specified. As part of this new taxation system, the Australian Government introduced the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). The scheme is administered by the Australian Customs Department and took effect on 1 July 2000.The TRS enables travellers departing Australia to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australia. The refund applies to goods over the value of A$ 300 when items are purchased in the same shop within 30 days of your departure from Australia. Should an item be too large to take onto the aircraft as hand luggage you will need to visit the TRS clearing office at the international airport with the item and receipt. The receipt will be stamped TRS sighted and at that point you can check the large item in with your luggage. Once you have cleared Customs you can collect your refund from the TRS desk by showing your receipt or items purchased. It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia. Tipping Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in some other parts of the world. Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. It is customary to tip hotel porters and restaurants if good service is received. Tips for taxis are regarded as optional. Food 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". A small service surcharge, known as “corkage” may apply. Darling Harbour Shops provide a convenient place to purchase your lunches during the session and are located next to the Convention Centre. Privacy Australia introduced the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 in 2001. The Conference Managers comply with this 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 Session will be only used for the purposes of planning and conduct of the Session and may also be provided to the organising body or to organisers of future events. It is also usual to produce a ‘Delegate List’ of attendees at the Session 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 Session. Individuals are also entitled to have access to 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. For more information see the ‘Information for International Travellers’ on the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) website, which you can access by visiting http://www.affa.gov.au. Shopping Shops in Sydney open from 9.00am to 5.30pm during the week with late night shopping on Thursday. On Saturday, most shops open from 9.00am to 4.00pm. On Sunday Darling Harbour shops are open from 10.00am to 6.00pm and major department stores in the centre of the city are open from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Planning Your Travel Because of time change and jet lag the National Organising Committee suggests you consider arriving in Australia by 3 April 2005 . This will enable you to relax and familiarise yourself with your hotel and its surrounds before the start of the Session.