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The Australian dollar is divided into 100 cents. There are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 plastic notes. A 10 percent tax is levied on most goods and services (GST), but tourists may be entitled to refunds from Customs through the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). Be sure to ask for a “tax invoice” for purchases over $300, just in case.

Most banks are open from 9/10am–4/5pm Monday to Friday. Australia Post branch hours vary, but most are open from 9am–5pm Monday to Friday. The GPO is open from 8:15am–5:30pm Monday to Friday and 10am–2pm Saturday. Poste Restante mail should be addressed to the GPO, 1 Martin Place, Sydney 2000.

Banks, post offices and most government agencies are closed on these public holidays: New Year’s Day, Australia Day (26 January), Good Friday and Easter Monday, Anzac Day (25 April), Queen’s Birthday (2nd Monday in June), Bank Holiday (1st Monday in August), Labour Day (1st Monday in October), Christmas Day and Boxing Day (26 December). The summer school break extends from late December to late January. There are usually two-week breaks in April, July and September.

Bureaux de change at the airport open between 5am and 6am and close between 9:45pm and 11pm daily. There are numerous bureaux de change in the CBD.

Traveller’s cheques are still accepted by major hotels, banks and the like, but personal cheques from foreign accounts are not.

Most ATMs are located outside banks, and can also be found in many pubs and clubs. If your bank’s debit card is linked to an international system such as Cirrus, you can use your card at retail outlets. Make sure that your PIN applies to Australian ATMs.

MasterCard and Visa are the two major credit cards in Australia, although numerous establishments also accept American Express and Diners Club. Cash advances against your credit card are also possible. In most cases you’ll need a credit card to hire a car in Sydney.

Public telephones accept coins, phone cards and sometimes credit cards. A local call costs 40 cents. Phone cards are available at newsagents and convenience stores; make sure the card allows international calls before buying one. You can also rent a mobile phone for the duration of your stay.

Most hotels are set up to allow you to log on the net. There is also no shortage of Internet cafés across the city.

While tipping is not compulsory, it is always appreciated – 10 percent of the total bill is appropriate for good service. It is common to round up taxi fares, and hotel staff at exclusive establishments usually expect a gratuity.