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Although Sydney beaches are idyllic, their unpredictable rips (undertows) can be hazardous. Always swim between the flags and ensure that you are being watched by a lifeguard. If you get into trouble, try to relax and raise an arm to alert the lifeguards.

If you wander into one of Sydney’s pubs and the bloke next to you places his empty “schooner” upside down on the beer-soaked counter, make a beeline for the exit. This is shorthand for “I’ll take on all comers”. And don’t ever try it yourself.

Age restrictions apply to entry to licensed premises and gambling venues, 18 years in both instances. Cigarettes are not sold to under 18-year olds and there are stiff penalties if caught buying for minors. There are also heavy penalties if caught with illicit drugs.

If you’re fresh off the plane from Los Angeles or New York and feeling a little jetlagged, look both ways before stepping off the pavement (sidewalk): Australian cars drive on the left-hand side of the road, not the right.

Like any big city, Sydney has its share of homeless beggars, most of whom present no danger. Some of them are registered street vendors of The Big Issue ; purchase a copy if you’d like to support those trying to get back on their feet. They get half the proceeds and it’s a good read.

Drink driving is a problem in Australia and police are equipped to test drivers for alcohol. The legal limit is 0.05. “Booze buses” (police teams with testing equipment) randomly target major roads at odd hours. If caught, your car keys will be confiscated and you will face a hefty fine. It’s just not worth the risk, so catch a taxi.

Sydney’s central underground railway stations are frantic at peak hour. Not just busy, they can be stiflingly hot, especially in summer. Like all congested city venues they are frequented by pickpockets, so be careful.

There is a long and robust history of rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne. If you visited Melbourne and were impressed by the southern city’s Victorian charms, don’t go on about them to the first Sydneysider you meet. Sydney’s residents are firmly convinced they are living in God’s Own City, and nothing will annoy them more.

North Americans are prone to stumbling into this minefield. Bondi is pronounced “Bond-eye”, not “Bond-ee”. For some reason Sydneysiders find this mistake particularly irksome. Some other pronunciation pitfalls include “Mel-born” instead of “Mel-bun” for Melbourne, and “Coogee” instead of “Could-gee” for Coogee Beach. French speakers will probably be horrified at the Australian pronunciation of the southern suburb of Sans Souci.

Strong winds can bring bluebottles onto beaches: they look like blue jellyfish and have long stinging tentacles. Their sting is painful but they are only dangerous for people with asthma. Dead bluebottles stranded on the sand can still sting. Avoid swimming near them, don’t rub a sting and if no medical attention is available, treat with ice packs.