13 SYDNEY TRAVEL TIPS
Watch the Video Here!
Travelling is always fun, but it be always made better when you have some insider knowledge before you go. Here are 13 tips to know before coming to Sydney.
1. GRAB A SYDNEY GUIDE BOOK
Before you even leave the airport, grab yourself one of these guide books.
It’s completely free and is packed with useful information to help make your visit go smoothly. You should usually see it on your way to immigration, but they might change it up, so just keep your eyes out for it.
But the best part of this free guide (which is a good one actually) is the vouchers and offers at the back to many popular tourist spots you probably had plans to visit anyway!
2.BORDER SECURITY
Border security in Australia is well known to be rather strict. (if you haven’t watched an episode of Border Security Australia; go on Youtube and you’ll find a bunch of clips)
The ecosystem in Australia is unique, but also very fragile, which means its best to leave all fresh and organic matter back home. Or alternatively, declare everything on your landing card and let customs decide if it’s allowed or not.
Here’s a link to an example of what the landing card will look like: https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-leaving-australia/files/ipc-sample-english.pdf
3. GETTING A SIM card
The three big mobile networks are Optus, Telstra and Vodafone. All three have a kiosk at the airport which is very handy to get. The price isn’t higher and you can ask for exactly what you need.
But, if you arrive really early or late and the kiosks are closed, you can find prepaid SIM cards at most convent stores or supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths.
4. LEAVING THE AIRPORT
The airport is pretty well connected. You can take a train right to the city centre or get an Uber.
To use the train, you can use a contactless credit card or the local transport card “Opal”. An Opal card can be used on the train, buses, ferries and light rail.
To get your Opal card, you can grab it at the airport with a minimum $35 top-up. However it’s only $10 if you get it at a normal convenience store in the city.
MAJOR TIP: If you’re travelling in a group of 2 or more. Check how much Uber is, because the airport train station has a special fee on top of the normal fare price, which adds up very fast for a group. A Uber will be cheaper and more relaxing.
5. GETTING AROUND
Sydney’s public transport isn’t…great. But it’s not horrible either.
However you need to be mindful of delays that might ruin your plans for the day. To help you get around the city, download the app “Tripview”. It’s easy to use and shows you exactly how to get from A to B.
BONUS TIP: Sundays have a flat rate fare of $2.8, and any trip after the 8th ride within a week is free. Perfect for a traveller exploring the city!
6. THE WEATHER
Just a quick reminder. Our seasons are probably opposite to yours.
Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere which means our seasons are the opposite to the North Hemisphere.
Dec – Feb is Summer (VERY HOT)
Mar – May is Autumn
Jun – Aug is Winter
Sep – Nov is Spring
7. SUN SAFETY
No matter if you’re coming from a sunny hot place, many visitors underestimate the Aussie sun.
Due to the position of Australia on Earth, the UV rays pack an extra punch and sun screen is a MUST!
8. BOOK YOUR RESTAURANTS
Sydney people love their food, because Sydney is home to a lot of great, authentic flavours from around the world.
Which means, Friday night and weekends can see you disappointed if you don’t book. You can easily book a table and enjoy a discount by using “The Fork”.
9. PLASTIC
I don’t normally carry cash with me because Sydney is pretty cashless where card is accepted at MOST places. (not all).
10. TIPPING
There is no expectation to tip in Australia, but on Sundays and public holidays there are surcharges at restaurants sometimes. You don’t need to calculate the surcharge as its added onto your bill automatically.
11. SHOPS CLOSE EARLY
If you’re use to late night shopping then you won’t find any of that in Sydney. Most shops close at 5pm, with the exception of 9pm on Thursday.
…get your shopping done before dinner.
12. STAND ON THE LEFT
Stand on the left side of the escalators to let people walk up on the right.
(…it’s the small things that help you have a smooth day.)
13. ENJOY THE COFFEE
Coffee culture in Sydney is BIG, and I personally think Sydney has some great coffee and cafes you should enjoy while you’re here.
We love our coffee so much, we have a special way of ordering it. Heres a link to order your cup of coffee with ease when you’re here. Link here.
