Welcome

The staff at Crown Relocations Sydney look forward to welcoming you to this exciting city, located in the State of New South Wales. If you have not yet arranged for a survey of your household possessions please complete our online service request form. In addition to ensuring that your belongings arrive safely, Sydney has a range of other services that will assist you (and your family) to settle in. Helping you find a new home and registering your children at school as well as orienteering you to the city are just some of the services available. Contact the Sydney office for more information on how we can help you or complete our registration form.

Crown Sydney is located west of the central Sydney metropolitan area. The modern facility has 60,000 sq. feet. of warehouse space for the storage of your household goods. It is here that procedures such as Customs and Quarantine clearance can be conducted under the professional supervision of Crown personnel.

Introduction

Sydney is a cosmopolitan city that abounds with an air of glamour and excitement. Located on the waterfront, the city is internationally recognized by the architectural distinctiveness of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Within the city center, a multicultural society makes for a diverse and interesting atmosphere. Besides a thriving business center, Sydney also boasts a vibrant nightlife, fantastic weather, diverse shopping, world-class dining, unique sights - you'll never run out of things to do. In short, you'll find Sydney a great place to live.

A superb site from the NSW Tourist Board.
Lots of great information about Australia.
This is a good guide for walking around Sydney and seeing the sites.
The Australian Commonwealth Government Entry Point.
Map of Sydney
Click here to see an example of an Australian power plug
Click here to see an example of an Australian phone adaptor

Practical Matters

Upon arrival of your household goods shipment into Sydney, your personal effects will be collected and brought back to the Crown warehouse for the completion of Customs and Quarantine clearances. Certain items in your shipment – such as alcohol or furniture less than 12 months’ old – will be likely to attract Customs duties and sales tax.

Any items of floral (plant life) or mineral origin will be subject to quarantine inspection upon arrival. These items – which include wood, pine cones, soil and rocks – may be seized by AQIS (Australian Quarantine Inspection Service). Items such as milk and other dairy products, pork, eggs, live plants, fruit and vegetables are prohibited for import into Australia and will be seized directly by AQIS. It is recommended that you read the labels on any food items (packages and cans) to ensure they do not contain any of the above items.

Refer to the following websites for more information on Australian customs and immigration policies. Also included are websites with contact details for foreign embassies in Sydney and specific information on employment.

Australian Customs Service – Information on customs regulations
AQIS – Australian Quarantine Inspection Service
Listing of embassies and consulates in Australia
Information on Australian visas
Information about living in New South Wales
Australian Job Search

Money

Australia uses the Australian dollar (AUD), which is divided into 100 cents. The Australian currency is convertible into other major currencies. Like all other floating currencies, the exchange rate varies constantly. Therefore, before converting you should verify the Australian dollar’s rate against your country’s at the time of exchange. As a general guide, the exchange rate as of February 2001 was AUD1.00 to US$0.55.

Banking hours in Australia are from 9:30am to 4:00pm, except on Fridays when many banks remain open until 5:00pm. If you move to Sydney from an overseas country, it is advisable for you to contact one of the larger banks (e.g. ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, Westpac or National Australia Bank), to discuss the documentation and other requirements necessary to open a bank account in Australia.

The most extensively used credit cards in Australia are Visa, MasterCard and Bank Card. American Express and other international credit cards are accepted by most businesses. Places of business that accept credit card payment include hotels, most restaurants and all the major department stores. These businesses also accept debit cards, which are issued by your bank and are used to pay for purchases with money in your bank account, as opposed to on credit. This transaction is known as EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale). Throughout Sydney and Australia there are numerous ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) located at banks and shopping centers. These can be used to withdraw cash 24 hours a day, without having to enter a bank.

A Goods and Service Tax (GST) was introduced in Australia on July 1, 2000. It is a broad-based tax of 10 percent on most goods and services. There are some GST-free items – for example, basic food such as meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Some pre-prepared or luxury foods and beverages include GST. Take-away food, restaurant meals and alcohol, for example, are subject to GST.

The Business Review Weekly provides current business information.
Find out more about the Australian taxation system at the Australian Taxation Office site.
Exchange rates – updated constantly
The Financial Review

Accommodation

Sydney provides a diverse range of accommodation, ranging from beautiful Victorian houses to modern city apartments located on the edge of the Sydney Harbour.

Rents are typically quoted on a weekly basis, but are usually paid monthly depending on the individual Landlord or Real Estate Agent. The standard residential lease term is 12 months, but this is usually open to negotiation with the individual Landlord or Real Estate Agent. For any rental property, the Landlord or Real Estate Agent must send a rental bond (received from the tenant) to the Renting Services Branch at the Department of Fair Trading. The rental bond is held as a form of security for the Landlord against any future breaches of the Tenancy Agreement.

As of February 2001, the standard rental bond for unfurnished premises is equal to four weeks’ rent. For fully furnished premises with a rent of AUD250 or less per week, a rental bond of six weeks rent can be requested.

Crown Relocations Sydney offers to help you find a property to rent or buy in Sydney. Please contact our Sydney Office to obtain further information on this service.

Information on leases and renting in Sydney
Temporary Accommodation in Sydney
Find out where a Street is in Sydney

Health

Sydney has a high standard for medical facilities and medical treatment. There are a number of doctors’ practices, clinics and hospitals, both private and government-run.

A doctor’s prescription is required for most medications. Some general medications, however, such as cold and flu, headache and allergy treatments, are available for over-the-counter purchase at a chemist (pharmacy) or leading supermarket. It is suggested to see your personal doctor before relocating to Australia to ensure that you are properly vaccinated. If you are using any prescribed medications, speak with your doctor about your move and ask what your alternatives are in Australia. Remember that over-the-counter medication in your country might only be available by prescription in Sydney.

Upon arrival in Sydney, it is advisable to acquire private health insurance so as to avoid the long waiting queues for some treatments in the public sector. If you have private health insurance in the country you are moving from, you will be able to transfer this to an Australian health insurance company, such as MBF (Medical Benefits Fund), usually at the same level of coverage as in your home country. You must provide details relating to your policy along with a certificate proving your payments are up to date.

In the event of a medical emergency, contact your local hospital. If you do not know the number, then it’s best to call an ambulance directly. To do so, dial ‘000’ (within Australia), and you will be connected to an operator.

The New South Wales Ambulance Service is not a free service; it operates on a subscriber basis. Some health insurance policies offer ambulance coverage – so you should confirm with your health insurer that you are entitled to ambulance service. Or enquire with Private funds like HCF, NIB and Manchester Unity.

Information on public health care in Australia
Australian Department of Health & Aged Care
Information on Private Health Insurance

Education

The schooling system in Sydney is divided into primary, secondary and tertiary studies. Primary education in New South Wales is open to any child whose fifth birthday falls on or before July 31 in the year of enrollment. Prior to entering primary school, the majority of children attend a pre-school. Pre-school attendance is not a government requirement, but it can help prepare children for primary school.

Primary school years commence at kindergarten, when the child first enters school, and goes through until Year Six. Primary school lasts for seven years, and children normally finish Year Six when they are 11 or 12 years of age.

After primary school, children attend secondary school, commonly referred to as High School. Secondary education lasts for a period of six years, encompassing years Seven through Twelve. At the end of the Year Ten, the Board of Studies awards students with a School Certificate.

Great emphasis is placed on the final exams of the two last years of secondary school. On completion of Year Twelve, students are awarded a High School Certificate (HSC) and are given a Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER) within the state, which is required for university acceptance.

The school system in Australia is divided into two sectors. There is the government-run or “free” education system, and the independent or “fee-paying” education system. The public system is generally of a high standard and children are guaranteed a place at the local school in the area they are living. In comparison to the government-run schools, independent schools may have superior resources, such as larger grounds and an emphasis on sports or other extracurricular activities. Many of the independent schools are church affiliated, though they accept children of all faiths. Catholic, Christian and non-denominational schools are the three types of independent schools.

Throughout Sydney there are also various “selective and specialist” schools. Selective schools are specially equipped with facilities for gifted and talented children. Specialist schools are designed for children with special physical, intellectual or emotional learning needs. Places at these schools are gained by academic competition.

The school year in Sydney has four terms, with the school year commencing in January/February and ending in December. School holidays usually occur in April, July, September/October, and December/January. These holidays apply to primary and secondary schooling only. The holidays and school years for tertiary study vary depending on the type of institution.

A number of high-quality universities and other tertiary institutions is located within Sydney. Many students choose to study at Sydney Universities or TAFE colleges.



National Council of Independent Schools
Information on Catholic Education
Sydney’s Child - Guide for parents
Guide to choosing a School
The New South Wales Department of Education and Training

Transport

The most common form of transport in Sydney is the car. Almost all households own a car, often more than one. There are numerous motorways in Sydney, many of which have tolls, most notably the Sydney Harbour Bridge and tunnel.

Apart from personal transportation, public transportation is a popular travel option for Sydney commuters. Trains, buses and ferries enable commuters to travel conveniently to and from the city. Taxis (both water and road), monorail and rental cars are other options.

If you are going to be driving in Sydney, please note that Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road. While it is possible to import a motor vehicle into Australia from your home country, there are various Customs and Quarantine requirements that need to be considered. For further information on importing a motor vehicle to Australia, contact the Australian Customs Service.

You can travel within Australia by train, by coach with Companies like Greyhound or McCaffertys, or by air using Domestic Airlines such as Ansett, Impulse Airlines, Qantas and Virgin Blue.

Sydney Public Transport Directory
Sydney buses
Sydney ferries
Roads and Traffic Authority
NRMA – Car roadside service and more
Budget Car Rental
Thrifty Car Rental
Avis Car Rental

Leisure

Sydney boasts many memorable sights to visit. From natural beauty of the Blue Mountains, to the stunning architecture of the Sydney Harbour Bridge – whatever your interests are, Sydney has something to offer.

Although most Australians are known for their love of sports and outdoor activities, there are many indoor, less-active activities to participate in. Festival events, jazz concerts, street theatre, music, ballet, opera, the Sydney Festival and more are held throughout the year.

When it comes to eating out, Sydney has is an extraordinary multicultural menu. Sydney contains hundreds of excellent restaurants, ranging from fast-food outlets, to seafood and fine cuisine.

Check out the Weather in Sydney
Things to do in Sydney
Sydney's Darling Harbour
Sydney The Official Guide
Lifestyle in Sydney
The State Theatre
For purchase of theatrical productions, concerts, ballet, opera tickets
Hoyts Cinemas
Greater Union Cinema
Village Cinemas
Explore Sydney
Cricket
Football - Rugby League

Shopping

Whether you “shops till you drop,” or you simply like browsing, there’s no shortage of shops in Sydney. Shops in Sydney vary from international designer stores, to bargain shops, to specialty delicatessens and supermarkets.

The major department stores in Sydney are David Jones and Grace Bros, whose inner-city branches offer a true shopping experience. If architecture is your thing, then visit the nineteenth-century shopping arcade The Queen Victoria Building. With over four levels of food, fashion, art, jewellery and antiques, the Queen Victoria Building is a spectacular experience.

Clothing sizes are equivalent to those in the UK – sizes six to 10 are small, 10 to 14 medium, 16 to 18 large and 18 and up extra large. Men's sizes come in both centimeters and inches. You will also find many stores that cater specifically to larger and smaller sizes.

Most large grocery supermarkets (Woolworths, Franklins or Coles) shopping centers, plazas and arcades are open during the week from 9am till 5pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am till 4pm. One night during the week is usually designated for late-night shopping (shops remain open till 9pm). And smaller stores are often open for several hours on Saturday and Sunday. Some convenience stores and quick-stops at petrol stations are open 24 hours a day.

Sydney is a multicultural city and offers an immense variety of specialty stores, delicatessens, butchers and green grocers specializing in Italian, Greek, Eastern European, Far-Eastern and Asian produce.

Tipping is not common practice in Australia, though it is considered appropriate for taxis, porters and employees in first-class hotels. Ten percent is considered a good tip, and is given for excellent service.

Bargain Shoppers guide to Sydney
Cheap eats
Further information about city shopping and trading hours
To find your nearest McDonalds Restaurant
Department store locations

Networking

Due to the large expatriate population in Sydney and the friendliness of Australians in general, there is ample opportunity to meet others.

There are a variety of organizations and clubs in Sydney, many of which organize special events and sporting activities.

You can join organizations such as the Sydney Newcomers and friends, Country Women’s Association of NSW, American Society in Sydney, the Canadian Australian Club and many more.

Young People

Sydney has many attractions for both young people and those who are young at heart. Darling Harbour, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Aquarium, Australian National Maritime Museum, the beaches at Bondi & Manly, Australia's Wonderland, IMAX Theatre, Taronga Zoo and the wonderful Harbour - just to name a few!

Scouts Australia
Guides Australia
Links for Young People
Things to do in Sydney
What’s happening in Sydney