Travel tips · Sydney · Australia
Sydney travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Sydney is informal and outdoorsy: people dress casually, switch to first names quickly and spend weekends at the beach, on coastal walks or in pub beer gardens. The city stands on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and you will hear Acknowledgements of Country at tours, events and performances. Directness and dry humour are normal and not meant as rudeness.
Key facts
- Language
- English
- Currency
- AUD
- Plugs
- Type I sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and free water fountains are common in parks and…
- Emergency
- 000 (police, fire, ambulance); 112 also works from mobiles
Things to know
- Swim between the red-and-yellow flags on patrolled beaches and follow lifeguards' instructions; they will call you back if you drift outside them.
- Keep to the left on footpaths, stairs and coastal walks, and let faster walkers and runners pass.
- In a group at the pub, everyone takes a turn buying a round, known as a 'shout'.
- Tap on and tap off on trains, ferries and light rail; forgetting to tap off means you are charged a default fare.
- Wear a top in cafés, shops and on public transport even near the beach; swimwear stays on the sand.
- Queue patiently for buses, ferries and cafés; pushing in is frowned upon.
- Book Sydney Opera House ahead: Popular performances and guided tours sell out at busy times; book on the official site, especially for weekend shows.
- Book Sydney Harbour Bridge ahead: BridgeClimb departures, especially around sunset and at weekends, sell out; book ahead online.
- Opal fares cap automatically each day and week, and Sunday travel has a much lower cap, so save the ferry rides to Manly or Watsons Bay for a Sunday.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected because hospitality wages are relatively high. Leaving about 10% at a sit-down restaurant for good service is appreciated but optional, and tipping at cafés and bars is uncommon.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| G'day | Hello |
| Arvo | Afternoon |
| Brekkie | Breakfast |
| Schooner | A mid-size glass of beer in New South Wales |
| Thongs | Flip-flops |
| Bottle-o | Bottle shop (off-licence) |
| No worries | You're welcome / it's fine |
What to wear
Smart-casual works almost everywhere. Bring a hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen year-round, and a warm layer for winter evenings and windy ferry decks.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type I sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and free water fountains are common in parks and along the beachfronts.
- Emergency number
- 000 (police, fire, ambulance); 112 also works from mobiles
- Phone and internet
- Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs from the main networks are sold at the airport and in phone shops; free Wi-Fi is available in libraries, many cafés and some transport hubs.
- Time zone
- Australia/Sydney
Sydney is generally safe for visitors; the main hazards are natural. Rip currents are common, so swim only between the red-and-yellow flags at patrolled beaches, and protect yourself from strong UV with sunscreen, a hat and shade. Watch your belongings in crowded places such as Circular Quay and Central.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Australia's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Sydney?
Tipping is not expected because hospitality wages are relatively high. Leaving about 10% at a sit-down restaurant for good service is appreciated but optional, and tipping at cafés and bars is uncommon.
+Can you drink the tap water in Sydney?
Tap water is safe to drink, and free water fountains are common in parks and along the beachfronts.
+What plugs are used in Sydney?
Type I sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Sydney?
English.