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General Info

Local Attractions around Darling Harbour

IMAX Theatre www.imax.com.au
Star City Casino www.starcity.com.au
Sydney Aquarium www.sydneyaquarium.com.au
The Powerhouse Museum www.phm.gov.au
Sydney's Paddy's Markets www.paddysmarkets.com.au

Private Touring/Hospitality Arrangements

Should you have any specialised group requirements for private touring, transportation or hospitality services other than those organised for the official program, please contact the Conference Manager who would be pleased to assist with arrangements.

Private Functions

It is requested that you advise the Conference Managers of any private functions planned in addition to the official program. The Conference Managers would be pleased to assist with arrangements for any private events ensuring compatibility with the official program and appropriate scheduling of such events.

Mobile Phones

For visitors, GSM and CDMA phones are compatible with most Australian mobile networks.

PCS (also known as GSM1900) handsets are incompatible with Australian networks. However, because PCS phones do use compatible SIM card technology, in certain cases you can put your SIM card inside a GSM900 or GSM 900/1800 cellular / mobile phone and make and receive calls which will be charged to your existing account in your home country.

Before you leave your country you will need to activate your international roaming coverage with your mobile network. Another alternative to international roaming is to purchase a pre-paid mobile phone when you arrive which allows you to control the amount you spend on calls.

For further information on your mobile's compatibility visit: www.telstra.com.au/mobilenet/ introam/inbound/inbound.htm

Airport & Transport

The Sydney central business district is 10km north of the International Airport and takes approximately 20 minutes to reach by car. A taxi costs approximately A$25. A regular airport to city bus service operates from approximately 0600 to 2100 hours (not recommended for those with large amounts of luggage). Any queries please see the Travellers Information Desk at the Airport.

Banking/Currency

Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = $1) Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 denominations.

Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club.

Business Hours

Banks are generally open from 0930 - 1600 hours Monday - Friday. General office hours are 0900 - 1700 Monday - Friday. Post Offices operate these hours, however stamps are often available from hotels.

Climate & Clothing

September is spring and the temperature range is 11 to 20 degrees celsius.

Electricity

Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor.

Goods & Service Tax (GST) / Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

Since 1 July 2000, Australia has adopted a new taxation system incorporating the Goods & Services Tax (GST). All prices quoted in this brochure are inclusive of GST, unless otherwise specified.

As part of this new taxation system, the Australian Government introduced the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). The scheme is administered by the Australian Customs Service and took effect on 1 July 2000. The TRS enables travellers departing Australia to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australia.

The refund only applies to goods which travellers take with them as hand luggage when leaving the country. It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia, however the goods can be used before departing Australia.

Language

The official language of the Conference is English, simultaneous interpretation will be available in Spanish, French, German and English for sessions held in the main Conference Auditorium only.

El Comisionado Federal para la Privacidad de Australia organiza la 25ªConferencia Internacional de Autoridades de Protección de Datos y Privacidad entre los días 10 y 12 de septiembre de 2003 en Sidney.

El tema de la conferencia este año es "Privacidad práctica para las personas, la Administración y las empresas", siendo su objetivo el reunir a las Autoridades de Control de Protección de Datos y otros reguladores gubernamentales, profesionales, analistas y consumidores para intercambiar ideas sobre las ventajas del respeto a la privacidad, sobre dónde están los problemas y dónde las oportunidades para implantar buenas prácticas sobre privacidad. Esta es una conferencia anual, organizada cada año en un país diferente. El último año fue en Cardiff y anteriormente en París, Italia, Hong Kong y España. Atrae regularmente alerededor de 350 personas, entre las cuales se cuentan 50 Comisionados de Protección de Datos de todo el mundo y colaboradores suyos del más alto rango.

Más información en www.privacyconference2003.org
Ponentes: www.privacyconference2003.org/speakers.asp
Eventos relacionados: www.privacyconference2003.org/revents.asp
Registro y costes: www.privacyconference2003.org/rego.asp

Parking

Parking is available at the Conference venue at the rate of A$25 per day.

Passport & Visa

All travellers to Australia, other than New Zealand, require a valid entry Visa prior to travel to Australia. For many nationalities (29 in total) an Electronic Visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) can be obtained from your travel agent or airline when making your travel arrangements. Please see your travel agent or airline for further details.

Planning your Travel

Because of time change and jet lag the Organising Committee suggests you consider arriving in Australia by 6 September 2003. This will enable you to relax and familiarise yourself with your hotel and its surrounds before the start of the Conference and also allows you time to attend some of the Privacy related events, that will commence in Melbourne, Victoria Monday 8 September.

Quarantine

Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the import of animals and plants, which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted.

For more information see the 'Information for International Travelers' on the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) web site, which you can access by visiting www.affa.gov.au.

Time

Sydney is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Please see below table for time in different cities of the world at 2000 hours Sydney time.

SYDNEY 2000 hours

TOKYO 1900 hours

BANGKOK 1700 hours

MOSCOW 1400 hours

PARIS 1200 hours

LONDON 1100 hours

NEW YORK 0500 hours

Conference Managers

Tour Hosts Conference & Exhibition Organisers
ABN 28 000 386 676

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