Relocate to Sydney
Welcome to Sydney, we hope that you love it here as much as we do.
To help you get acquainted with Sydney, we’ve compiled some information we think you’ll find helpful.
None of the recommendations are endorsed by us, and we don’t benefit in any way from them.
Banks
Banks here may still charge łor withdrawals if it isn’t your bank. This is usually around $2 but will vary from bank to bank.
ING are the only once who know that definitely don’t charge and you can withdraw from any bank anywhere if your account is with ING.
NAB, ANZ, Commonwealth and Bank of Queensland (BoQ) are the big 4 banks here, and you will find their cash points all over the place. If you can’t, then head to Coles or Woolworths supermarkets and they will let you take cash out with a purchase.
Be sure to update your bank with your Tax File Number (TFN) as soon as you have it, otherwise, they will try and hit you with something called a ‘non-resident tax’. This will disappear as soon as you give them the TFN so don’t delay on that front.
PURCHASES
If you are buying goods in a shop cash the teller will often round up or down. When making cash purchases in Sydney, keep in mind that prices may be rounded up or down since there are no 1 or 2 cent coins. However, card transactions will be charged the exact amount with some retailers charging an eftpos fee. Electronic purchases in Sydney are often made through EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale), allowing you to use PayWave or Eftpos for payment.
For purchases exceeding $100, you may be prompted to enter a PIN and select the payment method: Credit, Cheque, or Savings. Each debit card terminal in Australia typically features three options: Cheque, Savings, and Credit.
- Choose “Credit” when using a credit card or a debit card that can be utilised as a credit card, ensuring your card is associated with the appropriate account for the transaction to proceed.
- Opt for “Cheque” to debit the purchase amount from your primary transaction or cheque account.
- Select “Savings” to deduct the purchase from your savings account. If your debit card isn’t linked to a specific savings account, the funds will be drawn from your primary transaction account.
It’s always important to be sure that the funds used to pay for your transaction are withdrawn from the right account. For example, do you want to pay for an item on credit (and run the risk of earning interest on your debt if you don’t pay it off in the next 30 days) when you could pay with money from your transaction account? If your card is linked to multiple accounts, pressing the right button will make a big difference!
COUNCIL & PARKING
Council
As a renter, you will not be responsible for paying council rates – that is your landlord’s obligation.
Please check with your real estate agent who is your local council for the property you have secured.
The City of Sydney Council website is an excellent resource with lots of helpful
information for residents https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/
Parking
Parking in Sydney has some quirks to be aware of. Pay attention to any parking spots that require nose-in or reverse/rear-to-kerb parking only – parking officers are keen to catch violations. Also pay attention to the parking meter times, usually located on sign nearby.
Additionally, you cannot legally park on the opposite side of the road facing against the flow of traffic in Sydney. For example, if you’re driving along a road and see an empty spot on the other side, you cannot pull over and park facing oncoming traffic. To park in that spot, you would need to pass it first, then make a U-turn (where permitted) to approach it facing the correct direction of travel. Remember to check local rules on U-turns as well.
DRIVING AND LICENSES
Council
If you’re driving in Sydney with a valid overseas license, you’re permitted to do so. However, if you plan to stay more than 3 months, you’ll need to obtain a New South Wales (NSW) License from the Department of Transport.
As a driver you start with zero demerit points. If you commit an offence that has a demerit point penalty, they are then added to your driving record.
The points remain on your record, but are only considered ‘active’ for 40 months from the date an offence is finalised, which is when:
- you pay the penalty notice, or
- you appeal, but the court issues a conviction.
If you reach or exceed the maximum demerit points allowable for your license within that period, your license will be suspended, or not renewed.
Note: The demerit point check displays the active demerit points you’ve accrued within the last 3 years and 4 months.
U-turns are only allowed at where the U-Turn permitted sign is, if you can’t see a sign, don’t do one.
Traffic lights and pedestrians: A neat trick here that may trip you up the first few weeks is that the pedestrians can cross at the same time as the drivers can turn into that road, so it may be green, but check for pedestrians before you go as they often have right of way!
Lane filtering (undertaking): While not technically legal, lane filtering by passing slower vehicles on the left does commonly occur in Sydney traffic. Remain vigilant and check both sides before changing lanes, as vehicles may attempt to pass you on either side when traffic is congested.
THINGS TO DO
Camping
Camping is popular in Sydney, especially during school holidays. Be sure to book campsites in advance, especially during peak times like December, January, and Easter.
When camping, inquire about the campground’s policies regarding open fires or campfires. Some sites permit them while others prohibit open flames entirely.
The allowance typically depends on the current bushfire risk level and conditions in that specific location, so it’s best to check with the staff when making your booking to understand the rules for your intended campsite.
With kids
Traffic lights and pedestrians: A neat trick here that may trip you up the first few weeks is that the pedestrians can cross at the same time as the drivers can turn into that road, so it may be green, but check for pedestrians before you go as they often have right of way!
Lane filtering (undertaking): While not technically legal, lane filtering by passing slower vehicles on the left does commonly occur in Sydney traffic. Remain vigilant and check both sides before changing lanes, as vehicles may attempt to pass you on either side when traffic is congested.
BEACHES
Sydney boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, including Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, Coogee Beach, and more. Remember to swim between the flags, which indicate safe swimming areas monitored by lifeguards.
Please swim between the flags!
This area between the flags has been checked for rips and is under supervision by our awesome surf life savers. Should you get into trouble with a rip just go with it! Do not try to fight the current as you will lose and tire yourself out. Avoid channels of water that appear to have a quiet gap in the waves.If you feel a strong pull whilst in shallow water, get out. A rip is difficult once chest deep.
Stay Calm
A rip will not drag you under, only out. Good swimmers are not in immediate danger unless they exhaust themselves trying to fight the current. Try to signal for help.
Swim parallel to the shore to get out of its path, swim in the direction of the
nearest breaking wave.
Conserve your energy by floating on your back and when possible, swim diagonally back to shore to avoid being pulled back into the rip. For more information on this visit the Surf Life Saving Beach Safe site
https://beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/ripcurrents
Snakes
Most snake bites occur when people attempt to kill or capture the snake. If you encounter a snake, don’t panic. Back away to a safe distance and allow the snake to move away on its own. Snakes typically try to escape when disturbed. A dry bite refers to when a snake strikes but does not inject any venom. Dry bites will still be painful and may cause swelling and redness around the bite area. However, since there is no way to definitively tell if a snake bite was dry or envenomated, it’s crucial to treat any snake bite as a medical emergency. After being medically evaluated, many bites do not require further treatment like antivenom if no venom was injected. But many Australian snake bites also do result in envenomation, requiring proper medical management.
For all snake bites, provide emergency first aid including CPR if needed. Call triple zero (000) to request an ambulance. Apply a pressure immobilization bandage and keep the victim calm and still until paramedics arrive. Avoid washing the bite area, as any residual venom left on the skin can aid in identifying the snake species to administer the proper anti venom. DO NOT apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, or attempt to suck the venom out. A pressure immobilization bandage is recommended for anyone bitten by a venomous snake. This involves firmly bandaging the area of the body involved, such as the arm or leg, and keeping the person calm and still until medical help arrives.
Follow these steps to apply a pressure immobilisation bandage:
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First put a pressure bandage over the bite itself. It should be tight, and you should not be able to easily slide a finger between the bandage and the skin.
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Then use a heavy crepe or elasticised roller bandage to immobilize the whole limb. Start just above the fingers or toes of the bitten limb and move upwards on the limb as far as the body. Splint the limb including joints on either side of the bite.
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Keep the person and the limb completely at rest. If possible, mark the site of the bite on the bandage with a pen.
Creepy Crawlies and slithery things
While Australia is known for its diverse wildlife, most spiders and snakes in Sydney are relatively harmless. However, it’s essential to be cautious and follow safety guidelines when encountering the following:
Spiders
While spiders are commonly encountered in Australia, most species are relatively harmless to humans despite having venom. Out of around 2,000 spider species found in the country, the funnel-web spiders (native to areas like Sydney) and redback spiders (widespread across Australia) are considered among the most venomous.
However, since the introduction of antivenom, there have been no recorded deaths in Australia from a confirmed spider bite when promptly treated.
The key spiders that can potentially cause harmful bites include the funnel-web, mouse spider, redback, and white-tailed spider. Those at greater risk of severe envenomation include babies, young children, the elderly, and people with existing heart conditions. Some individuals may also have allergic reactions to certain venoms, so immediate medical care is advisable if bitten.
First aid for venomous spider bites depends on the spider species:
For funnel-webs and mouse spiders -firmly bandage the affected area and immobilize it. Keep the person still to restrict venom spread.
For redbacks and white-tails – thoroughly wash the bite site but don’t apply a constrictive bandage as it increases pain. Use an ice pack.
Never cut the bite wound or use a tourniquet. Don’t let the victim eat or drink anything, and immediately seek emergency medical treatment
If possible, catching the spider and bringing it to identify the species can help medical staff provide the correct antivenom. Use a secure container to trap and transport the spider safely.
If unable to catch it, describing details like the spider’s size, colour, body shape, and where it was encountered can still aid identification.
Common but relatively harmless spiders
Some spiders may look scary but are not dangerous to most people. Common examples include:
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black house – found in eastern and southern Australia. It may be found undertree bark and around windowsills. The webs are formed in messy ‘sheets’.
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huntsman – likes to live under bark, rocks, and crevices. The two front pairs oflegs are much longer than the back two pairs of legs. Despite its size, ahuntsman is usually harmless. A bite, however, may cause some swelling andpain.
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wolf – found across Australia. It is coloured brown to grey. The wolf spider has adistinctive set of six ‘eyes’ at the fore of its body. Typical symptoms of a wolfspider bite include some itching and pain.
Tips on avoiding spider bites.Pressure immobilisation bandage
A pressure immobilization bandage is recommended for anyone bitten by a venomous snake. This involves firmly bandaging the area of the body involved, such as the arm or leg, and keeping the person calm and still until medical help arrives.
Follow these steps to apply a pressure immobilisation bandage:
Suggestions include:
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Always wear gloves, long trousers, and shoes while gardening.
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Wear shoes when walking around in the garden.
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Inspect any suspected spider web or lair with a stick (or something similar), not your hands
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Shake out shoes before you put them on
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Don’t leave clothes on the floor – if you do, shake them out before you put them
on.
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Instruct children not to touch spiders.
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Don’t assume that a spider at the bottom of a swimming pool is dead. Some spiders can survive on an air bubble for 24 hours or more.
Cycle paths
Sydney offers numerous bike paths in and around the city. Both the council and
transport websites provide links to help you plan your cycling routes.
https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/lists-maps-inventories/sydney-cycling-map
Shopping
Coles and Woolworths are the major supermarket chains in Sydney. They both offer loyalty programs where you can accumulate points on purchases. We recommend signing up for both, as they provide different rewards. Woolworths lets you redeem points for discounts on your groceries, while Coles allows points to be used for shopping with their affiliated rewards program FLYBUYS (similar to the George clothing brand at Asda) or liquor stores like First Choice.
Sydney is renowned for its coffee culture! You’ll soon discover your favourite local cafe to get your long black or latte fix. They are all usually excellent, making it tough to single out any particular recommendation.
Another popular weekend activity is visiting one of the farmer’s markets around Sydney. These typically run-on Saturday or Sunday mornings from around 6am until lunchtime. The markets are great for grabbing breakfast and a coffee while stocking up on fresh local produce for the coming week.
SLANG
Australians, including Sydneysiders, are famous for shortening words and using slang. You’ll need to get accustomed to the lingo. Here’s a quick guide to help decipher some of the common abbreviations and colloquial terms:
TAXFILENUMBER & SUPER
Tax File Number (TFN)
Your tax file number (TFN) is your personal reference number in the tax and super systems.
Your TFN is an important part of your tax and super records as well as your identity, so keep it secure.
Your TFN is yours for life. You keep the same TFN even if you change your name, change jobs, move interstate or go overseas.
You don’t have to have a TFN, but without one you pay more tax. You also won’t be able to apply for government benefits, lodge your tax return electronically or get an Australian business number (ABN).
Your employer should assist you with getting a TFN but if you are in any doubt you can check the Australian Taxation office (ATO) website for help.
https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/tax-file-number/apply-for-a-tfn/foreign-passport-holders,-permanent-migrants-and-temporary-visitors—tfn-application/
Superannuation
Superannuation (Super) is your pension fund. It is compulsory here so as soon as you are earning your employer is obligated to send 11% to your nominated Super Fund. If you have not nominated one, most employers will recommend one. We advise you shop around for a Super Fund once you are settled in and get one tailored to yours and your family’s needs.
MEDICARE
Health Insurance
Private Health Insurance is possibly a requirement of your Visa conditions. UK citizens will also have access to some facilities on the reciprocal Medicare system. For a decent health fund, it pays to shop around. Most health funds will do all the changeover for you, so you just have to pick one, and review it annually.
If you do not have private healthcare, you may be penalised at tax time, this is known as the Medicare Levy Surcharge. This is for people who earn above the threshold, so it’s best to check in with the tax office to see if you are affected.
https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/medicare-and-private-healthinsurance/medicare-levy
Medicare
Medicare is the equivalent of the NHS. This is your free medical care. We advise you get a Medicare card as soon as possible for you and the whole family. You can apply for a Medicare card that covers all of you and you can do this online, or in person.
To find your nearest Medicare centre:
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare
When something is covered in full by Medicare this is called ‘Bulk Billed’. For example, a doctor’s visit will cost you in the vicinity of $70 per visit. Some doctors are Bulk Billed, and this means they bill the government for the whole cost and it is therefore free to you the individual. Most doctors will cover children as bulk billed, but it will vary from one surgery to the next so shop around to pick your doctor.
If a doctor is not bulk billed, you may be able to claim some money back from Medicare. The remainder that you cannot claim back is called ‘The Gap’ For example if a doctor’s visit is $70, Medicare will cover $35 of this, and you will be $35 out of pocket or the gap. What usually happens is that you pay the full amount at the time of your appointment and the money you get back is credited to the bank account you set up with Medicare.
Free dental services are offered under the Government dental sheme, which you would need to check your eligibility. These services services normally experience y lengthy wait times. Private dental services under your private health insurance can help with immediate dental care. Health direct is the goverment 24 hour online and telephone health advice line. The telphone number is 13 Heath (13 43 25 84).These are 24 hours, they are fantastic, they will tell you whether or not to visit a hospital if you are in doubt.
TELEPHONE & WATER
Telephone Numbers
Local area codes for Sydney are 02, and the emergency number is 000.
Water
Water Corporation is responsible for providing safe drinking water in Sydney.
https://www.sydneywater.com.au/
As a tenant you will only be billed for the actual water you have used, and the landlord pays the connection fees and any ongoing charges. Your agency should forward you the water bill every quarter with it clearly highlighted how much your share of the bill is.
It is your responsibility to know if there is a leak, so we recommend you check your water meter regularly to make sure it is only charging you for your usage and not a sneaky leak.
