70th UICH International Congress
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I require a VISA to enter Australia?
For any Non-Australian citizens, incoming passengers will require a Valid Visa or other authority to enter Australia. Although Australia does not enforce the minimum validity of 6 months, it’s recommended to have if, especially if you have connecting flights through other countries as some airline may have their own rules regarding passport validity.
Do I need to declare customs?
If you are carrying AUD $10,000 or more (or equivalent) in cash, you must declare it to customs.
Certain food, plant material and animal items from overseas could introduce serious pests and diseases into Australia, devastating our valuable agriculture and tourism industries and unique environment. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is responsible for protecting Australia from biosecurity risks.
You must declare if you are carrying certain food, plant material or animal items. You can take these declared goods with you to the clearance point where they will be assessed by a biosecurity officer and may be inspected. Alternatively, you can voluntarily dispose of food, plant material or animal items in bins located in the terminal before undergoing biosecurity screening.
I would like to arrive prior to the Congress starting or stay after the Congress finishes to explore Sydney, can I extend my stay outside of the Congress dates?
The Hyatt Regency Sydney is currently offering a rate of $295 AUD per night both single and $320 AUD per night for double rooms for 4 nights pre/post Congress.
Should you wish to extend your stay, pleas reach out to the team at congress@lesclefsdoraustralia.org. Please note that additional nights are subject to hotel availability and recommend that you plan your stay ahead after you have reserved your Congress registration. All additional nights shall be paid to the hotel directly.
I will be arriving earlier before and/or departing after the Congress. How can I arrange transportation to/from the Congress Hotel?
Complimentary transfers will be arranged for participants arriving on Sunday 12 April and departing on Friday 17 April. Representatives from the Congress Organising Committee will be available at Sydney Airport with Congress signage and banners to assist you with transportation on both dates.
Taxis are readily available from outside Sydney Airport and the approximate taxi fare from Sydney Airport to the Congress Hotel is between $80-$110 AUD depending on traffic. Uber may be available and ordered at a lower rate depending on demand.
Alternatively, Sydney Airport is located just 13 minutes by train to the city with the closest Train Station being Town Hall. Airport Link offers a fast and convenient way to reach the city and suburbs, with trains running approximately every 10 minutes. To use this service, you can either purchase an Opal Card from the station or tap on with your Amex, Visa or Mastercard (Apple Pay & Google Pay also works).
Can I submit a special request for my room arrangement in the Congress Hotel?
All requests are subject to hotel availability. We will try and communicate your room requests to the hotel, provided that you have put your room requests in the hotels on your congress registration. All room type and bedding requests are also subject to the hotel availability and note that Congress organisers re not responsible for room type and bedding allocations.
For any additional rooms that you may need during the Congress dates (for your family or friends), this will be subject to hotel availability. We will be glad to assist you with alternate hotel options near the Congress hotel to assist with your accommodation requests.
I have dietary requirements and food allergens; how do I communicate this for the Congress?
Please fill in the dietary restrictions and allergen section during your registration clearly so that we can better accommodate your needs. We will ensure that an alternative selection is prepared in advance so that you can still enjoy the Congress.
Is it safe to drink water from the tap?
Australia’s tap water is among the safest globally. The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG), developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), ensure that all public water supplies meet strict safety standards.
Is Wi-Fi easily accessible?
Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the Congress Hotel in various places throughout Sydney. If you decide to purchase a local SIM card, we recommend you choose either Optus or Telstra for the best network coverage. Please also note that the Local Congress Committee will have a limited number local sim cards available for attendees.
What temperature and weather can I expect during the Congress?
April weather is typically mild with average maximum temperatures around 22°C (72°F) and average minimum temperatures around 15°C (59°F). We would recommend you carry a light jacket when you are out exploring Sydney.
General Questions
Is there an ATM in the hotel?
The Congress Hotel does not have an onsite ATM nor does it offer Foreign Currency Exchange on site. ATM and Currency Exchange services are available in the arrival terminal at Sydney Airport and throughout the city.
If you require access to an ATM, there are local banks ATM within a short walk of the Congress Hotel with the Commonwealth Bank and Westpac banks the closest ones. For Foreign Currency Exchange, we would recommend that you visit either:
- Crown Currency – Westfield Sydney, Pitt Street Mall, Sydney
- Travelex – Queen Victoria Building, Lower Ground 2, 455 George St, Sydney
What is the local currency?
The only accepted currency is the $ Australian dollar. Credit Card, Debit Card and Travel Cards as well cash payments are widely accepted.
Is tipping customary?
Although tipping is not generally customary or expected, it is appreciated as a gesture of thanks for exception service, particularly in the hospitality sector.
Where is the closest Hospital?
Sydney Hospital located at 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney is the closest public hospital while St Vincent’s Hospital located at 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst is another alternative hospital. If you require any doctor’s assistance at the hotel, please contact a member of the Organising Committee who can assist with arranging a medical professional to come to the hotel.
Where is the closest Pharmacy? If you require any medication or scripts to be filled during your visit to Sydney, we recommend that you visit Priceline Pharmacy