Reuters Business Traveller

Sydney – Overview

Sydney is a dazzling cosmopolitan city, the country’s finance and business capital (its proximity to Asia has prompted scores of global giants to locate Australian or Asia-Pacific bases here) with a thriving arts scene. Set on the water, it boasts a beautiful shimmering harbour and an endless coastline of sandy beaches. Sydneysiders take any opportunity to swim or surf in the ocean, stroll the harbour shores and picnic in the city’s parks, and their laidback lifestyle and easygoing attitude extend from the home to the office. After all, there’s time to kill: Sydney’s Stock and Futures exchanges are among the first in the world to open, and close, each day.

Stroll the waterfront from Woolloomooloo via Circular Quay to The Rocks or catch a ferry across to Kirribilli or McMahon’s Point to enjoy the architectural wonders from different vantage points. The most spectacular vistas of the Opera House are from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, reached via an exhilarating Bridge Climb, while the bridge itself is enchanting when illuminated at night and enjoyed from within the Opera House during a performance intermission.

The world’s most informal capital, Sydney will inspire you to work hard, play hard and dive right in.

Money: Australian Dollar (AUD).

Australian bank (NAB, ANZ, Commonwealth, Westpac, St. George) ATMs accept most foreign bank cards but charge a fee for withdrawals. Citibank, HSBC, Bank of China and other international bank ATMs can be found throughout the city. Australian bank branches are open 9.30 am-4 pm Monday-Thursday and 9.30 am-5 pm Friday.