VENUE
Wesley Conference Centre
220 Pitt St
Sydney NSW 2000
Website
LANGUAGE
The official language of WICH 2025 is English.
TIME ZONE
During WICH 2025, Australia will be operating on Daylight Saving Time (DST), also known as Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), which is 11 hours ahead of GMT (UTC+11).
LIABILITY & INSURANCE
The Conference Organizing Secretariat and Organizers cannot accept liability for personal accidents or loss of or damage to the private property of participants. Upon registration, participants agree that neither the Organizing Committee nor the Organizing Secretariat assumes any liability. Participants are advised to take out their own personal travel and health insurance for their trip.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Please do not leave bags or suitcases unattended at any time, whether inside or outside the session halls. Hotels strongly recommend that you use their safety deposit boxes for your valuables.
If you are a victim of crime, call the local police at 131 444. If you are injured and require immediate medical attention, call emergency services at 000.
CLIMATE
At the end of March 2025, Sydney will likely experience mild and pleasant autumn weather. The average temperature typically ranges from 17°C to 25°C (63°F to 77°F). WICH 2025 participants are advised to dress in light, comfortable clothing, such as breathable shirts and slacks or dresses, and bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. It’s also advisable to bring an umbrella or a raincoat, as there may be occasional showers. Please check updated weather forecasts closer to the conference dates for more accurate information.
CLOTHING
The dress code for WICH 2025 is business formal for all occasions unless stated otherwise.
ELECTRICITY
For Australia, the associated plug type is I, which is the plug that has three flat pins in a triangular pattern. Australia operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
CURRENCY & EXCHANGE Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD) as its official currency. The denominations of coins in circulation include 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, and 1 and 2 dollar coins. Banknotes are available in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Australia, with major international brands like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express commonly used. Travelers should inform their banks about their travel plans to ensure uninterrupted card usage.
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, allowing visitors to withdraw cash in Australian dollars. Additionally, currency exchange services are offered at airports, banks, and currency exchange offices across major cities, providing tourists with options to exchange foreign currency for Australian dollars. It’s advisable to compare exchange rates and fees to get the best value.
TAX Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, which is a value-added tax (VAT) applied to most goods and services. The current GST rate in Australia is 10%.
Tourists are generally not eligible for a refund on the GST paid on purchases, as Australia does not have a system for a tourist refund scheme. However, some goods and services may be exempt from GST, and visitors should check with individual retailers or service providers for specific information.
It’s worth noting that prices displayed in Australia generally include the GST, so the amount you see is the final price you pay at the point of sale.
TIPPING
In Australia, tipping is not as prevalent or expected as it is in some other countries, like the United States. While tipping is appreciated for exceptional service, it is not mandatory, and there is no fixed percentage. In restaurants, it is common to round up the bill or leave a small tip if the service has been particularly good, but it is not an obligation. Tipping is generally not expected in cafes or for counter service. Additionally, tipping taxi drivers is not customary, but passengers often round up the fare as a courtesy.
It’s essential to note that Australia has a minimum wage policy, and service charges are typically included in the overall price. While tipping is a gesture of appreciation, it is not a widespread practice, and tourists should feel comfortable not tipping if the service charge is already included.