Venue & General Information

LANGUAGE

The official language of ISRS 2026 is English.

TIME ZONE

During ISRS 2026, Australia will be operating on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (UTC+10).

VISA REQUIREMENT

Please check the Visa Information page.

LIABILITY & INSURANCE

The Congress 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

In May and June, Sydney experiences winter, and temperatures usually range from around 46°F to 61°F (8°C to 16°C). Participants attending ISRS 2026 are advised to pack layers, including a light jacket or coat for the cooler evenings. It’s advisable to bring sunscreen, as the sun can still be strong. Additionally, attendees might find it useful to bring a reusable water bottle, as staying hydrated is essential. Please check updated weather forecasts closer to the event for more accurate information.

CLOTHING

The dress code for ISRS 2026 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. 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 courtesy.