New South Wales: Doing business & staying in touch

Doing business in New South Wales

Sydney: In keeping with its distinctly work-hard, play-hard mantra, the protocol in Sydney is typically informal. During the week, business is often conducted over a long lunch, with alcohol included, and the weekend can start as early as Friday lunchtime. As with the UK, office wear now errs more on the side of casual (corporate types notwithstanding). Business hours are typically weekdays 0900-1730, although an extended working day is very common in many sectors and it is not unusual for people to be working well into the night or over the weekend.

Australians are very friendly people and socialising comes easily. Nevertheless, there are a few things that may offend or annoy. The first is the use of the informal ‘G'day' - foreigners trying to emulate this overused greeting is akin to turning up to a business meeting misguidedly wearing a Crocodile Dundee hat in an attempt to culturally integrate – cringeworthy.

The second is that, while out drinking, a system of 'rounds' is observed, and it is not appreciated when someone skips his or her round by not offering to pay. Gift-giving is not a common practice, although a good bottle of Australian wine will be welcome if you’re invited to a local house for dinner.

Office hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1730.

Economy

The International Convention Centre Sydney (tel: +61 2 9215 7100; www.iccsydney.com.au) at Darling Harbour has facilities for up to 8,000 people. Other major convention centres include Centrepoint Exhibition and the Roundhouse at the University of NSW, RAS Exhibition Hall at Sydney Showgrounds, Sydney Opera House, Powerhouse, Sydney Town Hall, University of Sydney, YWCA, Queen Victoria Building, Bankstown Town Hall, Curzon Hall, Waterview at Bicentennial Park, Taronga Centre and the NSW Harness Racing Club.

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.