Travel and COVID-19
International attendees should visit the Australia Government Department of Health website for guidance and domestic attendees should refer to the NSW Health website. We regularly update our processes and policies based on the latest government advice and NSW Health Public Health Orders and guidance.
Visa Requirements
Participants, attendees and presenters that will not be working, performing or otherwise paid to contribute at the ICA may be eligible to apply for one of the following visa options:
Attendees, speakers and exhibitors that will be working, or otherwise be paid to contribute at the event, may be eligible to apply for one of the following visa options:
Accommodation
Our Accommodation specialists have secured rooms at specially negotiated rates at a selection of hotels close to the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) with flexible terms and conditions exclusively for attendees of ICA2023.
Please visit our Accommodation Portal to access these exclusive holds and secure your accommodation early. Remember - it's first in, best dressed!
Flights
As our official airline, Qantas is offering domestic and international delegates discounts on flights to and from ICA2023, subject to availability.
Extend your stay and see the sites of Australia, with the discount covering flights ten days prior to and/or post ICA2023.
To capture those discounts, enter the access code: ICA2023 when you start planning your trip through the Qantas Flight Portal.
Update - Airport bus
Please note, there will no longer be an airport bus offered for the Congress.
We recommend taking a taxi to the airport or catching the train. You can find details about getting around Sydney via public transport here.
CPD Points
For members of the Actuaries Institute Australia, ICA2023 in-person attendance provides up to 80 CPD points and virtual attendance up to 66 CPD points.
Each attendee is able to receive a record of attendance to submit to their own association 60+ days after ICA2023. To request this record of attendance, please contact the events team at ica2023@actuaries.asn.au.
Registration
Registration is now open (Early Bird registration closed on 7 October 2022). ICA2023 can be attended virtually or in-person. Both give delegates access to live sessions, recordings, papers and presentations for 60 days. In-person registration includes attendance at the welcome reception, congress party and closing drinks.
Discounted registration is available for ICA2023 speakers and full-time university students. Shared registration and day registration are not available.
ICC Sydney
ICC Sydney is located on the waterfront of Darling Harbour. Train, ferry and bus are located nearby at Circular Quay, more information is available here. Parking is also available. See information on ICC Sydney accessibility here.
IAA Bursary Program
The International Actuarial Association Bursary Congress Fund is available to provide some financial support facilitating the participation of interested candidates complying with the characteristics of the bursary selection process. Bursaries will be allocated at the discretion of the IAA Advice & Assistance ICA2023 Bursary Task Force and may be for only part of the expected costs. Bursaries can cover:
- ICA2023 Registration Fee;
- costs related to virtual participation in ICA2023, for those attending online;
- accommodation, for those attending in person - in a hotel specified by the organisers that will be confirmed at the same time as the bursary award and/or;
- a portion of travel costs (e.g., economy airfare), for those attending in person.
The bursary application deadline is 15 September 2022.
Find out more here.
Dress code
The ICA2023 dress code is business casual. Please refer to the information on the social program for dress at social functions organised as part of ICA2023 as some of these may differ.
Language
The official language of ICA2023 is English.
Weather
In Sydney, the average temperature in May/June is 12-20ºC (53-68 ºF).
Generally, Australians are informal dressers. A warm jacket is recommended for evenings as winter will be commencing.
INSURANCE
What do I do about my flights and accommodation if I am unable to attend?
We recommend that all delegates purchase their own travel insurance. ICA2023 organisers cannot take any responsibility.
When are shops in Sydney open?
Sydney shops open from 9:00am-5:00pm during the week with late night shopping on Thursday until 9:00pm. On Saturday, most CBD shops open from 9:00am-5:00pm. On Sunday, Darling Harbour shops and major department stores in the centre of the city are open from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
What is the currency?
Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = AUD1.00). Notes come in $100.00, $50.00, $20.00, $10.00 and $5.00 denominations. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1.00 and $2.00 denominations. Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being Mastercard, Visa and American Express.
What is the time zone in Sydney for ICA2023?
Sydney, New South Wales observes Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), which is GMT+10. All sessions for ICA2023 will be live in AEST but there may be sessions live in other time zones. More details coming soon.
Will my electrical cords for my devices work?
The electrical current in Australia is 240/250V, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor. However, many hotels provide a converter.
During ICA2023, if we wish to book a restaurant or meal out what can you recommend?
There are so many options in Sydney! A foodies’ delight.
We will be recommending a list of restaurants around Sydney. More details coming soon.
Explore the Experience Sydney page where we have some restaurants listed already.
TIPPING / Should I tip in Australia?
Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is at your prerogative; a reward for service. A gratuity of about 10% is usual in restaurants if good service is received. Tips for taxis are regarded as optional.
Privacy
See here for the Actuaries Institute Australia privacy policy.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) / Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
GST or Goods and Services Tax is a 10% tax applied to most items in Australia. The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) enables travellers departing Australia to claim a refund for the GST and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods purchased in Australia. For detailed information on the TRS please refer to the website of the Australian Border Force.