Car

Driving in Sydney can be a harrowing experience. Especially during peak hours, the streets can be congested and polluted. Parking can be a pain as well. Parking charges range from A$8 per hour up to A$50 per day, depending on location and the time of the day. Parking within the city is a luxury.

Driving a car to explore the coastal regions, on the other hand, may not be such a bad idea, and there are lots of cars for hire in Sydney. The State Roads and Traffic Authority publishes a leaflet called Driving Safely in New South Wales, dealing with regulations and helpful hints.

Overseas visitors can drive on their domestic license for a limited time. However, it's best to bring along an International Driver's License, available from AA or RAC (especially when renting a car). Local licenses should carry an English translation if it is written in any other language.

You must have your license with you when driving: There is an on-the-spot fine of A$100 if you don't. There is an A$100 fine for not wearing a seat-belt, and the responsibility lies on the passenger to ensure he is belted up. Children under 12 must travel in an approved child restraint.

Vehicles travel on the left throughout Australia, and the speed limit is 60 km./hour in areas with streetlights. The maximum is 110 km./hr. Use the speed signs as a rough guide. Be warned that police frequently patrol the freeways and have handy ray guns to catch speedsters in action.

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05, if you are under 25. If you are in your first three years of driving, the limit is 0.02, which means no alcohol. Drivers can be stopped and breathalyzed at any time, and the penalties for being over the limit are severe.

Petrol stations are a common sight in Sydney, and prices range from A$0.75 to A$0.90 per liter.

Car Rental

If you're planning to do some serious exploration of the city or perhaps you want to get out of town for a few days, your best bet is to rent a car. Oh, and remember: They drive on the left side of the road in Sydney.

Avis
214 William Street
Kings Cross
Tel: +61-2 9357-2000; +61-2 9353 9000 (central reservations); +61-2 9667-0667 (airport counter)
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Mondays to Thursdays); 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Fridays and weekends); 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the airport
Credit cards accepted: Bankcard, Visa, MasterCard, and all other major credit cards
Rates: From $45 to $89 per day, 100 km. per day. Monthly rates can be as low as $30 per day, depending on car type and duration rented. Avis offers special corporate rates through its booking system, AvisWizard.
Requirements: Both a current home license and an international driver's license. Reservations strongly recommended.

Budget
Corner of William and Crown Streets
Kings Cross
Tel: +61-2 9339-8888; +61-2 13-2727 (central reservations); +61-2 9207-9160 (airport counter)
Fax: +61-2 9669 6818
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (weekdays); 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (weekends); 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the airport
Credit cards accepted: Bankcard, Visa, MasterCard, and all other major credit cards
Rates: From $49 a day, unlimited mileage
Requirements: Both a current home license and an international driver's license. There is a surcharge if you are under 25. Reservation depends on availability of vehicle.

Hertz
65 William Street
Kings Cross
Tel: +61-2 9360 6621; +61-2 13-3039 (central reservations); +61-2 9669-2444 (airport counter)
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Mondays to Fridays); closes at 5 p.m. on weekends; 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the airport
Credit cards accepted: Bankcard, Visa, MasterCard, and all other major credit cards
Rates: From $49 per day, unlimited mileage. There are discounted rates for corporate users, Qantas frequent flyer rates, and advance booking rates.
Requirements: Both a current home license and an international driver's license. If home license is in any other language, an English translation is required. Reservations are recommended.

Thrifty
75 William Street
Kings Cross
Tel: +61-2 9380-5399; 1-800-652-008 (national reservations center); +61-2 9669-6677 (airport counter)
Fax: +61-2 9669 6370
Email: reservations.thrifty@thrifty.com.au
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (daily); 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the airport
Credit cards accepted: Bankcard, Visa, MasterCard, and all other major credit cards
Rates: From $50 to $80 per day, unlimited mileage. Price staggers by about $5 per day with each extended period, e.g. from $45 for weekly, etc.
Requirements: Both a current home license and an international driver's license. Reservations are recommended.

Other Local Car Hire Companies

Bayswater Car Rental
120 Darlinghurst Road
Kings Cross
Tel: +61-2 9360-3622

Crown Rent-a-Car
83 William Street
East Sydney
Tel: +61-2 9361-0555

Delta
77 William Street
East Sydney
Tel: +61-2 13-1390

King's Cross Rent-a-Car
Tel: 1-800-676-259

To conjure that speed devil in you, try: