Legally? Barely. We're doing the official bit as a tinymony — a ceremony so small it's basically paperwork. There's no aisle, no speeches, no bouquet toss, and nobody is asking you to hold a candle.

The truth is we didn't want a wedding — we wanted all our nearest and dearest in one (floating) place with great music and a sunset. So: it's a party. Dress accordingly and RSVP quickly.

Most nationalities need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor — a simple online application.

• US & Canadian citizens: Apply for an ETA at eta.homeaffairs.gov.au or via the Australian ETA app. Costs AUD $20.
• EU / UK citizens: eVisitor (subclass 651) — free at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
• Latin American citizens: Tourist Visa (subclass 600) — apply well in advance.
• Apply at least 2–4 weeks before travel. Passport must be valid for 6+ months beyond your travel dates.

• Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD). Roughly 1 USD ≈ 1.55 AUD as of 2026.
• Cards accepted virtually everywhere. Tap-to-pay is the norm.
• Tipping is not mandatory — appreciated but never expected. 10% is generous.
• You rarely need cash — Sydney is nearly cashless.

• Most US plans (T-Mobile Magenta, AT&T Passport, Verizon TravelPass) include Australia. Check yours.
• If not: Optus or Telstra 30-day tourist SIM from ~AUD $30, available at the airport on arrival.
• Sydney has excellent 5G coverage throughout the city and Eastern Suburbs.

• Sydney is +19 hours ahead of LA/SF in late December — prepare for real jet lag.
• Stay awake during Sydney daytime on arrival, even if exhausted.
• Get outside in morning sunlight on your first day — fastest way to reset.
• Arrive 2–3 days early if you can.

• Australian UV is extremely high — much stronger than California. SPF 50+ is essential. Buy some great Aussie brands on arrival.
• Always swim between the flags at Bondi Beach — lifeguards patrol these zones.
• Sydney tap water is safe to drink.
• Emergency number in Australia: 000 (police, ambulance, fire).

• Australia uses Type I plugs (angled flat prongs — different from US, EU, and UK).
• Voltage is 230V. Most modern electronics are dual voltage (100–240V) and just need an adapter plug, not a converter.
• Check your device's power brick — if it says "100–240V" you're fine with just a plug adapter.
• Buy a Type I travel adapter before you leave, or grab one at Sydney Airport on arrival.

• December 29–30 is near NYE — the city will be buzzing. Book everything in advance.
• Bondi Beach in December is packed on weekends — arrive early if you want a spot on the sand.
• Australians are direct and friendly — lean into it.