Questions about Sydney?

Travel Info
1. How's the financial industry in Sydney? Is it easy to get a job for americans?

2. How's the climate? Is it too hot?

3. Does Sydney have water shortage problems?

4. What are some good places in the city to live?

5. How's the fashion industry?

6. How's the transportation system?

7. Is it very expensive in terms of living, food, clubs or entertainment?

Travel Tips

You will love Sydney... It used to be my home city before I moved to San Diego.... The North Shore(North Sydney, Neutral Bay,Kirribilli, Mosman etc) are great places to live There are good cafes and bars there too. I have sister that lives in Neutral Bay and my brother lives in Mosman.. I have found the cost of living to be more expensive here in SD than it is in Sydney...You at least get paid more there than you do here...The wages there compensate the cost of living and the food is of better quality and variety there....Its not all fast food... No matter where you live in Sydney it is a great place to be.... The traffice is like any big city...BUSY!!! The public transportation is better than Southern California...It does not always have a water shortage...If there is one you will know cos they will let you know water restrictions are in place and you will learn how to do your part in conserving water... The fashion industry is the same as any big city so you will find the big designer brands but they will come at a price... The weather is great....Research the city in regards to the cost of living...then take a holiday and check it out...I can guarantee you will not be disappointed!!!
Others

1. How's the financial industry in Sydney? Is it easy to get a job for americans?

The financial industry is very vibrant. Currently driven by the resources boom in Australia. They are recruiting as are a number of sectors, but you would have to ensure you had the correct visa. You may need sponsorship from an organisation willing to recruit you. Check out the nearest Australian consular for more information.

2. How's the climate? Is it too hot?

Temperate in Winter and muggy in Summer. It rarely gets below ten in Winter as an overnight minimum, but can reach mid 40s in summer and is humid. Not so much near beachside suburbs

3. Does Sydney have water shortage problems?

Yes, as does most of the south east of the Country. Restrictions are in place and look like continuing for some time. Maybe Al Gore is right

4. What are some good places in the city to live?

Personally, I like inner west with great cafes, pubs and suburbs with great character. A real village feel. I think the Eastern suburbs are over priced and over rated. Same as the North Shore. Sydney is very segregated in regions and there is alot of geographical snobbery.

5. How's the fashion industry?

I'll take a stab at this by thinking you like up to date and well known fashions, unlike me. Recently, Australian Fashion Week was held and is growing each year. Sydney has all the usual well known names, Prada, Gucci, Vesace etc. But also has my personal favourites, Billabong and Rip Curl

6. How's the transportation system?

Roads are a nightmare and traffic is chaos. Peak hour is a joke. Many Sydney people use public transport if they work in the city. It has been under fire but I have never found it a huge problem.

7. Is it very expensive in terms of living, food, clubs or entertainment?

It's very expensive. Rent for a good two bedroom unit in a desirable location can go for $400 to $600 per week. Food, can and can't be expensive, depending on your tastes and budget. Licenced clubs are good and cheap. Pubs are a bit dearer, but have more atmosphere. Entertainment. A swim in the ocean costs nothing, but a night at the Opera? You get the picture.

I hope this helps
Melbourne wins hands down especially in your case as its the fiancial capital of Australia. Fashion, transportation and cost of living are the best of the major Australian cities. Weatherwise, Sydney has more rain and less sunshine than Melbourne which has rightly earned its reputation as the sporting capital of Australia. Where else in the world do they stop for a horse race?!