Translator Service at Sydney Airport

Taro Milk Tea on 08/02/2022 - 11:56

Grandparents finally want to visit me after Australia plans to open the border soon.

They don't really speak English and usually they came with my siblings but they couldn't join this time.

I don't usually worry much about this language barrier, but now with COVID arounds, things are completely different in the airport with new requirements and paperwork. - hence grandparents are worried not understanding what to do.

Does anyone know if Sydney airport provides any translator assistant service upon arrival? Or are there any tips you guys can share if you have experienced this similar situation in the past? TIA

Travel

Comments

  • MS Paint on 08/02/2022 - 11:58

    Translate from which language?

    Customs outsource it over the phone if necessary.

    Will you be meeting them at the airport?

    • Taro Milk Tea on 08/02/2022 - 12:07

      Translate from which language?

      Mainly mandarin

      Customs outsource it over the phone if necessary.

      So in the custom they'll let them talk over the phone with the translator?

      Will you be meeting them at the airport?

      yea to pick them up

  • spc12go on 08/02/2022 - 12:03

    Check with the airline? They help the small kids and people that need assistance through custom and etc.

    • Taro Milk Tea on 08/02/2022 - 12:08

      Checked with the travel agent and they said the airline doesn't really provide that kind of assistance this time

      • AndyC1 on 08/02/2022 - 12:55
        +2

        Travel agent is not the air line they are booked on or will be using.

        Call the air line directly.

  • Archi on 08/02/2022 - 12:15
    +1

    mandarin is a widely spoken language,

    if your grandparents struggle in the airport and staff can see that… they will have people there that speak the language.

    if you were talking a very obscure dialect then maybe not so

    • Taro Milk Tea on 08/02/2022 - 12:21

      if your grandparents struggle in the airport and staff can see that… they will have people there that speak the language.

      They are too old to be in that kind of situation. They don't want to go not knowing that there will be some people ready to help

      • MS Paint on 08/02/2022 - 12:33
        +5

        Then maybe they shouldn't be traveling or just make sure they aren't brining in anything illegal (eg. The Australian definition of food etc) then it will be a smooth process with documentation in Mandarin available.

        Also make sure they are double vaxxed and have evidence.

        • Taro Milk Tea on 08/02/2022 - 15:07

          haha yeah..but they are just old people so I just have to be more understanding about their concern

          • Archi on 08/02/2022 - 16:11

            @Taro Milk Tea: and make sure they say "NO" to participating in the filming of border security.

  • BuyoTheCat on 08/02/2022 - 12:43

    The first thing I would do ensure that the need for a translator is minimised.

    I would
    - check if they have all the required documents, especially proof of vax, in English
    - be able to call you for translation at the airport if needed.

  • AndyC1 on 08/02/2022 - 12:57
    +1

    Another option to think about is an app on their phone or tablet that can help with the translation. I do not know or have a need for any, so I cannot recommend any.

  • apple2016 on 08/02/2022 - 13:06

    hence grandparents are worried not understanding what to do.

    They do not have anything to be worried of. Most airport or airline staff would be willing to help.
    Just try to follow the rules. If they do not bring any items that needs to be declared, its usually straight forward process.

    • Taro Milk Tea on 08/02/2022 - 15:09

      I guess they just been hearing some stories where people got stuck in airport because of some issues related to COVID paperwork etc…though it's probably just small number of cases like that.

  • Marty-69 on 08/02/2022 - 13:26
    +1

    Make sure they know how to fill out the Incoming Passenger Card. There are Chinese examples as well: IPC.

  • onetwothreefour on 08/02/2022 - 13:36
    +4

    My Japanese in-laws who do not speak English made it through OK (before COVID) so I'm sure your grandparents will too. We sent them a piece of paper stating that "we do not speak English if you need to please call our daughter on 04XXXXXXXX"

    • Hugh G Rection on 08/02/2022 - 14:09

      i did the same thing. its actually easier for them since they don't want to deal with them as long as they have all the necessary documents and aren't trying to smuggle in anything not declared.

    • Taro Milk Tea on 08/02/2022 - 15:10

      Yeah that's a good idea.

  • wei13 on 08/02/2022 - 14:40

    At any time, especially during check-in and customs, the airport will provide some form of interpreting service if requested. This is especially important at customs, as guessing or making false declarations could be a criminal offence.

    Give them a note that says 'Mandarin interpreter needed', so that they can show it when needed.

    • Taro Milk Tea on 08/02/2022 - 15:11

      the airport will provide some form of interpreting service if requested

      Really? I never saw it before anywhere in the airport to be honest

      • MS Paint on 08/02/2022 - 15:58

        It's not something you see. They don't promote or advertise it. The service is there as a last resort.

  • jamessong on 08/02/2022 - 18:22

    Why don't your siblings prepare your grandparents with roaming service? Get them a lot of credit and make sure you ask the provider that roaming will be fully operational in Australia. Assume your grandparents will depart from China? If so, get them either China Telecom or China Mobile. Hope that helps!

    • Taro Milk Tea on 08/02/2022 - 20:21
      -2

      They're not from China. Don't assume.

      • Quantumcat on 09/02/2022 - 08:53
        -2

        Where else speaks Mandarin only? In Singapore they would speak English too or at least have a bit of understanding, in Hong Kong they would be more likely to speak Cantonese?

        • PissLUR on 09/02/2022 - 10:27

          Taiwan?

          • Quantumcat on 09/02/2022 - 11:10
            -1

            @PissLUR: I thought people in Taiwan spoke Taiwanese/Hokkein, but it looks like Mandarin is the official language. I guess that must be where OP's parents are from then

            • jamessong on 09/02/2022 - 11:33

              @Quantumcat: does it matter? it does not change the fact that the grandparents need active roaming service in Australia.

              • Quantumcat on 09/02/2022 - 11:42

                @jamessong: Well it does, each country or even region of a large country will have different services available. Can't help OP if we don't know where their parents live

                • jamessong on 09/02/2022 - 12:58

                  @Quantumcat: I'm sure OP & siblings know which services that can roam in Australia; the essence (idea) is there and I will leave it in OP's & his/her siblings' capable hands.

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