Go to Australia

Before you leave…

After your visa is approved and flights booked the next step is to begin packing.  Here is a guide as to what you will need in Australia.


Packing

People traveling to Australia assume that its always hot, well, in some places it is, most places it isn’t.  Depending on where and how long you will be traveling and studying in Australia depends on the type of clothing needed.  December through to February are the summer months and shorts, long pants, tee-shirts and a jumper will be fine.  The colder months are June to August where jeans, long shirts and a coat will be required. Keep in mind that it does snow in the south eastern Australia near Melbourne and Canberra and most of Australia will encounter frosts in the winter months.  Although it doesn’t get as cold and icy for as long as places in the Northern Hemisphere a warm coat and jumper will are needed.  

Remember that when bringing along those electric travel essentials including the mp3 player, laptop and mobile phone (make sure that the sim card is unlocked) to include travel adaptors, best advice is to buy a universal adaptor.

For safety reasons make two photocopies of you important documents including passport and visas, traveler’s cheques, insurance documents, flight tickets, credit cards and education documents, etc.  Keep the originals in your hand luggage for easy access and one copy in your checked baggage.  Leave the second copy with someone at home.  Although Australia is a safe place to travel, you should always be prepared for the unexpected.

When packing keep in mind two things, one that most airlines will only allow 20kg (44lbs) of checked in baggage weight and it can be costly to pay for excess baggage, so be careful of how many essential home mementos you take.  The other is that Australia has strong quarantine laws and do not allow any food items (natural and processed), wood, plant and animal products or cash over the equivalent of AUD$10,000.  This is discussed in more detail later.

It is a wise investment to buy some locks for your baggage and never bring anything to Australia for anybody else.  Always pack your own bags as you are accountable for what you carry and if anything illegal is in your baggage then you will be the one penalised for it.


Insurance

As a requirement of you student visa you need to obtain OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover). This will cover you for most necessary medical treatments in Australia and is discussed in more detail later.  The OSHC cover excludes any expenses incurred if flights are cancelled or for lost baggage and valuables.  Although Australia is a safe place to travel you should be prepared for the unexpected therefore, it is advised that you take out travel insurance to safeguard against unexpected costs.


Money

Depending on your whether you are a budget or mid-range traveller, you should allow about $100- $160 per day, and maybe more in high tourist areas.  To begin establishing yourself and your home you should have easy access to AU$1500 - 3000, either in travelers’ cheques or visa/mastercard card, etc.  Remember if you are carrying more than AU$10,000 or the equivalent currency with you through Customs into Australia it must be declared to the Customs Officials.


Short-term Accommodation

It can be easier to arrange your accommodation before you arrive in Australia, but for those that want to have a look around and find their own private accommodation will need short term accommodation.  Expect a backpackers hostel to cost from AU$25 per person per night and upwards, varying with room type and location.  A hotel will be considerably more at around AU$150 per person per night.  These can be booked on the internet prior to arriving in Australia.

Now that you are ready for your long flight here is what to expect when entering the airport.