Australia Travel

What to pack

Writing a list of things to pack will ensure that you don’t forget any vital items for your trip. Here we have organized a list of suggestions to help with that process.


Clothing

The weather in Australia is usually quite temperate. Therefore it can become very hot in summer, and doesn’t become as cold in winter as countries in the northern hemisphere. While it is important to pack for different needs, it is also important to pack sensibly and light! Whilst we cannot tell you what clothes you personally should bring with you, it is helpful to know that a pair of jeans, a few t-shirts and comfy shoes will always come in handy. Most Australians wear ‘thongs’ or ‘flip-flops’ in the summer, along with shorts and skirts for girls. But remember, it’s easy to bring just the bare essentials and then purchase the extra clothes you need once you arrive. Australian shopping is reasonably priced which makes it easy to go shopping when you’re on a budget.


Electronics

Adaptor plugs are a must buy for people travelling to Australia, as Australia has a different voltage and plug design to most other countries. Australia has a three-pin outlet system, and uses 240/250 volts. Therefore if you plan to use a laptop, hair dryer or any electrical appliance from home in Australia an adaptor plug is an essential purchase. If you find it difficult to find the right adaptor overseas, you will be able to find them in travel or electrical stores around Australia. International adaptors are also fine, as long as they say they are compatible with Australian outlets.

It is worthwhile checking your appliances such as laptops, digital cameras, iPods, and hairdryers to ensure that they have the same voltage as Australia. Whilst most goods can work in different countries, some may be incompatible and therefore short out once plugged in.

You should double check also if your mobile phone will work in Australia, as some companies have limitations. Those who own GSM phones can visit their website to check if it works on their website: www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/cou_au.shtml . If it is the case that your phone will not work overseas, you can purchase one once you arrive. In fact, many international students choose to simply buy their electrical goods once they arrive in Australia, as this will ensure that they work and you can get technical assistance easily if you need it.

These websites can be handy to check how much electrical goods cost in Australia:
www.dse.com.au
www.harveynorman.com.au


Official Documents

It is vital that you take all your official study and personal documents with you to Australia. Firstly, you will need your passport, and ensure that it is valid for your whole stay. It is also important to obtain a certified copy of your passport, for a backup if you ever lose it whilst travelling. You will also need your student visa – which is usually contained within your passport. However you should bring any documentation related to that. You also need any educational documents such as your Offer Letter, Acceptance Letter, Confirmation of Enrolment Letter (eCoE), or any other information from your educational provider. You should organize to bring a document which outlines your academic history, including educational records, your work and educational experience and history, reference letters, and course outlines if you wish to organize credit for earlier study. You should also bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship papers, valid driver’s licenses, and credit cards with you, along with photocopies of these things. It is also important to bring records of your medical and immunization history, translated into English. Receipts of recently purchased valuables are also a good idea.


Money

It is usually suggested that you should carry with you AU$1000 to AU$2000 in cash with you when you first arrive in Australia for use in emergencies or for arranging essentials. Always keep this money in a safe place, like a locked bag. Once you have arranged a bank account you can deposit this money there. Also, whilst there is no limit to the amount of money you take into Australia, any amounts larger than $10,000 must be declared to Australian customs once you arrive.


Other items

It is easy to forget sometimes the miscellaneous goods from your everyday life when you organize a trip. You can pack some personal items such as photos, music, and recipes to have reminders of home. Medication and prescription details are important also. If you wear glasses, bringing a spare pair can come in handy. Items such as a dictionary, alarm clock and umbrella can also be useful. Basic household items are also necessary if your accommodation does not provide them. You can also bring foods that are compliant with Australian customs. And finally, contact details of your family and friends are best kept online, so that you can find them wherever you go.