USEFULL LINKS - MY COLOURFUL LIFE IN AUSTRALIA
My colourful life in Australia
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USEFUL LINKS
This page has plenty of useful links and provides you with relevant and concise information on getting around in Australia.
You may find the answers to your questions!
Welcome to Down Under ...
First of all you need to apply for any visa: The type of visa you need depends on your primary purpose for going to Australia. Different visas have different eligibility requirements. For further information, I suggest you have a look at the following websites:
Health Insurance
Overseas visitors are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance with a comprehensive health component. Medicare provides access to a range of medical services, lower cost prescriptions and free care as a public patient in a public hospital. Certain categories of visitors to Australia can enrol in Medicare and access these services. Medicare doesn't cover the fees associated with an ambulance ride. The amount you'll be billed for an ambulance differs from state to state: VIC, NT, TAS, WA, NSW, ACT, SA, QLD. You can subscribe a private health fund which includes ambulance cover.
Mobile Network
Telstra, Optus, Virgin are the major Australian mobile virtual network operators.
Let the journey begin! It's time to fly ...
How to reach Australia ... you may find your flight among the major airlines listed below:
Air China, Air New Zealand, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Hong Kong Airlines, Latam Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Thai Airways International, United Airline.
Time Difference
Before meandering through diverse countryside, the Red Centre or spend a few days exploring the wine regions, wilderness coast, island clusters and reefs, bear in mind: time difference. Australia has multiple time zones. Find out the current local time! Australia’s seasons are the opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere: Spring: September-November, Summer: December-February, Autumn: March-May, Winter: June-August.
Health & Safety
Be prepared if you plan to spend some time in the outdoors walking or hiking:
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return,
- For the most up to date weather reports, check out the Bureau of Meteorology’s website,
- Take plenty of water and wear sturdy walking shoes!
- Sun protection is a key concern in Australia: Wear a broad-brimmed hat, a shirt with a collar and sleeves, and SPF 30+ broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen on exposed areas of skin,
- Follow signs and stay on the track and do not feed or approach animals.
Swimming Safety Precautions
At the beach always swim between the red and yellow flags. The flags mark the safest place to swim and this area is patrolled by lifeguards. Never run and dive into the water, unless you have checked that the area is safe. Read carefully the warning sings along the seaside and the coast. Water animals such as sharks, jellyfish and blue-ringed octopus can be extremely dangerous ...
Discover Australia by ...
packing up a Backpacker Camper Vans, jumping on a Train or a Bus, boarding a Plane: Domestic Airlines Qantas, Virgin Australia, Low Cost Airlines Jetstar, Tigerair Australia, Regional Airlines Rex Regional Express, Airnorth, Hinterland Aviation, JetGo Australia.
Self-driving: Main Road-Rules
Laws and driving regulations differ from state to state. Find out here what license you need to carry with you!
- When driving in Australia you must keep to the left. If riding a bicycle you must wear a helmet.
- Make sure your vehicle is in good working order and has been served.
- When travelling to remote areas off major highways, take extra food, water, fuel and tires as remote areas have few towns and facilities and mobile phone coverage cannot be relied upon.
- Watch out for animals on the road such as kangaroos, emus, or other farm animals that stray on the side of unfenced roads.
Find out the best accommodation type suitable for your staying
Look for temporary accommodation that fits your budget while you are calmly weaving your way through Australia’s stunning sceneries: Hostels, Rent a room, Flat-Sharing, Real Estate.
Employment Opportunities
Have a look at the jobsearch, careerone, adzuna, employmentplus websites to search for a job profile that matches your qualifications, your interests and your personality.
Open a Bank Account
Commonwealth (commbank), Westpac, NAB (National Australia Bank), ANZ (Australian and New Zealand Banking Group) are the major Australian Banks.
TFL (Tax File Number)
If you plan to work in Australia, you will need to apply for a tax file number which identifies you for tax and super purposes.