- What sort of currency does Australia use?
Australia's monetary unit is in decimal dollars and cents. There are 100 cents to each dollar. How much a dollar is worth in your currency depends on the exchange rate, which changes every day. Each bank or money exchange bureau will have its own rates. Check with your local bank what the current exchange rate is for your country.
- What does it cost to live in Australia?
It generally costs less to live outside Australian capital cities. Items such as rent will be lower in Geelong. However, you will need to make sure that you have enough money to pay your living expenses and entertainment costs while you are studying. Make sure you stick to your budget.
- Will I need to open a bank account?
The best way to manage your money is to open a local bank account. The International Student Coordinator can help you do this when you arrive in Australia. That way, your family can send you money regularly and safely via telegraphic transfer. You will need to find out what type of local bank account you will need and what is the most economic for you once you arrive in Geelong. Most banks have charges such as withdrawal fees or for bank cheques. Most people use Automatic Teller Machines (called Cashpoints in some countries) to withdraw money but you can also use ATMs to make deposits at some banks.
- What does food cost?
You should budget at least $50.00 a week for food. Fresh food is cheaper to buy than fast food and cheaper than at restaurants. There are a number of supermarkets and grocery stores around Geelong, where you can buy fresh or packaged food. There are also several markets where fresh produce can be bought. You should, however, include some money in your budget for entertainment expenses such as eating out.
- How much does it cost to rent a flat, apartment or house?
See the following website for your options and approximate rental costs. http://www.realestate.com.au
- Am I able to work while I am studying in Australia?
You can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the term and unlimited hours when your course is not in session during holidays. It is difficult to find part-time work in Australia so you will need to make sure that you are financially independent before arriving in Australia. To find out more about student visas and working, see the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website
- What is the Australia academic year?
The Australian academic year generally starts in February and ends in November for TAFE students. There are two semesters of 17 weeks. Most courses start in February but some have a mid-year intake (or start date) of July. There are holidays of two weeks each in late March/early April, late June/early July, and late September/early October. Summer holidays are from early December to early February.
- What is the weather like in Geelong?
Remember that you will be in Geelong for at least six month to two years, depending on what type of course in which you've enrolled. Seasons in Australia are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. When it is winter in the northern hemisphere, it is summer in Australia. The wettest months in Geelong are May and October. The average minimum temperature in summer is 13 degrees Celsius (54.4 degrees Fahrenheit) while the average maximum is 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). Summer temperatures can, however, be much hotter. Winters are cool, with an average minimum temperature of 5.4 degrees Celsius (41.72 degrees Fahrenheit) and an average maximum of 14.4 degrees (57.92 degrees Fahrenheit). For more information about the weather in Geelong, click here.
- What electrical equipment can I bring with me?
The voltage in Australia is 220-240V, AC 50Hz so whatever electrical equipment you bring (razors, hairdryers, laptop computers, etc) must be the same or dual voltage. Australia's 3-pronged electrical plug is unique to this country and you will need to buy an adapter in order to use any electrical equipment. Most travel agents stock adapter plugs.
- Can I bring my mobile (or cell) phone with me?
Some countries' phone companies will allow you to use your phone in Australia but will charge you overseas call rates. You may need to buy an Australian sim card and be connected to an Australian phone company to use your phone locally. Check with your phone company before you leave about your options.
- Is there anything I'm not allowed to bring to Australia?
Australia has very strict Quarantine and Customs laws to protect our plant and animal life. There are many items, particularly wood and foodstuffs, that are banned from import into Australia. To find out about what you can and cannot bring into Australia, go to the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service website.
Page content last modified:
Thursday, January 28, 2010 - 11:26:32 AET
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