Live in Australia

Everyday Life in Australia


Personal Safety

Whilst living in Australia is relatively safe, you should still take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. At night, don’t walk alone, keep to well-lit paths and avoid empty or isolated areas. 

At all times of the day, keep your valuables secure and out of view, and be conscious of your surroundings. Lock all doors and windows whenever you leave the house, and preferably while you are at home as well.  

All Australian homes are fitted with compulsory smoke alarms to protect you from fire; you should check the batteries twice a year.
 
Australia’s beaches are a major attraction. Check that the beach you swim at has a lifeguard, and always swim between the red and yellow flags. If you go out on a boat, ensure you wear a lifejacket.


Abiding by the Law

Certain laws in Australia may differ to the ones you are used to.  Laws relating to alcohol and tobacco prohibit their sale to persons under the age of eighteen. Smoking is prohibited in most indoor public areas as well as many outdoor ones.  All illicit drugs are banned from sale, possession or use.

In the course of public life, it is an illegal offence to offer or receive a bribe.  Furthermore, you cannot discriminate against a person on the basis of gender, race, nationality, political or religious beliefs, marital status, disability or sexual preference.

It is a crime to commit violence against any person, animal or property, as it is to carry any kind of weapon.   

On the road, Australian law requires a helmet to be worn when riding a bicycle or motorcycle, and that every driver to hold a valid driver’s license.


Managing Finances

If this will be your first time living independently away from home, brace yourself for the realities of financial responsibility! Research, planning and self-discipline are all practises that will serve you well during this adjustment period.  Try to research and forecast the cost of everything, as there can be hidden costs in each transaction.  

Particularly when evaluating accommodation alternatives, consider all cost factors:  rent, cost of transport to and from your institution, and any utilities included in the rent price.  You should also ask whether the rent is likely to be increased during your tenancy.

Utilities, food and groceries, tuition fees and textbooks are all expenses which can sneak up on you, so try to calculate and budget for them in advance.
Holders of Student Visas are permitted to work 20 hours per week, however well-paying part-time work can be hard to be find.  You should never count on part-time work to finance any of your essential living expenses.

Telecommunications and Internet

Most localities in Australia offer at least one of cable, ADSL or satellite broadband services.  There are many choices of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and plans.  This is also the case for mobile phone services.


Retail Shopping

Australia’s major towns and cities offer shopping facilities to match any international standard.  Regular trading hours are 9am to 5pm, seven days a week, with hours extending to 9pm on Thursday and Friday nights.  Most supermarkets are open to 10pm, with many open to midnight or 24 hours a day.


Banks

Banking hours in Australia are 9:30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, and 9:30am to 5pm on Friday.  Some banks also open on Saturday mornings.   Automatic Teller Machines (ATM’s) are abundant and are open 24 hours.
Most retailers accept payment by credit card.  The majority also offer Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS), enabling you to draw on your bank account to pay for goods, as well as to withdraw cash.
Transfer of funds to and from Australia can be made via bank cheque, telegraphic transfer or, as is increasingly popular, via internet banking.

Post Office

Australia Post offices are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with some outlets open on Saturday morning.  Mail is delivered Monday to Friday, once a day, and can be relied upon for next day delivery within the same city.  For parcels or registered post, you will receive a card advising of an item awaiting collection at a specific postal outlet.


Television

Australia has several free-to-air digital and analog channels which do not involve any licensing or fees.  More channels can be viewed through paid subscription to a Pay TV provider.


Public Libraries

Public libraries service the community in each Australian city and town.  They offer free use of books, CDs, DVDs, periodicals and newspapers.  

Essential Services in Australia

Emergency Services

The Australian number for emergency Police, Fire or Ambulance services is 000.  This free number should be dialled only in an emergency.  Under all other circumstances you should look up the number for your local police station, hospital, etc.


Australian driver’s license

An international driver’s license and a valid overseas license will permit you to drive a car for your first three months in Australia. Ensure you observe the laws mandating seatbelts for drivers and passengers and prohibiting the use of hand-held mobile phones.  

After three months, you will need to undergo a test for an Australian driver’s license.