arabic

Banking and communications

Banking facilities and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available throughout Australia. Banks provide internet and telephone banking services. Opening hours are generally 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, with some banks opening on Saturday mornings. You can cash travellers' cheques at any bank, and most credit cards are accepted throughout the country.

Australia offers an extensive communications network, so staying in touch with family and friends back home, and with your new friends in Australia, will be easy.

There are several mobile phone providers in Australia each offering an extensive range of phones and payment plans. For overseas calls, phone cards offering cheap rates are widely available.

Your education provider will generally have free internet and computer services. Internet cafés are common throughout the country, particularly in cities and large towns.

Post offices are open from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays and Australia Post sends letters and packages around the world, generally in less than a week for international post, and overnight for destinations within Australia.

Appliances

The electricity current in Australia is 240/250 volts (AC 50 Hz). The Australian three-pin plug is different from the plugs used in most countries so you will probably need an adaptor plug. If your appliances do not operate at 240/250 volts you will also need a voltage converter. These are easy to find once you arrive in Australia, so you have the option of bringing electrical appliances with you.

Leisure

Australians value their leisure time and take advantage of the great climate by spending a lot of time outdoors. Sport is a big passion for many Australians — especially home-grown Australian Rules Football (AFL), cricket, rugby and tennis. Joining a sporting club is a great way to make friends.

Australia also has a vibrant cultural scene, with many outdoor music and arts festivals held throughout the year. A good way to get started is to see what kind of social activities are organised by your education provider.

You can contact universities through this website – view a list of Australian universities and follow their link to request more information about leisure and social activities.

Getting around

Australia’s public transport system includes trains, buses, trams and ferries. There are also taxi services in all cities and major towns. Your education provider will be able to give you details of local public transport when you arrive.

If you have a student visa, you can drive in Australia using a current and valid overseas licence. You must carry your licence with you when you are driving. If your licence is not printed in English, you must also carry either an official English translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP). For information on how to obtain an IDP, visit www.smarttraveller.gov.au/tips/int_driving_licence.html

Public transport information

VIC - www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au

NSW - www.131500.com.au

ACT - www.action.act.gov.au/default.html

SA - www.transport.sa.gov.au/quicklinks/public_transport_tt.asp

WA - www.pta.wa.gov.au

QLD - www.translink.com.au

NT - www.nt.gov.au/transport/public/index.shtml

TAS – www.metrotas.com.au