All major cities in Australia have their own shopping districts, most shops within a CBD are open 7 days a week with late night shopping on Thursdays and Fridays til 9pm. Supermarkets and other suburban retail outlets are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5 pm except for Thursdays when they are open until 9pm.
Banks
There are many banks available in Australia, based in most suburban and CBD locations. Banks are open to the public Monday to Thursday from 9:30am to 4:00pm, Fridays they are open until 5:00pm. Some of the larger banks in busier locations open on Saturdays from 9:30am to 12:00pm.
ATMs or Automatic Teller Machines are available where ever there is a branch, as well as in many other locations around Australia. ATMs are available for use 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Postal Services
Australia Post is the major postal service in Australia. There are post offices located in most major shopping centres as well as in various other locations. Open from Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm as well as some shops opening on Saturdays from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Here customers can post letters, buy stationary equipment, apply for passports, pay bills etc. Mail is delivered from Monday to Friday, except for public holidays.
Telephones
Services and costs will depend on a plan and provider that the consumer has chosen. Most local calls cost around 30 cents and are not timed. There are also many public telephones located across Australia, these are coin operated.
Mobile phones tend to be the most popular communications method, with many cheaper pre paid phones available. Mobile phones can now be purchased from retail outlets, post offices as well as phone companies and even online. Purchase a prepaid HTC camera phone so you can capture all of the beautiful images and landscapes while in Australia.
Internet
There are many internet providers in Australia, with dial up, ADSL and wireless services available. Many people choose to link their internet and phone together for the same bill. If the customer chooses not to have a land line then wireless pre paid internet is a great option.
Libraries
Libraries are great for students here you can borrow a huge range of books, DVDs and CDs. All customers need to do is purchase a membership at a local library and all items borrowed are free of charge, providing they are returned. Libraries are open 6 days a week Monday to Saturday. Libraries are located in most shire or council districts.
Television
Most Australians use the free to air channels, there are 6 main channels available for viewing for free. Currently the government is bringing digital TV which will add an additional 15 channels for regular watches. Consumers of digital television will need to purchase either a digital ready television or a box which allows viewing on a regular television. For those who can afford it cable television is also available, this can be quite expensive how ever.
Newspapers
Each state has their own newspaper with only “The Australian” newspaper reaching the whole country. Community papers are also available through either the mail or at local shopping centres, these are free of charge.
The local newspapers are available 7 days a week, the most popular are, in New South Wales the “Sydney Morning Herald. In Victoria “The Age”.
In Queensland the most popular in the “Brisbane Courier Mail”. In the ACT the “Canberra Times”. In South Australia the “Adelaide Advertiser”.
Western Australia’s most widely spread paper is the “West Australian”. In the Northern Territory the locals purchase the “Northern Territory News” and in Tasmania the “Hobart Mercury” is the most purchased local paper.
Multicultural Community Groups
There are many groups in Australia designed to help foreigners feel more at home. A multicultural community group is run by people from the same country and is a great way to meet people.
Culture and Society
Australia is generally a very accepting country, as well as being very laid back. New comers will find lifestyle and culture quite different. As long as people are respectful, polite and non judgmental Australians will be accepting.
Priding it self on being a country of equality, Australians do not accept racist and sexist behavior.
Unacceptable behavior includes, smoking in government buildings, shopping centres, airports, public transport or in any public buildings or meeting places. Littering is also illegal and there are many bins provided on the sidewalks of most streets.
Culture Shock
Remember Australia is a brand new environment, feeling home sick is normal. Usually this feeling will disappear once the new surroundings become slightly more familiar.
If this feeling does not go away it may pay to see the international counsellor at the educational institute.
Australian Laws
Australia is a very free country, there are no restrictions on where they can live, how they can dress, what relationships they have or what they say (providing this is not a racist or sexist comment).
It is illegal in Australia to purchase or consume alcohol and cigarettes in the consumer is under 18. Smoking has been banned in public places due to health risks. No one is aloud to carry weapons or have illegal drugs on them. All acts of violence towards humans or animals will not be tolerated, all acts of violence will be prosecuted severely.
