Luggage Australia - Luggage for Australia
Australia Money
Travel as light as practically possible – the less bags the better. There are numerous reasons for this:
- Distances at airports can be considerable and ease of handling will be most welcome when transferring to buses, taxis, trains, not to mention the trunks/boots of private cars.
- Reduces the number security checks.
- Less expense in possible porter costs.
- Decreases the time and effort to pack.
- Potentially more room for treasured items that one 'will' bring back.
It is prudent to pack less especially regarding clothing as one may consider purchasing some items that would have been taken back on the return trip regardless.
An important double note: make certain you have labeled your luggage and that it is lockable. Also make sure you pack neatly because a messy, obscured bag not easily scanned is more liable to be opened subject to more invasive searching.
The following is a suggested nominal list of items by no means inclusive of all individual personal needs.
- Photocopies of all documentation: Identification, travel accommodations, tickets, visa, credit cards, medications, drivers license, prescription for glasses.
- Jacket- dress type.
- 3 – 4 shirts or T shirts, tops/ blouses, 2 pairs jeans/trousers, skirts, (at least one should be up-scale casual but still dressy)
- Shorts/ skirts, two pairs.
- Pajamas 1 pair.
- Swimsuit 1 pair.
- Beach towel.
- Sweaters(jumpers) 2 pair( winter only)
- Socks 4 pairs.
- Underwear 4 pairs.
- Long T-shirt( en lieu of bathrobe,) scarf, bandanna.
- Broad brimmed sun hat.
- Sandals, shoes, ( one dressy pair, one comfortable walking ) boots.
Necessary Meds etc: diarrhea, menstrual, first aid bandages, anti-infection ointments, prescription medications.
- Sun screen, insect repellent, vitamins.
- Toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, razor blades/gel, deodorant, soap, shampoo/conditioner.
- Washcloth, laundry spot remover.
- Make-up, lip-balm.
- Toilet paper( small), anti-bacterial wipes.
Miscellaneous Items
- Adapter plugs for Australian electrical outlets for computers etc.
- Laptop computer, carrying bag, cell-phone charger, camera, film or extra cards, batteries.
- Plastic bags- sealable- that can store many small items preventing loss.
It bears repeating, since a recent survey revealed 25 million bags go missing from flights world wide, it may be prudent to consider travel insurance since some air carriers may not reimburse you for the lost items.
What to Pack
The southern states tend to be colder than the northern states, so bring something warm with you if you are travelling to Australia during the middle of the year because we are in the middle of winter.
Here is a list of what to bring in your onboard luggage (keep it on you at all times):
- Information pack containing your letter of offer
- Passport with student visa
- Airline ticket
- Money , credit cards, travellers cheques, money orders ... etc
- Working Camera
- Contact lenses and glasses
- Medication (if needed) and a letter from your GP stating that you need this (Australian Customs Officers will probably ask you to explain what the medication is ... etc)
WHAT TO BRING
If you are in the north of the country in Queensland, or the Northern Territory you will need more cooler clothing than if you were in the southern states of Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia or Tasmania. Cool clothing like: t shirts, jeans, blouses, and slacks are they way to go if you are going to the northern part of the country. While in the south you may need to bring jumpers, jackets, and heavier cardigans with you.
Australians tend to have a relaxed approach to clothing. And on most campuses in Australia this rule applies for both students and staff of the institution. But you may have to attend formal dinners and other celebratory events and will be required to dress accordingly. The dress code at these functions is: smart trousers, shirt and a tie for men, while women dress in semi-formal way or wear traditional clothing.
Personal items like: toiletries / towels / linen / blankets / bilingual dictionary and a thesaurus / clock / radio / walk man / iPod / personal DVD player / international driver’s licence and home country’s drivers licence.
You can also bring in laptops and other computer equipment into Australia if you can satisfy Australian Customs with the knowledge that you are going to be taking them out of Australia when you leave. Although with these items you will need adaptor’s that are compatible with Australia.
Cooking utensils and kitchenware can be purchased in Australia very cheaply from large retailers or second hand shops.
WHAT YOU DON’T BRING
This is what you do not bring into Australia. Australia has some of the toughest quarantine laws in the world, and the guidelines are strict.
You have to declare everything you have on your (IPC) Incoming Passenger Card before you get off the plane. And if you are not sure something has to be declared, declare it anyway just to be on the safe side. By following these precautions you will play a significant role in protecting Australia from potentially deadly pests and other parasites.
Here is a list of what cannot be brought into Australia or mailed to you while you are here:
Mayo / fresh noodles / moon cake / fresh fruit and vegetables / packaged meals with dairy products, eggs or meat / meat and meat products that are frozen, dried, smoked, salted or canned, including meat based snacks and stocks / most fish either dried or frozen / cheese / beans / sausages / salami / milk and dairy based products.
Here is a list of what to bring to Australia and it is exhaustive:
- A current passport with your student visa
- Two passport sized photos for your student ID card
- Airline tickets
- Travel itinerary
- The details about your arrival time at the campus you are studying at and an appropriate telephone number and email address of the International Students Office at your education provider.
- Travellers cheques
(You can bring currency of up to $10 000 into Australia without having to declare it to Australian Customs. The law stipulates that you can bring any amount of foreign or Australian currency into the country that you like. But, anything over $10 000 has to be declared. And if you are bringing in promissory notes, travellers cheques, money orders and postal orders you may be asked by a customs officer to fill in a Bearer Negotiable Instruments (BNI) form. So, keep this in mind when you are bringing in currency and cheques and other financial documentation into the country)
- Aussie dollars to cover your initial expenses when you arrive. It is not difficult to get money changed into Australian dollars at any of the stopovers on your way to Australia.
- Dental check up because dentistry is not covered by OSHC.
- Read the international student guide given to you by the education provider that you will be studying with during your time in Australia.
Travellers to Australia are advised to use a backpack because it is easier to carry and also more convenient. A suitcase is not recommended for travellers. You are advised to pack your luggage lightly as it is more convenient to carry. You are also advised to check with Customs and Quarantine on their website about what you can or cannot bring with you to Australia.
Planning travel arrangements well in advance can be quite a hassle if you're not used to it but we can help to make your Australian adventure hassle free, fun as well as enjoyable. How does that sound? We offer you services including travel planning, accomodation and individual itinerary planning.
Documents
Documentation
- Passport - with "Visa" stamp on it. For online visa (eVisa), bring the email printout with the notification of Visa being granted.
- A photocopy of your passport and visa - Keeping copies of such documents separate from original documents is highly recommended.
- Plane ticket
- Health Insurance documentation
- National health documentation (reciprocal countries only) Document showing that you are enrolled on the national health scheme in your home country, if you plan to apply for Medicare in Australia
- Travel Insurance documentation
- Drivers License - An International Driver's Licence or home country driver's licence (if in English)
- International Student Identity Card (if you are currently a student), Youth Hostel Card or Youth Travel Card
- Sufficient funds in cash or travellers cheques for your first few days
- 2-3 personal character references (for your job search)
- Your updated CV/résumé on a floppy disk
- Australia Student Visa
