LIVING IN AUSTRALIA

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LIVING COSTS IN AUSTRALIA

The average international student in Australia spends about $320 per week on:

  • accommodation
  • food
  • clothing
  • entertainment
  • transport
  • international and domestic travel
  • telephone
  • incidental costs

While this is a realistic guide, it is important to remember that
individual circumstances will vary by location, course and lifestyle.

When you are structuring your budget also take into account the
following:

  • tuition fees
  • health insurance
  • working while you study

For current information related to the cost of living please see http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/Sia/en/StudyCosts/LivingCosts

GENERAL CREDIT CARDS CURRENCY TIPPING

Money and Banks

Australian currency is the only legal tender in Australia. When you first arrive, money from other countries can be changed at the exchange facilities located at international airports, banks and major hotels. Travellers cheques are easier to use if already in Australian dollars, however, banks will cash travellers cheques in virtually any currency. Major hotels and some shops, depending on individual store policy, will cash travellers cheques.

It is a good idea to set up an Australian bank account. You will need to provide your visa and evidence of residency. Banking services in Australia are extremely competitive. Over 20 local and numerous international banking groups are represented in Australia. All major banks have a branch in cities and regional centres. Most shopping centres have Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) facilities. These machines can be used for deposits and, in many instances, withdrawals 24 hours a day. Many department stores, supermarkets and specialist shops have electronic transfer terminals (EFTPOS) where cash withdrawals can also be made in addition to purchasing goods.

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Credit cards

Credit cards are widely accepted around Australia. The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard, Diners International, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates.


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Currency

Australia uses a dollars and cents system of decimal currency with 100 cents in a dollar. The bank notes in use are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Coins used are the silver coloured 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent and 50 cent and the gold coloured $1 and $2 coins.


Australia's development of the polymer (plastic) banknote heralds
the introduction of advanced banknote technology for the new
millennium and rewrites world standards in design. Not only does
this leading-edge polymer technology offer immense security
benefits but its concepts of cleanliness, environmental
responsibility and recyclability set an example for the
world to follow.

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Tipping

Tipping is not the general custom in Australia and service charges are not added to accounts by hotels and restaurants.


In better-class restaurants, it is usual to tip food and drink waiters
up to 10 per cent of the bill for good service. Porters have set
charges at railway terminals, but not at hotels. However, at any
time, tipping is a matter of individual choice.
This information has been sourced from Study in Australia website, for more information and to visit this site click here.

Transportation

APC is located in the Sydney CBD. Therefore it is easy to reach by any form of transportation. It is within walking distance of train stations and bus stops.

Sydney has a public transport system, which provides bus, train and ferry services throughout the city. There are both government and private bus and ferry services and also an extensive government rail service. Taxi services are also available, but they are expensive in comparison with other forms of public transport.

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Sydney is such a beautiful city with ideal weather that it is best
seen on foot, combined with the use of public transportation.
Buses and trains will take you within easy walking distance of
attractions in the city. They also provide excellent service to
the suburbs and outlying between the areas. Passenger ferries
provide a fast and scenic means of travel city and the harbour
side suburbs, and a taxi will take you to just about anywhere
for a good price.

State Transit's Sydney Buses provide a clean and punctual service that links up with the city's rail and ferry systems. As well as covering city and suburban areas, there are two Airport Express services and two excellent sightseeing buses- the Sydney Explorer and the Bondi & Bay Explorer. Route numbers and journey destinations are displayed on the front, back and left side of all State Transit buses. An "X" in front of the number means that it is an express bus.

International students are not eligible for concession travel in Australia.

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WATER USE

Australia is a dry country and has water restrictions in place to limit the amount of water that is wasted.
Please remember to turn off taps, limit the length of time you leave water running when you clean your teeth, take a shower or wash your hands. If you own a car use a bucket to clean your car instead of a hose.
Sydney Water imposes heaving fines for water wastage.

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WATER USE

Australia is a dry country and has water restrictions in place to limit the amount of water that is wasted.
Please remember to turn off taps, limit the length of time you leave water running when you clean your teeth, take a shower or wash your hands. If you own a car use a bucket to clean your car instead of a hose.
Sydney Water imposes heaving fines for water wastage.

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SAFETY

Australia is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world. However, like in all countries/major cities, undue risks should not be taken in Sydney. For example, avoid poorly-lit areas at night time, do not provoke undue attention to yourself with loud behaviour, dress etc. and take care of your valuables and belongings at all times. If you are not familiar with Sydney or if you must travel at night, travel with a friend. Also do not accept a ride in a car from someone you do not know, even if they seem friendly or helpful.

CLOTHING

Layered outfits are the most practical clothing for Australian conditions.
A waterproof jacket is useful, but even in mid-winter, an overcoat is not necessary in Sydney.
Australian dress is generally casual by international standards.