Top ten questions
What’s the best way to get money from home while I'm in Australia?
Here’s what I would suggest
• Bring some Aussie cash, say $150-200
• Bring your USA credit card and make sure you have a PIN to allow cash withdraws at an ATM (automatic teller machine). This method will be too costly to operate the whole time you are here due to ATM fees and charges (unless your USA bank has an associate bank here?) but it will get you going for a week or two while you get the other sorted.
• Once here you can open an Aussie bank account
and have 2 options to have your money come over
3a) Have a one-time wire transfer directly into your new account –the money will be available WITHIN 2-3 DAYS
3B) Bring your USA cheque book and deposit your own cheque –This will take 45 DAYS before you can access the funds. So you may have a good balance but you won’t be able to draw on it .
How do I get to House on the Hill?
There are 3 ways
• Happy Cabby – this is a transfer service from Sydney Airport to Newcastle – it costs around $65 per person. They meet you at Arrivals and help with luggage etc. They do not leave the airport until they have filled up a small mini bus, so you can be kept waiting a while till they fill.
If you are on your own it’s the safest way .
P: (02) 49 76 3991
M: 0415497102
W: happycabby.com.au
• Newcastle Maxi-Taxi’s – Is a direct service It’s $325 (Nov 09) but can fit 5 people and 10 bags. (So if there are 5 it works out cheaper than happy cabby $60) I would even say it’s the superior choice for even 4 - pay a little extra and come direct with your own van and driver. We can book this one direct with the operator for you.
• The train – It’s a good service, however, what I have observed is that generally you have already been traveling for 2 days and fatigue is starting to creep in along with, generally speaking, (girls this is for you) WAY TOO much luggage. It is very hard to manage all your luggage as well as fatigue and not knowing where you are or what to do. We do have some tips should you wish to pursue this method let me know and we will forward you on the instructions.
What’s with the internet?
All of the units have the capability to have ADSL internet facilities. In Australia it’s all a user-pays system. Once here you will need to shop around and find the best deal for your particular needs.
How do I pay rent?
When you pre-book you are paying 2 weeks in advance, which in Australia is standard procedure. This gives you time to get here, get all settled, work out your banking etc before any rent becomes due. We have various payment methods for you to choose from and you will be given a print out of all the relevant details once here. One of the special conditions we have is that by week 12 of the 22 week agreement all rent be paid. This has been implemented over the last 4 years and has prevented some embarrassing calls to parents for spent rent money.
What is a bond?
Unlike USA, Australia has a very regulated leasing system administered by the Department of Fair Trading.
Bond is a deposit. It’s not returned until you have all vacated the units, they have been checked and found to be in the same condition as when you arrived.
It can’t be used to cover rent or outstanding utilities. The government hold it on your behalf and you are issued with a holding bond number.
The government have a great website that will answer most questions you have
1) Go to fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
2) Go to the blue tabs and select Tenants & home owners
3) Use the drop box to select Renting a home
Under this title there are some great resources like a renting guide, bonds etc. This will explain fully how the system works.
What do I need to bring?
The units are self-contained and ready to walk into with your suitcase. Almost all things you need will already be here.
Sheets and towels are all you need. If you don’t have enough room to bring them in your luggage don’t panic as we can organise some once you are here.
Australia is on 240V power so don’t bring your hairdryers/straightening iron, curling tongs, as they DON”T work here. (Electric razors may be the exception as they are generally dual voltage). There are already lots of plug adaptor’s here as well.
What about utilities?
Each unit is individually metered for services: gas, electric and water. These are administered and billed direct to you by the regulatory authorities.
What about cell phone’s?
Unless you have an international roaming phone your USA phone will not work here. From past experience the students that have brought expensive dual-network phones have found that they are too expensive to use in Australia. They end up buying a cheap pre-paid mobile phone. These are readily available once you get here for around $99. Deals with different carriers are always changing but it doesn't take long to work out which one will suit your needs the best. Generally once somebody decides on a provider everyone will then all go the same way as they often offer up a text and call to each other for free. Also we don’t pay for incoming calls only outgoing!
Are we in a good neighbourhood?
“The Hill “ is one of the most sought after area’s in Newcastle. Average house prices range well into the millions due to it’s prime location, proximity to the city, beaches and magnificent views of the beach and harbour. Our neighbours are all well respected
professors, lawyers and doctors. Your unit is only a 4-5 min walk to the beach, train station (the university is a 12 min train ride) and eateries. Supermarkets are within walking distance and a free bus runs a town loop from 20 metres from the front door .
What if something goes wrong and I can’t contact my son/daughter?
That’s where we can help! Even though you are a long way from home, we are available for any sort of problem that may occur. All of our past students will tell you that we are only a phone call away. No matter how embarrassing or dire the situation seems - medical or otherwise - two heads are almost always better than one for problem solving. If need be we can organize and have plans for most emergencies that arise. The most common being an email or call from a parent saying that they have been trying to contact their son/daughter for days and they aren’t returning their calls. Generally they are having too good a time to reply! And don’t worry if I think you need to know something. I’ll pick up the phone immediately!
How do I contact you?
You can contact us via details on the contacts page
For urgent enquiries call:
1 61 2 49 50 47 59 Home
1 61 409 572821 Jenny (cell)
1 61 418 49 5675 Michael (cell)
We hope this has been of help and, as always, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions or queries.