For those traveling outside the tourist machine, a few fundamental things should be known about Australia.
Safety, security and knowing how to do what you want to do are important. Independent travelers can see more of Australia than most people. Get the basics right, and the rest is easy.
Australia may have a reputation as an easy going place, but don’t get lazy about personal security.
The disasters of identity theft, ordinary theft, money problems, visa problems, bookings, crime, accidents, and not knowing how to get from A to B, are all avoidable. I’ve met someone who was cleaned out, and it wasn’t a pretty sight.
Money
A third party account, like PayPal, or similar, is as good a way of keeping your cash available without risking it. On line access is everywhere in Australian cities. You can keep some spare cash coverage safe, and available at arm’s length. Keep all your ID materials safe, and never do anything but keep them safe. Make sure you do know what to do if your money is stolen, or you lose your cards.
Contacts
Emergencies do happen. You should make sure to be able to access a safety line, your own local consulate, or friends, when necessary. Be certain you have some backup if you need it. If you have medical needs, be sure they know to tell the local authorities, or medical facilities.
Whatever you’re doing
Check everything you need for yourself. If you’re a non-English speaker, there are government interpreters, and your consulate will have some idea what needs doing. Don’t get caught in situations you don’t understand.
Make absolutely certain that all your legals, particularly visas and work permits, (extremely important) are done properly.
Double check bookings. In many cases, the hotels, hostels, motels, whatever, will be more helpful than anyone else.
Australia has people from all over the world, so there are also cultural associations for just about every nationality or ethnic group on Earth who can help, and they’re all in the phone book or on line.
You can have a ball as an independent traveler in Australia. All the problems are avoidable. Just ask.
Venere.com offers hotel accommodation in Australia in Sydney and its harbour suburb Elizabeth Bay, as well as in Port Douglas, Queensland.
Photo originally posted by Hot Meteor
One response to “Australia basics for independent travelers”
Report an inappropriate commentOctober 8th, 2010 at 9:53 am
Whenever you travel out of your country, it is necessary that you take the proper checking and measures in order to avoid any further problems or consequences. Checking the booking and tickets are a must when you are out. These are the cases where majority of the problem arises. So precaution is always better than suffering later on. Also since there is the problem of thefts and crimes, you need to be more careful in your visits.
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