INFORMATION FOR ADELAIDE

Pre Arrival Information for Adelaide

Living In Adelaide

Adelaide has been ranked among the world’s most livable cities. The Geographic location , vibrant atmosphere, and  beauty of nature in abundance are the contributing factors. South Australia is blessed with fantastic beaches across its region with Kangaroo Island, Yorke Peninsula and limestone coasts. Adelaide region has almost 30 kilometers of continuous coastline that creates the beauty on its doorstep .

International Students have much more experience from Beaches, Hills, Food Joints, Central Market, international sporting events and world renowned arts festivals. Our Adelaide Campus is located on CBD area on Currie Street and Adelaide’s famous Leigh Street and Peel Street. These streets are packed with popular and Exotic small bars. The basements, behind secret doors and down unmarked alleyways have some coolest spots for enjoyment.

The city’s layout is spread evenly across all directions of CBD area and is well connected by public transports and integrated road network. The commuting time is relatively very less in comparison to all cities of Australia.  The comparative lower cost of living of around 14% means you have more money to afford wonderful lifestyle and enjoy.

Adelaide has been known with a lot of titles including , The Festival State, The Park City, The Arts City, and The City of Church. The city designed for life.

Cost of Living In Adelaide

According to The Department of Home Affairs , the student must fulfill  the financial requirements  in order to receive a student visa for Australia. The DHA details step by step Student Visa Subclass 500 application and Document Checklist Tool for details on how to provide the evidence for financial obligations. As informed by DHA on October 2019 the 12-month living costs are;

• For International students or their guardians – AUD$21,041
• For partners of International Students   – AUD$7,362
• For a child of International Student  – AUD$3,152

The figures indicated above are for estimation and do not include the miscellaneous  expenses on Travel, Holiday expenses, recreational travel and spending’s for foods and drinks.

As recommended by DHA the students should have access to enough funds before their arrival to manage the initial expenses on Tenancy Bonds & rental deposits, home furnishings, groceries, travel card, mobile & internet and other necessary items.

COST OF LIVING CALCULATOR The Insider Guides ‘Cost of Living Calculator’ is also a useful, practical tool to help estimate your cost of living in Australia www.insiderguides.com.au/cost-of-living-calculator/.

Accommodation and Living Costs*

Study Adelaide  is the official government website for studying in South Australia as an international student.  The extensive information is detailed on their website about all accommodation and living cost. The study Adelaide manages the website Adelaide Student Housing . This website helps student in finding the suitable accommodations.

Accommodation A number of accommodation options available for international students. Shared Accommodation: Besides having your own bedroom you will share your accommodation with fellow residents.  This also has included household responsibilities of cleaning, with your flat mate.The cost for services like electricity, telephone internet etc is shared between the residents. The Food preparation and laundry has to be mutually accommodated in the time and usage. Rental Accommodation Adelaide CBD area and surroundings is the most preferred place by international students and almost 4,500 students live in this regions. This also has added advantage of walking distance to campuses and free travel on public transport with CBD region. Moreover there are plenty of other options available in the suburbs.  Almost all suburbs are very well connected by public transport and students have advantage of concessional travel on public transports. Below is the list of the student accommodation options in Adelaide to meet a variety of needs and budgets. Managed student apartments, purpose-built student accommodation, student hostels, private rental properties. Accommodation Costing Hostels and Guesthouses- $90 to $150 per week Shared Rental- $95 to $215 per week On campus- $110 to $280 per week Homestay- $235 to $325 per week Rental- $185 to $440 per week Boarding schools- $11,000 to $22,000 a year

Other living expenses Costs of Living would normally include: Rental Accommodation and rental deposits Clothing and Footwear Transport (Travel by Public Transport, Taxi and rental Cars) Food and Drinks Entertainment and recreational Activities Miscellaneous expenses – (textbooks, Stationery , Printing etc) Other Living expenses costing:  Groceries and eating out- $140 to $280 per week Gas, electricity- $10 to $20 per week Phone and Internet- $10 to $30 per week Public transport- $15 to $30 per week Car (after purchase)- $150 to $260 per week Entertainment- $80 to $150 per week *These costs are an estimate only. They do not include additional costs associated with a more expensive lifestyle.

Transportation

International Students can access free inner-city tram or bus. International students have extensive discounts on public transport for travel outside of the city.  There are  plenty of options available

• Adelaide Metro
• Walking and Cycling
• Driving

Public Transport in Adelaide

Adelaide Metro – Adelaide city and suburbs are well connected by network of Train, Trams and Buses . It’s safe and includes:

• Entire Adelaide metropolitan area is serviced by bus, tram and trains
• International students have availability of concessional travel with MetroCARD. MetroCARD can be recharged online and on variety of shops.
• Adelaide’s city centre and CBD area have free travel.
• Early Morning to late night services available

Walking and Cycling in Adelaide

The Adelaide city and suburbs are well planned and have broad and flat streets. The extensive paths for bike, cycling (and walking) around Adelaide is convenient and safe. Adelaide region encompasses :

• Dedicated bike lanes within city and many suburban streets.
• Adelaide city council has provided plenty of free bicycle parking around the city and a few organisations even provide free cycles and electric scooter for fast travel and can be returned after use at designated areas. Adelaide Free Bikes  provides bikes including a bicycle helmet, which must be worn when you’re cycling in South Australia.
• Adelaide Parklands and many inner-city suburbs have a weaving bike path to enjoy the travel.

Driving in Adelaide

For travel to and from distant locations students can also drive.  The students buy a car for permanent use or rent a car for the occasional road trip.

It is highly recommended to familiarize yourself  with South Australian road rules  and have a valid drivers License.

Driver’s license 

As per ServiceSA International Students in South Australia can drive with an International overseas licence till the validity of the that licence. The student are required to carry a current overseas licence at all times.

Bringing School Aged Kids:

Most student visas allow you to bring your family members to Australia as your dependents (check your individual circumstances Department of Home Affairs website). Family members include your spouse, and you and your spouse’s dependent children. Before bringing your spouse or children to Australia, you will have to prove that you can support them financially.The cost of supporting a family in Australia is high. You may have to consider and discuss many issues with your family. Issues to Consider Rather than bringing your family together with you to Australia, some students may find it useful to arrive first, settle into studies, find appropriate accommodation, adjust to living in Australia and then arrange for their family to join them.Before making a decision to bring your family to Australia it is important to consider the following issues:

• The cost of airfares for your family to and from Australia;
• Possible higher rent for a larger home;
• Limited employment opportunities for your spouse;
• Extra costs for food, clothing and other necessities;
• The effect on you and your studies if your family is not happy in Australia;
• Whether your children will adjust to school in Australia;
• Waiting lists for childcare centres; and
• Whether to come alone to Australia first and arrange things for your family or to all come at the same time

Childcare

Finding suitable childcare in Australia requires patience and planning. Waiting lists for places in most childcare centres are long. Many schools offer before- and after-school care programs (usually 7:30am-8:45am and 3:30pm-6:00pm). Children who need these programs must be registered with the school. There are a wide variety of private and not-for-profit childcare centres available around Adelaide South Australia.The Australian government provides financial assistance to help parents with childcare costs. International students who receive direct financial assistance from the government, through a government scholarship, may be eligible to receive the child care benefit. To find out if you are eligible for child care financial assistance, read more at the www.Australia.gov.au website.

Schools

If you would like to bring your children to Australia with you, you must be aware of the following schooling issues:

1. Fees will be charged and can vary from school to school depending on if it is a State or Private School and the location.
2. It is an immigration policy that school-age dependants of international students undertake formal schooling while they are in Australia.
3. You will need to provisionally enrol your child in a school before you leave your home country and you will normally have to pay the school fees one semester in advance. The school will issue an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment Form (eCoE) stating the program and its duration, so that you can obtain the appropriate visa for your child.
4. The Diplomatic Mission in your country can tell you which State schools are registered to take international students. Fees are usually payable by international student’s at all State schools.
5. You will be responsible for the school fees and other costs including school uniforms, books, excursions and stationery.
6. When choosing the most appropriate school for your child, it is best to ask questions about the school’s curriculum, size, extra-curricular activities and the size of individual classes.
7. You should also take into consideration the distance from the school to your education institution, the suburb in which you intend to live and the method of transport you plan to use.

For further information,

Please contact: ADELAIDE SCHOOLS:

There are two types of schools in Australia – State schools and independent schools.

Directory of State and Independent Schools Adelaide

https://www.australianschoolsdirectory.com.au

https://www.australianschoolsdirectory.com.au/adelaide-schools.php

Visa subclass	Your tertiary student status	Category of Dependant
500	Full fee-paying international student	Children of a full fee-paying international tertiary student
500	South Australian endorsed scholarship holder	Children of a full fee-paying international tertiary student

If your visa subclass or citizenship is one of the following, your children cannot be enrolled as Dependants.

Visa subclass or citizenship	Do your children need to be enrolled as international or local students?	Follow the link for further information
500	If you are an international tertiary student studying English on an ELICOS course only, your children need to be enrolled as full-fee paying international students	Primary school studentHigh school student

FEES AND CHARGES

2020 Fee Schedule Dependant : https://www.internationalstudents.sa.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/Fee-Schedule_Eng_Dependants_2020_170119-2.pdf

Children of South Australian government endorsed scholarship holders

If you are a South Australian endorsed scholarship holder studying in a South Australian university or tertiary education institution on visa subclass 500, you may choose to enrol your children (5-18 years of age and unmarried) in a South Australian government school of your choice (subject to zoning and capacity).

South Australian government endorsed scholarships include:

• Australian government scholarships e.g. AusAID or International Postgraduate Research Scholarship
• South Australian government scholarships
• South Australian university scholarships
• Some scholarships awarded by the tertiary student’s home country government, provincial or state government, or multilateral agency e.g. United Nations, World Bank or Asian Development Bank. For this scholarship, you must:
  • study at Flinders University, the University of Adelaide, Torrens University, University of South Australia or Carnegie Mellon University
  • reside in South Australia for the duration of your studies and
  • be studying a higher degree by research (visa subclass 500 – postgraduate research or foreign affairs/defence sectors).

If you do not have one of the above South Australian endorsed scholarships, you will need to enrol your defendants as Children of a full fee-paying international tertiary student.

Your children need to be enrolled as full-fee paying overseas students for the duration of your visa.

Accessing Money

You should read this section carefully, and discuss the issues raised in this section with the bank or financial institution in your home country before you leave. All banks operate differently and you should be aware of all fees, charges, ease of access to your funds, and safety of the way in which you will access those funds.

Currency Exchange

Only Australian currency can be used in Australia. If you have not brought some with you, you can change money at the airport. Once you have arrived in Perth, you can also change money at any bank or at currency exchanges.

What to Bring

Documents

You should prepare a folder of official documents to bring with you to Australia, including:

• Valid passport with Student Visa
• Offer of a place / admission letter from KCBT
• Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) issued by KCBT
• Receipts of payments (e.g. tuition fees, OSHC, bank statements )
• Insurance policies
• Original or certified copies of your academic transcripts and qualifications
• Other personal identification documents, e.g. birth certificate, ID card, driver’s licence
• Medical records and/or prescriptions

If you are travelling with your family you will need to include their documents as well. Keep all documents in your carry-on luggage. In case you lose the originals, make copies that can be left behind with family and sent to you.

Entry into Australia

Australian Immigration

When you first arrive in Australia you will be required to make your way through Australian Immigration (follow the signs for Arriving Passengers as you leave the plane). An Immigration Officer will ask to see your completed Incoming Passenger Card (given to you on the plane) along with your passport and student visa evidence. The Immigration Officer will check your documents and may ask you a few questions about your plans for your stay in Australia

Baggage Claim

Once you have passed through the immigration checks you will move to baggage claim (follow the signs) and collect your luggage. Check that nothing is missing or damaged. If something is missing or damaged go to the Baggage Counter and advise them of your problem. Staff at the Baggage Counter will help you to find your belongings or lodge a claim for damage.

Australian Customs and Quarantine

Students are often surprised by how strict Australian Customs Services and quarantine can be. If you’re in doubt about whether your goods are prohibited or not, declare it anyway on the Incoming Passenger Card which you will receive on the plane. Students have received on the spot fines for not declaring items.

• Read “What can’t I take into Australia?”
• Let your family and friends know “What can’t be mailed to Australia?”

Baggage allowances flying into Australia will vary according to your carrier, flight class and country of origin. Please check with your carrier prior to departure. International economy passengers are generally permitted 1 x checked luggage (30kg) and 1 x carry-on (7kg). Within Australia you are generally allowed only 20kg of checked luggage. This will significantly limit the amount of things you can bring, especially if you will fly within Australia to get to your final destination. It is essential to think the packing process through very carefully. You will be able to purchase most things upon arrival in Australia but the price may be higher than in your own country.

Once you have your luggage you will go through Customs. Be careful about what you bring into Australia. Some items you might bring from overseas can carry pests and diseases that Australia doesn’t have. You must declare ALL food, meat, fruit, plants, seeds, wooden souvenirs, animal or plant materials or their derivatives.

Australia has strict quarantine laws and tough on-the-spot fines. Every piece of luggage is now screened or x-rayed by quarantine officers, detector dog teams and x-ray machines. If you fail to declare or dispose of any quarantine items, or make a false declaration, you will get caught. In addition to on-the-spot fines, you could be prosecuted and fined more than AU$60,000 and risk 10 years in prison.

All international mail is also screened. Some products may require treatment to make them safe. Items that are restricted because of the risk of pests and disease will be seized and destroyed by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS).

For more detailed information about bringing in food, animals, plants, animal or plant materials or their derivatives visit http://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity

Getting From the Airport

Airport Reception Service

 KCBT can organise for you to be picked up from the Airport and taken to your accommodation. You need to let us know 2 weeks in advance if you would like this service. The cost of airport pickup is $80 per person.

Pick-up & Drop-off

A few pointers on picking up and dropping off passengers.

The Adelaide Airport Pick-up and Drop-off zone are conveniently located towards the entry point of the airport, on Sir Richard Williams Avenue. View the grounds map of Adelaide Airport for the exact location. Look out for our friendly Ground Transport staff in the Pick-up and Drop-off zone who will direct you to the nearest space to pull in.

If you intend to pick-up or drop-off your passengers you can only stop in the extreme left lane. The other two lanes are through lanes ONLY. Stopping in these two through lanes is not permitted. Vehicles are not permitted to stop at the kerbside except for immediate passenger pick-up and drop-off.

If your passenger has not arrived yet, please do not park and wait. This will only cause delays to drivers who are able to pick up passengers that have arrived. Keep driving through and do a lap back around to the start of the Pick-up and Drop-off zone. If you have picked up or dropped off your passenger please exit the Pick-up and Drop-off zone as soon as you can to keep traffic flowing.

Due to Government security requirements, you must not leave your vehicle unattended at any time. Unattended vehicles may be towed. If you are asked to move your vehicle by our Ground Transport staff, please do so.

Here are few more tips to make your pick-up/drop-off even easier.

Pick-up

1. Find out if your passenger’s flight is arriving on time by contacting Reception on (08) 8308 9211, or by visiting the Flights sectionof our website. Alternatively, you may check directly with their airline.
2. Given the long length of the Pick-up and Drop-off bay, suggest to your passenger a point along the zone where they should wait to be picked up, e.g. ‘outside the lifts’ or ‘just before the pedestrian lights at the far end’.
3. Remember when picking up a passenger, take into account the time they’ll need to disembark their flight and collect their luggage; allow 10-15 minutes.

Drop-off

1. If you’re being dropped off and looking to check-in, you can either take the lifts at the car park to the second floor and walk across the link bridge or walk across the plaza to the lifts and use the escalators inside the Terminal.
2. If you take a taxi to the airport, you will now be dropped off at Atura Circuit between the terminal and Atura Hotel. Access to the terminal is via the northern doors. The lifts or escalators will take you to Level 2 for departures.
3. Private vehicles and rideshare vehicles dropping off passengers must do so at the existing drop-off/ pick up location. For check-in, once at this point, either take the lifts to Level 2 for departures or walk across the plaza for arrivals.
4. If you are entering the airport and parking in the terminal car park, the terminal can be accessed by walking across the link bridge for departures or walk across the plaza for arrivals.

Public Buses

It is easy to get around the city and suburbs with Adelaide’s public transport system – Adelaide Metro. It’s safe and includes:

• Extensive bus, tram and train networks servicing the entire Adelaide metropolitan area
• Discounted tickets for international students
• Free buses and trams in Adelaide’s city centre
• Frequent daytime services and safe after-midnight services
• Availability of taxi and ride-sharing services

The best and most affordable way to use Adelaide’s public transport system is to use a MetroCARD which you can recharge online, or at a variety of shops.

Learn more about Adelaide’s public transport at Adelaide Metro

Taxis

As of Monday 21 October, 2019 at 9:00 am the Taxi drop off will now be located at Atura Circuit, between the terminal and Atura Hotel. Access to the terminal is via the northern doors. The lifts or escalators will take you to Level 2 for departures.

To exit the airport, there is a designated taxi rank located to the left (western side) of the pedestrian plaza as you walk out of the terminal. Concierges provide a safe environment and allocate taxis to passengers. They can also organise taxis with wheelchair access, five-seaters and maxi taxis for larger groups or station wagons for large amounts of baggage.

There is a $3 levy added to all fares for taxis leaving the airport

Keeping in Contact

Before you leave home, you should provide your family and friends, and your education provider in Australia, with details of your flights to Australia and where you will be staying when you arrive. (Do not change these details without informing them.) Once you have arrived in Australia, you should then let your family and friends know that you have arrived safely. It is important to ALWAYS let someone know where you are and how to contact you by phone or by post.

Adjusting to Life in Australia

 While living and studying abroad may be an exciting adventure, it can also present a range of challenges. Having decided to study and live in Australia you will be undertaking adjustments in many areas of your life including cultural, social and academic. It is also important to remember that while these changes are occurring you will be embarking upon a new term of study (for many of you in a different language) and be away from your usual supports, networks and resources. Adjustment to a new country and culture is a process that occurs gradually and takes time.

The values, beliefs, traditions and customs of your home country may vary greatly from those in Australia and adapt to the Australian way of life may take some time. This advice may help:

• Listen, observe and ask questions
• Become involved

Try to maintain a sense of perspective

• Maintain some of the routines and rituals you may have had in your home
• Keep lines of communication open with those at
• Sense of humour
• Ask for help
• Finally, relax and enjoy the journey! (Source: Macquarie University)

Culture Shock

Culture shock is the feeling of being out of place in an unfamiliar environment. The initial excitement of moving to a new country often subsides when different cultural expectations challenge you to attend to daily responses and behaviours previously taken for granted. Then potential stress of dealing with these persistent challenges can result in feelings of hostility and frustration with your host country as well as a profound longing for home.

Overcoming Culture Shock

Once you realise you have culture shock, getting over it and moving on to better adjustment with the host culture will depend on you. It is you who must take some positive steps to feel better, and the sooner you take them, the better.

1. Recognition: First, you should remember that culture shock is a normal part of your adjustment and that you may have some of the symptoms. Some of your reactions may not be normal for you; you may be more emotional or more sensitive, or lose your sense of humour. Recognising your culture shock symptoms will help you learn about yourself as you work your way through
2. Be objective: Second, try to analyse objectively the differences you are finding between your home and your host Look for the reasons your host country does things differently. Remember that host customs and norms are (mostly) logical to them, just as your customs and norms at home are logical to you.
3. Set goals: Third, set some goals for yourself to redevelop your feeling of control in your life. These should be small tasks that you can accomplish each For example, if you do not feel like leaving your room, plan a short activity each day that will get you out. Go to a post office or store to buy something, ride a bus or go to a sports event. If you feel that language is your problem, set daily goals to learn more: study fifteen minutes a day; learn five new words a day; learn one new expression each day; watch a TV program in your new language for 30 minutes. Each goal that you achieve will give you more and more self-confidence and the belief that you can cope.
4. Share your feelings: Fourth, find local friends who are sympathetic and Talk to them about your feelings and specific situations. They can help you understand ideas from their cultural point of view.

(Source: Rotary International Youth Exchange)

Public Holidays & Special Celebrations

 Australians hold certain days each year as special days of national meaning. We may recognise the day with a holiday for everyone or we can celebrate the day as a nation with special events. Most States and Territories observe some of the public holidays on the same date. They have others on different dates or have some days that only their State or Territory celebrates. In larger cities, most shops, restaurants and public transport continue to operate on public holidays. In smaller towns, most shops and restaurants close.

• New Year

Australians love to celebrate New Year. There are festivals, celebrations and parties all over the country to welcome in the New Year. The fireworks display is considered to be one of the best. January 1 is a public holiday.

• Australia Day

Australia Day, January 26, is the day we as a people and place celebrate our nationhood. The day is a public holiday. The day marks the founding of the first settlement in our nation by European people.

• Easter

Easter commemorates the resurrection (return to life) of Jesus Christ following his death by crucifixion. It is the most significant event of the Christian calendar. In addition to its religious significance, Easter in Australia is enjoyed as a four-day holiday weekend starting on Good Friday and ending on Easter Monday. This extra-long weekend is an opportunity for Australians to take a mini holiday, or get together with family and friends. Easter often coincides with school holidays, so many people with school aged children incorporate Easter into a longer family holiday. Easter is the busiest time for domestic air travel in Australia, and a very popular time for gatherings such as weddings and christenings.

• Anzac Day

Anzac Day is on April 25 the day the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed at Gallipoli in Turkey in 1915 during World War 1. This day is set apart to hold dear the memory of those who fought for our nation and those who lost their life to war. The day is a public holiday. We remember with ceremonies, wreath laying and military parades. You will find that many towns have an ANZAC Day parade and ceremony culminating in the laying of memorial wreaths at a monument or war memorial. These services can be very moving and a wonderful way of experiencing some Australian National pride, as the memories of our fallen soldiers are commemorated. Many Australians attend the National War Memorial in Canberra, or a War Memorial in one of the Capital Cities around Australia for either the traditional “Dawn Service”, which commemorates the landing of the ANZACS at Gallipoli in the dark and dawning of that day, or another service usually commencing around mid-morning with a parade of returned armed forces representing all Australians who have fought in war. As Australia is such a multi-cultural country, these days it is common to see many other countries also represented in these parades.

ANZAC Day is the only day of the year where it may also be possible to attend an RSL (Returned Servicemen’s League) Club to experience a traditional game of “TWO-UP”. A game of chance played by the ANZACS where money is waged on the toss of three coins for a resulting combination of 2 out of 3 being either heads or tails. RSL clubs are crammed with returned soldiers and their families and friends on this day, the atmosphere are one of “mateship” and friendliness to all and the experience of a game of two-up is a memorable one.

• Labour Day

Labour Day is celebrated on different dates throughout Australia. As elsewhere in the world, Labour Day originated in Australia as a means of giving ‘working people’ a day off and recognising the roots of trade unionist movements and workers’ rights.

• Queen’s Birthday

The Queen’s Birthday holiday celebrates the birthday of Queen Elizabeth II who is not only Queen of the United Kingdom but also Queen of Australia. Having the Queen’s Birthday on a Monday, results in a three-day long weekend.

• Christmas

Christmas is celebrated in Australia on 25 December. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus is ‘the son of God’, the Messiah sent from Heaven to save the world. The heat of early summer in Australia has an impact on the way that Australians celebrate Christmas and our English heritage also has an impact on some northern hemisphere Christmas traditions which are followed.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, houses are decorated; greetings cards sent out; carols sung; Christmas trees installed in homes, schools and public places; and children delight in anticipating a visit from Santa Claus. On Christmas Day family and friends gather to exchange gifts and enjoy special Christmas food. Australians are as likely to eat freshly caught seafood outdoors at a barbeque, as to have a traditional roast dinner around a dining table.

Many Australians spend Christmas out of doors, going to the beach for the day, or heading to camping grounds for a longer break over the Christmas holiday period.

Carols by Candlelight have become a huge Christmas tradition in Australia. Carols by Candlelight events today range from huge gatherings, which are televised live throughout the country, to smaller local community and church events.

Setting up a Bank Account

You can choose to open an account in any Bank, Credit Union or Building Society in Australia. Do your research to get the best deal.

To open a bank account you will need:

• your passport (with arrival date stamped by Australian immigration)
• student ID card
• money to deposit into the account (this can be as little as $10)

Anyone who wishes to open a bank account in Australia must show several pieces of personal identification which are allotted a points system. 100 points of identification is required to establish your identity as the person who will be named in the account. Your passport and proof of your arrival date in Australia will be acceptable as 100 points IF you open an account within six weeks of arrival in Australia. After this time you will be required to produce additional documentation. As a student you will be able to open an account with special student benefits. Many banks have ‘Student Accounts’ which contain no or minimal fees for transactions that might normally be attached to regular savings accounts. You will also require the student ID card from your institution to prove you are a student and should have access to the benefits offered by a student bank account. For a comparison of accounts in banks throughout Australia see:

http://www.banks.com.au/personal/accounts/

Most people in Australia enjoy the convenience of Internet banking and/or Telephone banking, which enables them to manage their money, pay bills etc. from home. At the time you are setting up your account you can request these services from your bank.

Bank & ATM Locations

BANK WEBSITE LOCAL ADDRESS

National Australia Bank www.nab.com.au 22-28 King William St, Adelaide SA 5000 Phone: 13 22 65	ANZ Bank www.anz.com.au 121 King William St, Adelaide SA 5000 Phone: 13 13 14
Commonwealth Bank www.commbank.com.au 96 King William St, Adelaide SA 5000 Phone: (08) 8206 4467	Westpac Bank www.westpac.com.au 1 King William St, Adelaide SA 5000 Phone: 13 20 32
BankSA Bank   www.banksa.com.au 11 Rundle Mall, Adelaide SA 5000 Phone: 13 13 76	HSBC Bank   www.hsbc.com.au 55 Grenfell Street, Adelaide SA 5000 Phone: 1800 308 008

Please note – this is only a sample list of some financial institutions in Australia with no particular recommendation.

Please visit this website and find Banks & ATMs nearest to you: www.lookatwa.com.au/AboutPerth/banks.html

Banking Hours

Most bank branches are open from Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm (except on public holidays). Some branches have extended trading hours during the week and may be open Saturdays (check with your individual bank).

ATMs remain open 24 hours a day. However, you should be aware of your personal safety if accessing cash from an ATM at night in quiet areas where there are not a lot of people around.

Bank Fees

Bank fees are the price you pay for the products and services that banks offer. Different banks charge different fees for different products and services, and the best way to find out what fees apply is simply to ask your bank. Any fees that apply to your accounts are fully disclosed in information leaflets and terms and conditions that your bank can provide before you open your account. Some banks waive some fees if you are a full-time student. The way you do your banking may also affect the fees that apply for example: internet banking rather than walking into a branch. If you don’t understand any fee that has been charged, contact your bank.

Account Statements

Most banks will provide regular statements for your accounts (just how regular can depend on the type of account). On request, banks will provide statements on a deposit account at more frequent intervals, but this may attract a fee. Bank statements are your record of everything that has happened in your account over a given period – the withdrawals, deposits and transfers that were made, and any bank fees and government taxes you were charged.

Telephone and Internet banking can make it easy to check your statements, and some banks even offer ‘mini statements’ through their own ATMs.

Check your statements regularly to make sure you’ve got enough money in your account to cover your expenses and keep track of your spending, as well as make sure that all transactions made in your account are legitimate. Refer to your statements to see what fees you are paying on your bank accounts and why, and to see whether a few simple changes to your banking habits could help you to reduce the fees you pay (for example, using your own bank’s ATMs instead of other banks’ ATMs).

(Source: Australian Bankers’ Association Inc.)

Getting a Tax File Number

You must obtain a Tax File Number to be able to work in Australia. A tax file number (TFN) is your unique reference number to our tax system. When you start work, your employer will ask you to complete a tax file number declaration form. If you do not provide a TFN your employment will be taxed at the highest personal income tax rate, which will mean less money in your wages each week.

You can apply for your TFN online at www.ato.gov.au, or phone 13 28 61, 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. For the ATO translating and interpreter service phone: 13 14 50.

Taxation Returns

If you pay too much tax you are entitled to a refund. To get a refund you will need to lodge a tax return. You can lodge online using e-tax (free), by mailing a paper tax return, or by paying a registered tax agent to complete and lodge the return for you. If you lodge by e-tax your refund will normally be issued within 14 days.

• Lodge online using e-tax at ato.gov.au
• For a registered tax agent visit tabd.gov.au
• Tax returns are lodged at the end of the Australian tax year – (1 July to 30 June).

Superannuation

If your monthly wage is more than AU$450, your employer must contribute an additional sum equal to 9% of your wage into a superannuation (pension) account for you. In most cases, you can access your contributions when you leave Australia permanently, although the contributions will be taxed. Check your eligibility to claim superannuation and to apply for your payment, visit: www.ato.gov.au/departaustralia You will need to provide the details of your superannuation fund.

(Source: Australian Taxation Office)

Laws and Safety in Australia

Obeying the Law

One of the reasons we have such a wonderful lifestyle in Australia is due to our representative democracy, the separation of powers, and our respect for the rule of law. We have a lot of laws in Australia and as a result, society runs smoothly.

In being granted a visa to study in Australia, you signed a document (Australian Values Statement Temporary) agreeing to respect Australian values and obey the laws of Australia for the duration of your stay. Failure to comply with the laws of this land (including State and Territory laws) could result in a fine or the cancellation of your visa and possible deportation back home. If you are convicted of a serious crime, it could result in imprisonment.

Nobody wants this to happen!

You can find a comprehensive outline of Australian law and the legal system at www.australia.gov.au

Driver’s license 

As per ServiceSA International Students in South Australia can drive with an International overseas licence till the validity of the that licence. The student are required to carry a current overseas licence at all times.

Child Protection Laws

Department for Child Protection

• Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017
• Children and Young People (Safety) Regulations 2017
• Family and Community Services Act 1972.

The Department is responsible for:

• managing cases of children that are at risk of harm, are unsafe, neglected or abused
• managing and supporting children and young people under the guardianship of the chief executive
• facilitating care for children and young people at risk
• supporting the reunification of children with their families where it is safe to do so
• managing the adoption process
• supporting refugee children and young people through the Commonwealth Guardianship team.

See : current Strategic Plan 2019-2022 (PDF, 190.9 KB).

Personal Safety

When you are out and about it is important to be alert and aware of your personal safety. If you are going out at night remember:

• Think ahead – consider how you are going to get home – what about pre-booking a taxi or arranging transport with a friend or family member?
• Never hitch-hike.
• Make sure that you stay with your party and that someone knows where you are at all
• Make sure you have enough money to get home or to
• Keep away from trouble – if you see any trouble or suspect that it might be about to start – move away from the scene if you The best thing you can do is to alert the police and keep away.
• Walk purposely and try to appear confident. Be wary of casual requests from strangers, like someone asking for a cigarette or change – they could have ulterior
• Try not to carry your wallet in your back trouser pocket where it is vulnerable and in clear
• If you are socialising in a public place never leave your drink Read about Drink Spiking under ‘Alcohol, Smoking and Drugs’.

 If you are out and about:

• Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you, especially if you are alone or it is dark
• Whenever possible, travel with a friend or as part of a group
• Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible
• Walk confidently and at a steady pace
• Make eye contact with people when walking – let them know that you have noticed their presence
• Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street or in a car – continue walking
• Be aware of your surroundings, and avoid using personal stereos or radios – you might not hear trouble approaching
• always keep your briefcase or bag in view and close to your body
• Be discrete with your cash or mobile phones
• When going to your car or home, have your keys in your hand and easily accessible
• Consider carrying a personal attack alarm
• If you do not have a mobile phone, make sure that you have a phone card or change to make a phone call, but remember – emergency 000 calls are free of

(Source: Australian Federal Police)

Hitchhiking

 A person who waves at unknown drivers from the side of the road to request a ride with a driver further along the road is called a Hitchhiker. Some travel companies promote hitchhiking as an inexpensive means of travelling around Australia.

HOWEVER: Many crimes have been committed against innocent hitchhikers including violent personal crimes and abductions. You do not know anything about the person whose car you get into.

 Our advice to you is: DON’T HITCHHIKE! It simply is not worth the risk.

Public Transport Safety

 Travelling on public transport should be a safe and comfortable experience. Numerous security measures have been adopted to maximise the safety of travellers including: security officers, police, guards, help points, good lighting and security cameras. Most drivers also have two-way radios and can call for assistance.

Buses

 Waiting for a bus:

• Avoid isolated bus stops
• Stand away from the curb until the bus arrives
• Don’t open your purse or wallet while boarding the bus – have your money/pass already in hand
• At night, wait in well lit areas and near other people
• Check timetables to avoid long waits. Riding on the bus:
• Sit as close to the bus driver as possible
• Stay alert and be aware of the people around you
• If someone bothers you, change seats and tell the driver
• Keep your purse/packages close by your side. Keep your wallet inside a front coat pocket
• Check your purse/wallet if someone is jostling, crowding or pushing you
• If you see any suspicious activity, inform the driver Trains

Many of the same safety tips when travelling by bus apply for trains. In addition:

• Most suburban trains have security cameras installed or emergency alarms that will activate the cameras
• Carriages nearest the drivers are always left open and lit
• Try not to become isolated. If you find yourself left in a carriage on your own or with only one other person you may feel more comfortable to move to another carriage with other people or closer to the

Taxis

 Travelling by taxi is generally quite a safe method of public transport. To increase your confidence when travelling by taxi, consider the following suggestions:

• Phone for a taxi in preference to hailing one on the street. A record is kept by taxi companies of all bookings made
• You are entitled to choose the taxi/taxi driver of your preference. If a driver makes you feel uncomfortable you are within your rights to select another taxi
• Sit wherever you feel most This may mean travelling in the back seat of the taxi;
• Specify to the driver the route you wish to take to reach your destination. Speak up if the driver takes a different route to the one you have specified or are familiar with
• Take note of the Taxi Company and fleet number. This will help in identifying the taxi if required. If you are walking a friend to catch a taxi, consider letting the driver know that you have noted these details e.g., “Look after my friend, Mr/Ms Yellow Cab 436”
• Stay alert to your surroundings and limit your conversation to general topics
• If you don’t want your home address known, stop a few houses away from your destination If the driver harasses you when travelling in a taxi your options include:
• Ask the driver to stop. You may choose to make up an excuse to do so;
• Leave the taxi when it stops at a traffic sign or lights
• Call out to someone on the street to attract attention and seek assistance. This may also cause the driver to stop
• Read out the fleet number and advise the driver you will report him/her if they don’t stop