Packing

Items for your Journey Down Under

There are a few essential items that you will need to pack in your bag before you come to Australia.

$500 in Australian Currency
$2,000 on a travel card
Hat/bucket hat
Sunglasses
Moisturiser/lotion/sunscreen
T-shirt/singlets
Shorts/skirts
Dresses
Shoes
Thongs (Flip Flops)
Socks
Gym/exercise clothes
Swimmers (swimwear)
Sweater/jumper/jackets
Long sleeve shirt
Umbrella
Long trousers/jeans
Scarf
Umbrella
Beanie
Dress clothes
Insect repellent
Water bottle
Headphones
Laptop
Mobile phone
Mobile phone charger
Adaptors for electrical appliances
International prepaid sim card
Hair appliances
Basic Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, hair styling products, make up)
Spare glasses and contact lenses
Towel
Bedding
Personal items such as jewellery, books, photos, etc.
Snacks (as you may not find anything to eat at your accommodation)

Important Documents

SIBT Offer Letter
Confirmation of Enrolment
Money to cover expenses like public transport and phone calls
Passport with visa
Insurance policies
Payment receipts e.g. OSHC, bank statements etc.
Original or certified copies of academic transcripts and qualifications
Personal identification documents e.g. driver’s licence, birth certificate
Medical records and/or prescriptions
Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) if you’re under 18 years of age

Keep all your documents in your carry-on or hand baggage luggage. Ensure that you have made copies of your original documents. Leave the copies with family which can be sent to you later just in case you lose the originals.

How Much Money to Bring

You should bring a small amount of cash with you just in case your credit or debit card has any issues when you arrive in Sydney.

When you arrive at the airport, you will see foreign currency exchanges at the airport so that you can exchange cash. You will also see multiple ATMs so that you can withdraw Australian dollars. If you have a bank card or debit card that can be used around the world, then you can keep your funds in your bank account at home and just withdraw the cash you need from ATMs.

After you have set up your Australian bank account, you can transfer your funds from overseas. You can also use a credit card (with PIN) or use a travellers’ cheque.

When you first arrive, we recommend that you have around AUD$2,000 available so that you can cover your initial accommodation and living costs for the first couple of weeks.

Electronic Devices

When you are bringing your mobile phone to Australia, ensure that it is unlocked and not restricted to your home country or network. You can purchase a SIM card when you arrive in Sydney. SIM cards are easy to access as they are available at the airport, supermarket, post office, petrol stations and mobile phone stores. You can either purchase a prepaid SIM card or sign a contract to pay monthly.

If you are bringing a new laptop (purchased within the last 12 months), we would recommend that you have your receipt or another proof of purchase to avoid any potential import duties payment. You can also purchase laptops in Australia by visiting a vendor’s website. Keep in mind though that you are able to access computers, printers and the internet while studying at SIBT.

Baggage Allowances

Your baggage allowance will depend on the airline that you are flying with. It will also depend on your class of travel i.e. economy, premium economy, business or first class. We recommend speaking with your airline so that you know the weight limits for your luggage.

If you arrive in a different city in Australia before you head on over to Sydney, make sure you check the domestic airline’s weight limits. It may be different to the international weight limits.