Probably the most convenient way to experience
your new homeland would be to travel around and explore
as much of Australia as you can. This isn’t always
easy but there are a number of ways to do this depending
upon how far you wish to venture.
Flights Around Australia:
When
booking flights internally throughout Australia departure
taxes are applicable so it is best to find out these costs
when making your booking. You may also be unaware of just
how big Australia is, for example the distance from Sydney
to Perth (East to West) is 3400 kilometers (2225 miles)
and it would take approximately 5 hours to fly. The distance
from Adelaide to Darwin (South to North) is 2600 kilometers
(1615 miles) and it would take approximately 3 hours to
fly. Please also be aware that there are time changes between
some states in Australia.
Internal flights have recently become much
cheaper in Australia due to the introduction of Virgin Blue
and other low cost carriers but it always pays to shop around.
Please click onto the link below for flight
times, destinations and prices.
Motor Vehicles:
It is worth noting that in Australia we drive
on the left hand side of the road, therefore cars are right
hand drive and either automatic or manual.
Changing Your License:
Each state in Australia has their own particular
set of rules regarding registering cars and each state has
their own driving license. Therefore wherever you wish to
settle, you will 
need
to change your driving license over into that particular
state. To do this you usually need to take with you your
passport, your current drivers license and another form
of ID. You will then be required to take a written test
and in some instances a practical test in order to transfer
your license over. There is usually a legal time limit of
three months in which to arrange for your new license.
It is worth noting that the Australian Drivers
License is the best form of identification for obtaining
credit etc., so it is worth transferring your license over
as soon as you can. It is also a very nice feeling to obtain
your new driving license as it makes you feel more at home
in your new country.
Car Rentals:
One
way to see your new surroundings is to hire a car for a
couple of weeks until you have settled in. You may find
that car hire is best booked before arrival as you may be
able to secure a better deal. There are numerous car rental
companies throughout Australia and most international companies
operate here. As in most car rental situations, the longer
you hire the vehicle, the cheaper the daily rate works out.
It is well worth shopping around for the best
deals on car hire. It is also worth enquiring about returning
vehicles to their place of origin as some companies give
good rates if a car needs to be returned to a specific office.
For example if a car has been hired from Sydney and driven
to Perth, the car hire company in Perth will give you a
good rate for you to drive the car back to Sydney. This
is more common when hiring camper vans but is worth asking
about any vehicle. However, please note that there is usually
a time limit on these arrangements.
For a Quotation or to book car hire -
Budget Rent A Car
Buying Cars:
When buying a used vehicle privately you will
need to make sure that it has a current Pink Slip* or REGO*
(Registration Certificate) and RWC (Road Worthy Certificate).
These requirements are the responsibility of the person
who is selling the vehicle but it is best to check that
they are valid. You also have to re-register the car into
your name and will be charged stamp duty on the purchase
value of the vehicle, please contact your state transport
agent for this cost.
Please also note that is it worth bringing over your proof
of existing vehicle insurance showing your no claims discount
(ratings), as you may be able to carry this over.
You can import cars into Australia but the
taxation on doing this is in the region of 50% of the value
of the car. Therefore, unless your car holds particular
sentimental value, it’s probably more cost effective
to buy once you get to Australia.
* The certificates you require vary from state
to state so please consult your State Government Transport
Office when you arrive.
