8 Things Every American Traveler Must Know Before Traveling to Australia
Australia is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world and for a good reason. It’s got beautiful scenery, delicious food, and friendly people. But if you’re an American traveling to Australia for the first time, you should know a few things before going. Traveling to another country can be intimidating, but these tips will help make your transition to Aussie life easier.
Get Your Visas and Passports Ready
According to the Australia Bureau of Statistics, Australia saw around 730,400 overseas arrivals in June 2022, a monthly increase of 79,880 trips compared to May 2022. If you’re traveling from the U.S., you must make sure your passport is up-to-date and that you have all the necessary visas. In addition, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date in Australia.
Are you traveling with a passport from another country besides Australia? If so, ensure your current visa is valid. If not, you risk being turned away at customs or forced to pay an expensive fine upon arrival. Additionally, minors traveling alone need their passports, even if they’re going on a family trip.
Convert Your Money into Australian Dollars
The next step is to convert your U.S. dollars into Australian dollars. You can do this by checking the exchange rate and using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. You can also do it by getting a travel money card, though you’ll have to pay ATM withdrawal fees.
If you’re looking for an even cheaper option, go to the airport or hotel where you’re staying. Then, find the currency exchange counter; they tend to have better rates than banks or other places.
Check the Weather Conditions
If you’re coming for the summer, pack for warm weather. Australia is known for its hot and sunny weather, reaching 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). Pack clothing that you can wear comfortably on an average day in summer. You’ll want to bring a hat or umbrella, sunscreen and sunglasses, and maybe even an umbrella if it looks like rain.
Suppose you have planned to live in the town of Berwick, then it is always better to check the weather in Berwick online before you reach there. The hottest month in Berwick is during January, when you can expect temperatures around 37°C, while the coolest month is July, with average temperatures around 8°C.
When you know what weather to expect, choosing what to pack, where to go, and even which activities to do while you’re there is more manageable. For example, if you’re going somewhere cold, you’ll need a coat, gloves, and boots. If it’s going to rain, you might want an umbrella or poncho. Knowing what kind of weather to expect will also help you ensure that your luggage has everything else you need for your trip.
If you’re coming during wintertime between June and August, pack accordingly. Winter in Australia is cold. Temperatures drop to 48 degrees Fahrenheit (9 degrees Celsius). Keep warm by bringing layers of clothes that will keep you comfortable when it gets chilly outside.
A raincoat may also be handy since it frequently rains during this season. However, if it doesn’t rain where you’re going, there’s no need to worry about packing one up.
Australia is a Big Country
As a traveler, you should know that Australia is a big country. It’s the 6th largest country worldwide, making up about 5% of Earth’s land area. For comparison, that’s larger than China, India, and the United States combined. Thus, planning your travel stays and itinerary is crucial for its size.
Australia is so large that most people don’t realize how big it is until they arrive in person. Australia is more significant than every other country in Oceania combined. There are still plenty of countries in Europe that are smaller than this vast continent.
Don’t Do Left Side Driving
You’re probably aware that driving on Australia’s roads is unlike going to America. You’ll move on the left side of the road, which isn’t as intimidating as it sounds once you get used to it.
Driving on the left side of the road is one of those things that Americans assume is the same everywhere else in the world, but unfortunately, it’s not. In Australia and many other countries, people drive on the left side of the road. If you are used to driving on your home continent and need to rent a car for some reason while visiting Australia, check with them beforehand. They can give you some tips and install a driver’s side mirror for you not to crash into anything.
Buy a Prepaid SIM Card
One of the most important things to do before you travel to Australia is to buy a prepaid SIM card for your phone.
While traveling to Australia, you must have a properly functioning phone. Making calls, sending texts, and utilizing data are the most you will use and are necessary to work. Unfortunately, many people do not realize it until they reach their destination without having one with them.
When buying a SIM card for your phone, there are three crucial things:
- First, ensure that it has enough space for all your contacts and information. Any calls from your number should still go through as usual when traveling abroad.
- Get the right size SIM card for your device.
- Check whether or not there are any additional costs associated with using data abroad, which may be charged on top. 8 Things Every American Traveler Must Know Before Traveling to Australia
Make Sure You Have Insurance
Insurance is one of the most important factors to consider when traveling and is a vast market. According to MarketWatch.com, it was calculated that the size of the world market for travel insurance was 2986.5 million USD in 2021. Furthermore, it is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.23% over the course of and reach 4799.6 million USD by 2027.
It’s a must if you’re planning on exploring Australia, which has some of the best adventure sports in the world. When traveling internationally, you must have health insurance and liability coverage covering any potential emergencies or accidents.
Before setting out on your Australian adventure, researching what kind of insurance coverage will be best suited for your trip can save travelers a lot of stress.
Ensure Where to Turn for Help
If you get into a bind, there are plenty of places to turn for help. First, you should use a travel agent and make sure they have an office in Australia. You can also call the embassy, which is always a good idea when traveling abroad. The country’s tourist office will also prove to be helpful. Most importantly, ensure your travel insurance policy covers emergency medical costs before booking your flight.
Also, do not forget to use the internet, which always comes in handy for information. For example, knowing the traveler’s viewpoint of the country you are about to visit is always good. This information can also help you with specific tips that can aid you in case of emergencies when you need them the most.
Planning Ahead is Crucial
Planning is one of the most important factors when travelling abroad, whether you’re going alone or with friends. The insight in this article will help make any American traveller’s first trip to Australia go smoother. Many things can be done before leaving for Australia so that once you arrive, you’ll have plenty of time left to enjoy yourself.
It’s also essential for Americans new to travelling outside the country for several reasons. You need information about what kinds are required and what type of passport should be used. It truly is a beautiful country with so much to offer. Don’t be afraid to explore and have an unforgettable time.
8 Things Every American Traveler Must Know Before Traveling to Australia
