Aussies Overseas Travel Tips
Smart Traveller
This would be the most important Aussies Overseas Travel Tips i.e. Smart Traveller.
https://smartraveller.gov.au. Make sure you register with the Australian Government web site for overseas travel. You may not think that the Australian Government cares. They will help with unforeseen circumstances, lost passports, terrorist acts and natural disasters etc. Plus lots of helpful tips re: safety, culture, travel alerts and laws of the country etc. Find the nearest Australian embassy and contact details within the country you are travelling.
Money: Tips for Aussies Overseas
Most countries have ATMs except in 3rd world countries in remote areas. Be aware there maybe charges taking money from ATMS so it pays to get large amount and not small amounts. Using VISA and MasterCard overseas attracts foreign transactions fees. Handy to have currency exchange app to get an idea of exchange rate. There are a large range of Traveller Cards on the market. I highly recommend getting a VISA DEBIT card from ING.com.au. (don’t receive any kickbacks). There are conditions of a minimum of $1,000 per month going into account and minimum of 5 transactions. If you can do this ING will waive all foreign transaction fees and Overseas and Australian ATM Fees.
Google Search and Maps
Google is your best friend when overseas. If there is somewhere you want to go you get information. You can then either click on web site or DIRECTIONS. Directions will take you to Google Maps taking you from current location to destination. It has walking, car, train and bus. Even has timetable and estimated cost. Fantastic. Aussies Overseas Travel Tips: use Google search and maps.
Google Translate and Gestures
Google Translate from English to other language and back again. You have the option to either type or use microphone. It got me out of trouble lots of times when someone could not speak English and I could not speak their language. Just keep in mind it is not perfect. Few funny situations when speaking to someone in Taiwan it came out ‘congenital’ in English. They got embarrassed but it is funny and you have to laugh. Play charades and point when all else fails. Make mooing sounds and gestures milking cow if you want milk. Have to laugh.
Chillout and Ask A Local: Aussies Overseas Travel Tips
Us Aussie blokes tend to be proud and not ask for help and can waste hours or days when we could have asked a local: directions to somewhere or finding a location or something etc. Aussies Overseas Travel Tips: don’t be proud chillout and ask a local.
7 Eleven and FamilyMart
These stores can be a Godsend when overseas. Definite Tips for Aussies Overseas. We have always found someone that could speak English or point us in right direction. They have ATMS and other travel options within store plus convenience store for food particularly if you don’t want to try food from local shops and markets.
Respect Culture: Aussies Overseas Travel Tips
Locals expect that tourists won’t fully know or understand their cultures. If you go to the effort of knowing the culture the locals will appreciate and respect you more. For example in Taiwan we took off shoes and left outside and only wore indoor shoes. I got myself into trouble throwing in rubbish stinky tofu and chicken legs. When I realised I apologised. Aussies Overseas Travel Tips: respect culture.
Check out our other blog: Tips for Aussies Overseas
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