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On Campus
Many international students choose to live on campus during their first year at university. Living on campus is convenient and a great way to make new friends.
If your university doesn't offer on-campus accommodation, or if places are simply full, it's best to speak to your university Student Centre, who can help you find alternate accommodation.
Rental Properties
You can see what rental properties are available by visiting:
To rent a property, you can go through a real-estate agent or a private landlord and sign a 'lease' (also called a 'residential tenancy agreement').
Most agreements are for a set duration, and include a range of terms and conditions, which you can negotiate before you sign.
As a lease is a legally binding document, you should have a good understanding of the agreement, and have inspected the property, before you sign it.
To secure the property, it's common to pay a rental bond (usually four weeks rent) plus one month's rent in advance.
You will also have to sign a 'Condition Report' before you move in, which confirms that you and the landlord agree on the state of the property.
This will help you to avoid any disagreements when you move out, as any damage to the property that was there when you moved in has been recorded.
Australia's country dialing code is +61.
Calling overseas from your mobile handset can be expensive. It may be worth investing in an international calling card, or using social networking such as Skype to stay in touch with your family and friends.
Driving
Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to their right-hand side.
It's important to observe the speed limit in Australia, which is normally between 50 and 60km/h on residential streets, and 100km/h on an open highway.
Near schools, the speed limit reduces to 40km/h in the morning and afternoon.
If you are caught driving over the speed limit, you will receive a large fine.
Smoking
Smoking is banned in restaurants and cafes, with separate smoking areas in some bars, pubs and clubs. Many universities are also smoke free zones.
Citibank's global strength will make your international banking needs simple and convenient. Take a Global View of your accounts in multiple countries, and enjoy instant funds transfers with Citibank Global Transfers
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Compare Citibank Fund Transfer options.
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Citibank Global Transfers
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Sending funds instantly between Citibank accounts in participating countries.
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Sending funds of up to $100,000 to any non-Citibank account worldwide.
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Sending funds over your daily limit, domestically or internationally to any other bank account. Available through your Relationship Manager or CitiPhone on
13 24 84. |
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Manually Initiated Funds Transfers (MIFT)
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If you are looking to transfer an amount of money outside of your normal bank account limit you are able to set up a manually initiated funds transfer. If you regularly transfer to the same account you are able to complete a MIFT authority form which will tell us how to accept transfer instructions from you.
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To complete a MIFT Authority form please call CitiPhone on 13 24 84, or visit your nearest branch.
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View the Terms and Conditions (Adobe PDF, 1 MB)
View the Schedule of Fees and Charges (Adobe PDF, 191kb)
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Applies to Citibank accounts with online access only. Global view of accounts is a service offered to Citibank customers via Citibank Online. Through global view of accounts, a Citibank customer's internet banking home page will provide a summarised view of all Citibank accounts in each participating country. To perform further transactions, click on the link of the bank account you wish to transact on, and sign in using your log in details for that country.
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If your account has a limited number of fee-free withdrawals, the standard $2 excess withdrawal fee will apply when you exceed your limit. There are unlimited fee free withdrawals from Citibank Plus accounts. Free international transfers available from Citibank Australia accounts to select Citibank accounts in over 25 countries worldwide using Citibank Global Transfers. Daily transfer limit applies. Funds are converted to the destination account currency at the exchange rate specified to you on Citibank Online before you confirm your transaction. This exchange rate includes a commission for the conversion service. When sending a Citibank Global Transfer to Australia, the overseas Citibank may charge a transfer fee. Please check with the local Citibank you are transferring from before sending. Citibank Global Transfers are available from all Australian Dollar accounts with access to Citibank Online, excluding Term Deposits and Citibank Online Saver. Global Transfers to Citibank Colombia are not instantaneous due to local regulations.
Citibank Plus Account is issued by Citigroup Pty Limited ABN 88 004 325 080, AFSL 238098, Australian credit licence 238098 ('Citibank'). The Terms and Conditions that apply are available on request.
Any advice is general advice only. It was prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before acting on this advice you should consider if it's appropriate for your particular circumstances.
Further information and our dispute resolution process is available at www.citibank.com.au or by phone on 1300 137 931.
Total balances held by a depositor with Citibank, up to an amount of AUD$250,000, automatically access the Financial Claims Scheme. For more information go to or call 1300 55 88 49.
© 2013 Citigroup Pty Limited. Citibank®, Citi® and Arc Design® are service marks of Citigroup Inc.
Australia's main mobile phone networks are
Australia is generally very safe and it has a stable political system, low crime rate and high standard of health care.
As with anywhere new, it's always good to be aware of your surroundings, and to avoid carrying more cash than you need.
When visiting one of Australia's beautiful beaches, remember that beach conditions can change very quickly.
Always swim between the red and yellow flags, as this is the safest area for swimming. Try to always swim with others.
The emergency assistance number in Australia for the police, ambulance or fire brigade is 000.
If you decide to work in Australia, you may be required to pay tax on your income. For this reason you will require an Australian bank account and an Australian Tax File Number. Please visit the Australian Tax Office website for more information.
While not compulsory, it is advisable to supply your Tax File Number to your bank. If you do not provide your Tax File Number, your bank is obligated to deduct withholding tax from your account at the highest tax rate.
Australia is an incredibly vast country, with towns and cities often separated by great distances. There are many different transport options for you to use while living in Australia.
Qantas and Virgin Australia are Australia's main airlines, along with budget airlines Jetstar (owned by Qantas) and Tiger Airways.
You can use your current overseas drivers licence for the first three months you're in Australia. After this, you will need to obtain an Australian driving licence, appropriate to the state in which you're living:
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- Victoria
- South Australia
- Western Australia
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
- Australian Capital Territory
If you decide to buy a car, you can see what's currently available by visiting:
Australia has a network of trains, light rail, trams, buses and ferries that allow you to get around quite cheaply. View the available options in each state:
By law, taxis must operate a meter, and the cost of the fare cannot be negotiated. While tipping is not expected, it's common practice to round up the cost of the fare. Australia's national taxi booking phone number is 131 008, wherever you are.
As an international student, you'll be entitled to work for 40 hours per fortnight during semester,
and full-time in the school holidays. Your university Careers Office may be able to assist you to find
work, or you can search online on the main job search websites:
The Australian government sets laws on minimum wages and work conditions. Before you apply for a job, it's always a good idea to do a background check on the company that is advertising the position.