In this variety, normally 4-6 students share a flat – like space with individual bedrooms and common living and kitchen areas. This is a good way of making friends, getting to be part of the student community, share chores and exchange cultural tips,
while still being able to have one’s own individual space while studying, writing and sleeping. Gender specific floors or dormitories may be specifically asked for if a student so requires.
The only legal tender is Australian currency. One can change any international currency to the Australian currency at registered forex facilities available at the airport, banks, major hotels and even some malls.
Traveller cheques are more easily accepted if already made out in AUS dollars. However other currency TCs may be cashed in at banks, hotels etc.
Once a student has made themselves comfortable, it is a good idea to open an account with a local bank branch. Several banks both of Australian origin as well as from other countries are represented here and so the banking services can be quite competitive.
Day to day banking has become very easy in Australia too, as it has all over the world, with Automatic Teller Machines (ATM), 24 hour banking being available as well the acceptance of credit and debit cards at most shopping outlets including grocery and convenience stores.
Credit cards are widely accepted around Australia. The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bank card, Diners International, Master Card, Visa and their affiliates.
The currency of Australia is the Australian Dollar and Cents.
The Dollar comes in notes of denomination 5, 10, 50 and 100, whilst the Coins are available in 5,10,20,50 cents, 1AUSD and 2AUSD.
Australia is the first country to introduce plastic currency in the form of polymer banknotes, as far back as in the 1880s – a world’s first. These notes have since been known to offer benefits such as security as well as easier handling, hardiness and recycling possibilities. This again underlines Australia’s prowess in ingenuity and leadership.
Tipping is not the norm in Australia. In smaller cafes etc loose change from return of the bill may be left behind by the patrons, but not expected. In larger sit-down restaurants and hotels a 5-10% tip is accepted if given but not expected by the staff.
In taxis too all change is returned to the customer unless asked to round off to the nearest dollar.