APARTMENTS

There are plenty of published sources of information on apartments (flats) in each city. The Yellow Pages, apartment and house hunting guides (available at grocery store counters), listings in the daily local newspapers all act as good aids for locating and renting an apartment. Other help in identifying suitable neighbourhoods and apartment complexes, can often be provided by colleagues and other friends/acquaintances in the area. Also bachelors usually save on living expenses by sharing apartments/houses, with other consultants working at the same place.

The internet can be a great help when looking for an apartment. You can find a few sites that have online renting, or online searches, to find an apartment closest to you.

All apartments are fairly spacious, come equipped with a refrigerator and cooking range (a dishwasher too, sometimes), and are well heated in winter. Most, in warm areas, also have air conditioning installed in them. Coin-operated washers and dryers for clothes are available, for use by residents, in the basement areas of most apartment complexes.

Once you have moved into an apartment, please maintain an inventory of all the items in it (furniture also, if this is rented) and their condition. This will be helpful when you move out.

CHOOSING AN APARTMENT

There are some things that you need to keep in mind while choosing an apartment:

• Decide how much you can pay, how many rooms you need and where you want to live.
• Landlord and tenant laws vary from province to province, so always check up, and know your rights before you sign anything.
• Most apartments are leased by the year, although some are rented monthly. If you are only going to be in the country for a short period, or intend on moving on, then it may be worth while getting a shared apartment.
• You may have to pay the first and last month's rent in advance.
• You may also be asked for a damage deposit. This will normally be returned to you when you move out. It is a form of insurance for landlords in case a tenant causes unreasonable damage.
• A bachelor apartment is a small apartment designed for one person (two at the most).
• Some apartments are larger than others. Ask the person you are renting from how many people can live in it.
• A furnished apartment should contain at least bed(s), table(s), chairs, lamps, curtains and basic kitchen equipment.
• Furnished apartments cost more than unfurnished ones.
• You can buy a telephone or rent one from the telephone company. You may have to pay a deposit on your rented telephone. However your phone will not work until you are connected by the telephone company.

Your apartment will be equipped with basic utilities and features, including:

• water from taps that is safe to drink.
• sewage disposal that pipes waste from bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
• electricity.
• a heating system powered by natural gas, oil or electricity.
• a lockable front door opening to the street or a common hallway.
• a bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower or bath.
• closets for storing clothes.
• a kitchen or kitchen area with a sink, counter, shelves or cupboards, and appliances such as a refrigerator and a stove with oven.

FOOD

Food and cooking in Australia may be different from what you were used to in your native country. Most Australians shop for food at large stores called supermarkets. You can also purchase food at smaller grocery stores and specialty shops. In larger cities with well established immigrant communities, you may find specialty food stores that sell food from your home country. However, some of your traditional foods may not be available in Australia or may be very expensive.

There is a big Indian community in Australia, so there will be Indian stores and restaurants you can go to, where you are likely to find all the things you may need.

Other neighborhood stores, known as convenience stores, sell basic items like milk and bread. Convenience stores usually stay open longer than supermarkets and specialty stores but they can be more expensive.

Many Australian cities have open-air markets. These are much like markets in other countries. They usually sell fresh fruits, vegetables and other produce that is grown nearby.

You will find listing for restaurants and take-out joints in your local Yellow Pages.

Australia also has the famous food outlets:

• McDonald's
• Burger King
• Pizza Hut
• Dominos
• Kentucky Fried Chicken
• Subway

For a comprehensive list and guide to restaurants in Australia, click here.

FOR VEGETARIANS

Being vegetarian in Australia is not easy. To make it a little easier, keep these things in mind:

• Remember that meat is eaten more often, and vegetarian food is not that common.
• Ask the people at the restaurant for vegetarian dishes. If they don't have any, order something and tell them you want it without meat, and without eggs if you don't eat eggs.
• Be careful with the salads because all salads are not vegetarian.
• If you have a doubt About Australia something, don't hesitate to ask.

PHONE CALLS

Public telephones, commonly called pay phones, are easy to use with fairly clear instructions printed on them and can be used make local, long-distance (trunk) and sometimes even international calls directly. You can find them all over the cities, airports, shopping areas and gas stations (petrol pumps). Note the following:

• When making a local call, don't dial the area code; just dial the last seven digits.
• To make a direct international call, dial the international access code (011), followed by the country code, the city code and the number. If you need assistance in finding out the correct codes and/or making the call, call the operator (dial 0).
• If you want someone to return your call at a pay phone, note the number printed on the phone, but make sure that the pay phone can receive calls, because some can't.
• To find the phone number of a person all you need to know are the person's last name and the city where he or she lives, and its area code and you have to tell the directory information service these particulars.

You can make calls in two ways: you can either pay for them yourself, or you can make a 'collect call', which means that the person who you are calling up has to pay for the call.

COLLECT CALLS

• Pick up the phone and press '0' to call the operator.
• Tell the operator that you want to make a collect call, and give her the phone number you want to call. Leave the rest to her.
• The operator will ask the person at the other end whether he/she would like to receive a collect call from you. If that person agrees, you are through.

COIN CALLS

Coin calls are easy to make. You put in the amount indicated on the phone, and then dial the number. The phone itself will have all the instructions printed clearly on it, and all you have to do is follow those instructions. The amount of coins you need to put will be different for international calls. You may also have to put additional coins to extend a call.

PHONE CARDS

Pre-paid phone cards are available for long-distance and international calls. You can get them at stores, though you have to be careful as they can cheat you. Phone cards are usually cheaper than regular phone calls you might make. They have a fixed time limit, and a rate. They come for different times and rates, at different stores or companies. You will find them available most anywhere, and in fact, they are more popular than using coins.

There are a couple of ways you can obtain one. Either from a machine where you insert some money, and get a card; or over the counter. You can also re-use the same card, by adding more money to your card.

TRAVELING

Most cities have excellent public transportation systems. Large cities such as Sydney, Perth and Melbourne have several different systems, such as buses, streetcars, subways and trains. In smaller communities, buses and taxis are more common.

You can use the online Street Map to find your around.

TRAINS

Subways (underground trains) and other forms of rapid transit are usually designed to take people to and from the city center. They travel along central routes to serve large areas of the city. Subways usually stop at all stations. Passengers buy tokens or tickets in the subway station.

Monthly passes for both buses and subways may be bought at convenience stores, bus stations and other locations. Special rates may be available to students and seniors

For Train Timetables, click here.

BUSES

Buses and streetcars travel throughout larger cities on regular routes. Stops are located every few blocks along these routes. They are usually located near street corners, and are marked by signposts that show the numbers of the buses that stop there. Drivers will stop there when they see someone waiting. You pay the driver when you get on the bus. If you pay with money you need the right amount (the driver cannot give change). You can also pay with tickets or a pass you buy in advance.

For long distance travel you can use Greyhound. For other companies, look in your Yellow Pages.

TAXIS

Most towns and cities also have taxis. You can call for a taxi by telephone through listings in the Yellow Pages, or approach one directly at a taxi stand. Taxi stands are often located outside shopping malls, large office buildings, hotels, airports, train stations and bus stations. In some cities you may also get a taxi on the street by raising your hand to show the driver you need a ride. Taxis charge for time and distance traveled and can be quite expensive.

DRIVING

Driving in Australia is very different from driving in India and the Road Rules are something that you should follow very strictly. You can also visit the Roads and Traffic Authority for more information.

When you apply for a license, you have to do a written test and then a driving test. If you don't understand any of the instructions or questions in the tests, don't hesitate to ask. You may not be familiar with some terms used in the tests such as jay-walking and sidewalk.

Renting a Car

Hiring a car is very easy to do in Australia, however there are certain restrictions that do apply, such as you age, and driving license. Most of the international cars companies are well represented such as Hertz, Avis, and many others. These can be found in the local Yellow Pages.

AIR TRAVEL

Flying can sometimes be the cheapest and more convenient option, when traveling around Australia. Ansett and Kendell are two of the domestic airlines, although Qantas also has a few domestic routes as well. For other airlines, the Yellow Pages will be of help.

MONEY MATTERS

Australia's currency is dollars and cents. Coins come in one- and two-cent copper pieces, five-, 10-, 20-, and 50-cent silver ones; and there is also a dollar coin. Notes are $1, $2, $3, $5, $10, $20 and $50.

Exchange Rates

• You won't be able to change your rupees in Australia. Even if you do find a place that will change your rupees, you probably won't get a good rate.
• Foreign currencies except dollar, deutsch mark, pound sterling, yen etc., are hard to change.
• If you are carrying large dollar amounts, it would be best if you carry them in the form of Traveller's Checks which are accepted in most places.

The conversions given below are subject to change. For latest rates click here.

A$ 1 = Rs 24.5743

BANKS

When you open your bank account, you will be asked for personal information. This is true no matter which bank you use or which account you choose.

Identification is needed to meet federal regulations and it helps protect you and your bank from possible losses due to fraud. You need at least two current pieces of identification which have your signature on them. If you are working, you will have to provide the name, address and telephone number of your employer.

Banks offer three basic types of accounts:

• savings account
• checking account
• transaction account (similar to current account)

Each bank has different names for these accounts. But whatever name is used, each type of account will have most of the same features. Look at these features and your personal needs to decide which suits you best. Then, look at the service charges.

Savings Account

If you want to save some money for your short term needs, think About Australia opening a savings account. This type of account is a good choice if you don't need to use your money right away or you don't intend on having much account activity in a month. The bank will pay you interest. The amount of interest will vary, depending on the type of account you choose and interest rates in general. You may take your money out any time.

Checking Account

If you want to keep some money handy for paying bills or personal expenses, you should think About Australia opening a checking account. This type of account is good for money you expect to need from day to day. You may take your money out at any time in person, at a bank machine, by writing a check or by direct payment. Checking accounts usually have lower service fees than savings accounts. Some checking accounts do not pay interest and some do (a checking account usually pays a lower rate of interest than a savings account). Ask your bank for more information.

Combination Account

If you want to save some money but you also want to keep some handy to cover expenses and manage your day-to-day finances, you should consider opening a combination account. This type of account is part savings and part checking. You may take your money out any time in person, at a bank machine, by writing a check or by direct payment. Interest is usually paid on these accounts on amounts above a set level.

Credit Cards
It's hard to live without a Credit Card in Australia. There are even some places that don't accept cash, and it is a convenient method of payment. So, it would be a good idea to apply for a credit card the moment you get to Australia . For information on major credit cards:

• Visa
• Master Card
• American Express

If you are in touch with your Australian employer, ask them whether they will help you acquiring your first credit card.

• Your company can provide you with an introduction to a bank, which will help you get your first credit card without many problems.
• Your company can even guarantee your debts for some time.
• If your company is small and unable to help you, make sure that you apply carefully.
• If you are rejected for a credit card, it could spoil your chances when you apply again, even if it is at some other bank.
• Do not apply again and again if you have been rejected once.

Automated Teller Machines

Most banks today offer self-service banking through ATMs. You can find ATM in banks, shopping malls, gas stations, convenience stores, supermarkets, airports, train stations, etc. In most cases, ATMs can be used 24- hours a day, seven days a week.

Full service ATMs can be used to:

• withdraw cash
• transfer money from one account to another
• get your account balance
• some allow you to update your passbook or obtain an account statement

The cost of using an ATM depends on your bank. Most banks charge a transaction fee which is deducted from the account.

TAXES

There will be certain taxes that will be imposed on you in Australia. This will either be deducted at source, or you will have to pay it. You should ask your company About Australia the taxation policies and also About Australia all the other commodities that may be taxed. For more information on taxes, visit the Australian Tax Office.

INSURANCE

It would be wise of you take out insurance from home. That way, you will be covered for some time, before you can inquire with your company About Australia their insurance policies for employees. Otherwise, if you want to take out insurance in Australia, it would be best to ask your company for advice and help.

For information on Health Insurance, click here.

BUSINESS HOURS

General retail trading hours for Australian stores are form 9 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to noon on Saturday. Late shopping on Friday is available in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart and Darwin; and on Thursday until 9 p.m. in Sydney, Canberra and Perth.

Restaurants and snack bars, book shops and local corner stores are open until later in the evening and sometimes all weekend. Australians still enjoy the tradition of the holiday weekend and most businesses are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Banks are open from 9:30 am to 4 pm Monday to Thursday and until 5 p.m. on Friday. All banks, post offices government and private offices, and most shops close on public holidays (see holiday list here).