After 6 perfect months in Australia, I got back home… and I miss it already. I had the best time ever. Every country in Australia is more beautiful than the next and everyone I met were so warm. If you’re planning to go, I’ve made a list of important tips:

1. Visa: In addition to a valid passport, you’ll have to present a visa. This site will help you with the arrangements: Visa for Australia.

2. Customs: You must not pollute Australia with fresh food and agricultural products. I’m not kidding: Australia is a separated island, so our agricultural products and diseases can unbalance the ecologic system. Don’t mess with those customs people (it won’t work, believe me),(they won’t let you anyway), just do as you’re told.

3. Weather: One of the shocks you get upon arriving in Australia is the weather. Winter in August?? What’s up with that? Well, obviously, Australia is located in the southern hemisphere (below the equator), so the seasons are different. So remember to pack suitable clothes!

4. Traffic: Australians drive on the left hand side of the road. I’m used to the right side, so driving was complicated at first. If you plan to drive while in Australia, take it into account. Of course you must always drive carefully, but in Australia more so. Funnily enough, once I returned I had some difficulty keeping to the right…

5. Hitchhiking is illegal!|Hitchhiking is not recommended. I didn’t need to hitchhike (I had a car), but I noticed signs everywhere, warning hitchhikers and drivers about it. Some people do it and tell you that it’s not a problem, but the Australian government doesn’t like it.

6. Work and travel: Australia is wonderful, but, *sigh*, not very cheap. Many people find temporary work and make some money. The few weeks I worked in Sydney allowed me another month of travel, and were fun, too. I got some valuable info from this site: work in Australia.

7. Studying in Australia: I met a few friends who were getting their diplomas in Australia. Now I’m considering doing it myself. If you’re interested, check this out: Study in Australia.

8. International Students card: Lucky you, you get to learn from my mistakes. Although I am entitled to one, I didn’t issue an international student card. And so couldn’t get discounts in hotels, restaurants and museums. If you’re a student — get one!|So if you can get one – do it!

9. Don’t miss Tasmania: I think the most popular destinations in Australia are Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef. But I enjoyed Tasmania best. It’s a bit less traveled (which I liked), and it’s a beautiful country. The Bay of Fires was particularly beautiful. You should definitely include it in your visit.

So… what are you waiting for? Start packing!