8 Things Before Flying to Perth

Alright, I am going to Perth in a few days time, so there are a few things that need to be done before flying.
You might find these things useful to you too or you can use it as a checklist.

•  Apply for visa

Anybody holding on to the following passport could apply for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) online here

• Brunei - Darussalam
• Canada
• Hong Kong (SAR PRC)
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Korea, Rep of (South)
• United States

If your passport is not one of the following, then it will be slightly more troublesome for you. You need to get your ETA done via travel agent, airlines or Australian visa office. You can find more details here.

Each visa will cost AUD20.00.
It valid for 1 year and a maximum of 3 months stay per visit.

• Travel insurance

The perks of being a DBS bank user, I got the MSIG TravelShield Premier Plan at only SGD34.10*. The difference between the Premier and the Classic plan is the bonus cover of kidnap, rental vehicle, funeral, credit card and adventurous activities and so on. Of course, the Premier plan has a higher payout too.

* The price was after discount. There was a promotion during the time I bought this insurance, so it was cheap.

• Activating ATM card's magnetic stripe for overseas use

Since last year, the magnetic stripe for overseas use was disabled to enhance card's security because of the increasing card fraud. To activate the card for overseas use, you can activate via ATM, iBanking or at the bank itself.

For those using DBS or POSB, here are the steps on how to activate your card:

• Any DBS/POSB ATM
• Select "More Services" twice
• Select "Change ATM Card Overseas Access"
• Once the function has been enabled, a receipt will be printer
• iBanking (of course, only applicable for iBanking users)
• Login to iBanking with your User ID and Password
• Select "Credict & Debit/ATM Card"
• Select "Overseas ATM Cash Withdrawal Access" and choose the card that you wish to enable
• Any DBS bank (for DBS user)/POSB bank (for POSB user)
• Approach the counter staff

Similarly, you can use the same way to deactivate the overseas usage after you come back from the country

*These information was taken from DBS website.

• Correct adapter and multi plug

Australia Plug Type (taken off the web)

Make sure you get the correct adapter for the plug or you will have to go through the hassle to get the adapter in Australia. To be more convenient, get the universal adapter. It solves all the worry of getting the wrong adapter.

Another thing that I have learnt over the years is to bring multi plug. Typically, there are very few power point in the place you stay, but you have to charge your camera, mobile phone, GPS, and many more things. Things get even worse when you are not alone. Everyone is snatching for that power point. A multi plug can ease that problem.

• Plan your trip

Don't assume, things might not go your way. Plan what you are doing and where you are going. Different places may have different laws or rules over certain things, so make sure you do some research before flying. Trust me, it will save you a lot of trouble. 

For example, if you are planning to rent a car, make sure your license is at least 1 years old. Don't get too happy if you just got your license and you thought you can drive in Australia. The driver need to have the license for at least 12 consecutive months.

Other things to take note are the opening hours of particular place that you want to visit, ways to get around, etc.

Planning the trip will allow you to maximise the trip instead of getting lost or waste time travelling to places that are not open when you visit. It also help to gauge the cost of the trip.

• Check the climate

Well, not everywhere is like Singapore. Australia is going into Autumn in September. According to my sources, it is generally hot in the day, cold in the night, sometimes showers. Temperature range between 8 to 22 degree Celsius. Since Perth is along the coast, it might get windy too. Do bring the correct clothing to save unwanted expenditure of money and time to find suitable clothing there.

•  Exchanging currency

Well, I just bought some Australian dollars at the rate of 1.178 (as of 09 September 2014). Most of the places are selling at 1.18 or 1.19. It is just a matter of .01 if you are looking at just a dollar. If you are buying at a large amount, it could mean quite a huge difference. So depending on the amount you are buying, those buying small amount will not be affected much.

• Other obvious stuffs...

This section include booking of flight tickets and accommodation. I have seen people who had done everything else but getting the flight tickets.

Please remember to bring your daily essentials too unless you are intending to buy in Perth which might not be cheaper (might end up more expensive than Singapore). 

Last but not least, make sure you get the dates and time correct. Don't miss your flight or book the wrong date for flight or accommodation. Have a fun and safe trip. =)