Here in Australia, the currency is completely different from what we are used to in the United States. The American dollar is worth more here but it equals out as everything in Australia is more expensive than in the US. They do not even call it bills here instead they call their money Australian notes, which are made of plastic and much prettier than US money. What was even stranger was that they do not have single one-dollar bills. They use coins for $1 and $2 notes. The $2 coin is almost as small as a penny and weighs about the same as a quarter. This was a bit strange for me at first but I am quickly becoming used to it. As a new student here at La Trobe, if what you wanted or needed did not originally fit into your suitcase flying over then you found yourself needing to buy many items. From bedding and other items to help make your room feel homey, and supplies for school to stay organized, to kitchen essentials like pots and pans, and don’t forget the food you need to cook not having a meal plan. I love a good meal out but again that is spending money and food here at restaurants is expensive and it quickly adds up. A difference that I have discovered between America and Australia is that there is no tipping at restaurants. So if you were to spend $20 notes on a meal (without any alcohol) that is pricey, but you do not have to tip, which is nice. Speaking of alcohol, the legal drinking age in Australia is 18, which means myself and my fellow American friends are surprised at being able to simply walk into a store and buy a bottle of wine or a case of beer without question or issue. Even when we go out on weekends and I see people who are 18 it still shocks me as you can not do any of that in the United States until you are 21 years old. Being twenty at the bars, I actually feel old as lots of younger people are taking advantage of the 18 year old law and are enjoying the partying nightlife. What will be the weirdest thing is turning 21 in Australia and celebrating as that's the biggest birthday in America. I have been waiting to turn 21 for so long because it is then that I am fully an adult and can have all of the privileges of being an adult -drinking, voting, driving- all of the momentous events that people in the US have to wait for a certain age to attain. I will admit that being over here and turning 21 will not be as momentous because for the moment I entered the country I was legally able to drink, but I am sure I will still want to celebrate. Another thing that I have spent money on here in Australia is transportation. La Trobe is technically not in the city so getting downtown does take time and money (of course). Public transportation is everywhere but again not free. There are these cards called Myki cards which you buy and reload money on them to pay for your trips. Trams, trains, and busses use this system and sometimes officials come and check that you paid for your ride so it’s not smart to try to trick the system as the fee is $200 if you are caught without paying. Using a Myki is beneficial as you can get pretty much anywhere on public transportation and it does not cost more than $9 a day. When traveling to the city or the beach my friends and I always resort to the tram. The fact that I spent my whole summer and winter break before coming to Australia saving my money has helped me in the long run. Giving my mom the money I made everyday after work was not fun but I am so happy I have that money now as like I said, abroad is EXPENSIVE! From buying the necessities to splurging here and there, you need to prepare for lots of spending so you can take full advantage of your time away. I would not want to change anything about my trip so far and I am blessed to be happy, safe and healthy. See you all next week mates, well I hope so :)
XOXO - Tori
1 Comment
1/30/2024 04:37:33 am
Your travel blog is a constant companion in wanderlust! Following your suggestions has turned our vacations into extraordinary journeys. Thank you for sharing your passion for exploration and making our trips so special.
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About the AuthorCome be apart of my journey while studying abroad in Melbourne, Australia! Archives
May 2020
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