What to bring

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Seasonal considerations
Clothing
Bringing your computer
Mobile phone & laptops
Documents
Money

What can't I take into Australia

Students are often surprised by how strict Australian Customs Services and quarantine can be. If you're in doubt about whether your goods are prohibited or not, declare it anyway on your Incoming Passenger Card which you'll receive on the plane. Students have received on the spot fines for not declaring items.

Visit the AQIS homepage and read What can't I take into Australia?
and also let your family and friends know What can't be mailed to Australia?

Seasonal considerations

Summer in Australia is from December to February, autumn from March to May, winter from June to August, and spring from September to November. For most of the country the hottest month is January

If you arrive in June or July, the coldest months of the year, you may need to bring or buy winter clothing, a heater and blankets. Students from colder climate countries normally find Queensland winters very mild.

• Climate Tips for Travellers
• What is the weather usually like? - contains a table of average temperatures, humidity, and rainfall

Clothing

On most campuses, students usually dress informally. Jeans or slacks with t-shirts or blouses, sneakers or “running shoes” are almost standard dress. Shorts are often worn during the summer months.

Students from some countries may find clothing in Australia to be immodest, but it is acceptable for both men and women to wear shorts and sleeveless t-shirts. This is common during the hotter months.

Students from tropical countries find winter in Brisbane quite cold and may find it necessary to invest in winter clothing and household appliances, like a heater and warm blankets once you arrive. A sports coat or suit and tie for men and appropriate dress for women is necessary for some functions such as formal dinners, graduation ceremony, student dances or balls. For festive occasions, you may want to bring traditional dress and accessories.

The standard voltage for electrical items in Australia is 240V.

Electric plugs have three flat pins one of which is an earth pin.You may need to buy an adaptor or have the plugs changed when you arrive.

Bringing your computer

Bringing a PC or laptop into Australia may be a little more complicated.

Items owned and used for more than 12 months prior to arrival are allowed in tax-free. Proof of the date of purchase and purchase price may be required. Computers which are less than 12 months old and over AUD$400 may attract Goods and Services tax (GST) at a rate of 10%. Consideration is given as to whether or not you intend to export the computer at the conclusion of your studies.

To satisfy the Customs Officer that you will be taking the computer out of Australia you should bring along a statutory declaration (a written declaration witnessed by the certifying authority in your country) stating that the computer is for use during your studies at QUT, and that you intend to bring it back with you when you complete your studies. You may be required to give an undertaking under Section 162 to this effect and provide a cash security to Australia Customs upon arrival.

For prices comparison of computers visit these links;

• QUT laptop purchase
• Qld Computer Group
• Umart Online
• Gamedude

Mobile phones & Laptops

If you are considering bringing a mobile phone, laptop, or any communication devices we suggest that you visit the Australian Communications and Media Authority before making any purchases. Some students have brought in their own laptops with internal modems only to discover that they were unable to use their modem in Australia. Any external or built-in modems must be Austel Approved in order to function in Australia.

Documents

In case you lose the originals, make copies that can be left with your family and faxed to you. Documents to bring include;

If you intend to drive in Queensland you must bring your current driver's licence with you. If possible, have the licence updated to cover the duration of your studies as it is very difficult for international students to get a Queensland licence. You are allowed to drive in Queensland using your home licence, on condition that you always have your passport with you. If necessary, you must translate your driver's licence in English. As an alternative, you may get an international licence, but this is valid only for one year. More information is available at Queensland Transport.

Money

During your first few weeks you may need at least AUD$500 in cash and have access to approximately $1500 in travellers' cheques, or an international credit card for the first two to three weeks. Record the serial numbers of your traveller's cheques and any bank draft.

Our Cost of Living sections cover more information about likely establishment costs, what expenses to budget for when you arrive and banking facilities like transferring funds.

We advise you not to bring more than $10,000 cash in any currency. If you do, you will need to complete a Cash Transaction Report at the Customs area when you arrive, and this may delay you at the airport.

Should you need any financial assistance on your arrival or during your studies contact ISS.

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