Life in Australia

Cars are one of the most popular modes of transportation in Australia, and they play a vital role in the daily lives of many people. 

And car service is an essential activity to keep cars in good working condition to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and other road users.

In this guide, we are going to give you everything you need to know about how much does a car service cost in Australia. 

What does Car Service involve and its benefits?

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Car service in Australia typically includes regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections and general inspection of the vehicle’s systems. 

More comprehensive services may also include a transmission flush, a coolant flush, and other maintenance tasks.

These services are critical to keep cars running smoothly and to prevent costly repairs down the road. 

Regular maintenance also helps to ensure that cars are running at peak performance, which can help to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. 

Another important aspect of car service in Australia is the inspection of safety systems such as brakes, tires, and suspension. 

These systems are critical to the safe operation of a vehicle, and it is essential to ensure that they are functioning correctly. 

If a safety system is not working correctly, it can lead to accidents, injuries, and fatalities. 

Car service providers in Australia are trained to check these systems and make any necessary repairs to keep cars safe on the road.

Overall: How much does a car service cost in Australia?

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The cost of car service in Australia can vary depending on a number of factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, the type of service being performed, and the location of the service center. 

A basic service for a standard passenger car can cost anywhere from $200 to $450, while a major service or a service for a luxury or high-performance vehicle can cost significantly more around $500 to $1200.

It’s important to note that the cost of car service can also be affected by the type of service center you choose. 

For example, a dealership service center may be more expensive than an independently-owned service center, but the dealership may use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, which could be more expensive than aftermarket parts but could have better quality and longer life in some cases.

A guide about driving in Australia for international students

Car Services Costs In Each State and Territory

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The cost of car services in Australia varies in each state and territory. 

It is important to shop around for the best prices and to choose a reputable and experienced service center. 

Here below, we give an idea of the average cost of car services in each state and territory in Australia.

According to AutoGuru, here is the average cost of service in each state and territory. 

• New South Wales $357                  
• Victoria $337                                                           
• Queensland $331
• South Australia $304
• Western Australia $320                                          
• Tasmania $272
• Australian Capital Territory $363
• Northern Territory $422

What Factors Can Affect Your Car Service Cost?

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Car service costs can vary depending on a variety of factors. 

Some of the main factors that can affect the cost of a car service include the type of vehicle or model of the car, the type of service being performed, and the location of the service.

• Vehicle Model

Different types of cars have different service requirements, and this can greatly affect the overall cost of car service. 

For example, a luxury car will generally require more expensive parts and a higher level of expertise to service, resulting in a higher service cost. 

Similarly, older cars may require more repairs and maintenance, resulting in higher costs than newer cars.

• Type of Service

Another factor that can affect the cost of a car service is the type of service that is being performed. 

A basic oil change and tire rotation will typically cost less than a more extensive service, such as a transmission rebuild or engine overhaul. 

Similarly, different services may require different levels of expertise and equipment, which can also affect the overall cost of the service.

• Location Of The Service

The location of the service can also greatly affect the cost of the car service. For example, car services in major urban areas may have higher costs due to higher overheads and labour costs. 

Similarly, services in rural areas may have lower costs due to lower overhead and labour costs. 

Additionally, the availability of certain services can also vary depending on the location, with some areas having limited access to certain types of services, resulting in higher costs for those services.

• Other Factors

Other factors that can affect the cost of a car service include the mileage of the vehicle, the condition of the vehicle, the quality of the service being performed, and the level of expertise of the technician performing the service. 

The mileage of a vehicle can also affect the cost of a service, as cars with higher mileage will typically require more frequent services and repairs.

For example, a vehicle that is in poor condition may require more repairs and maintenance, resulting in higher service costs. 

The level of expertise of the technician performing the service can also affect the cost, as more experienced technicians may be able to perform more complex repairs and services, resulting in higher costs.

What Is The Difference Between a Minor And Major Car Service?

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A minor car service is a less extensive check and maintenance, usually done at shorter intervals, such as every 10,000 kilometers or 6 months. 

Generally, a major car service includes a comprehensive check and maintenance of a vehicle, including replacing major parts and fluids. This type of service is usually done at regular intervals, such as every 30,000 kilometers or 24 to 36 months.

A minor car service generally includes:

• Oil and filter change
• Air filter check and replacement if necessary
• Battery check and replacement if necessary
• Brake check and adjustment
• Tyre check and replacement if necessary
• Lights check and replacement if necessary

A major car service typically includes everything in a minor car service, as well as:

• Detailed inspection of all systems and components, including the engine, transmission, suspension, steering, and brakes
• Replacement of worn or damaged parts, as needed
• Fluid and filter changes for transmission, coolant, and brake systems
• Detailed cleaning of the fuel system
• Timing belt replacement, if necessary
• Detailed emissions testing and adjustments

Basically, a minor car service is focused on preventative maintenance, while a major car service is more comprehensive and deals with any issues that have arisen or that may be imminent.

How To Reduce Your Car Service Bill

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Here are several ways you can reduce your car service bill:

• Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your car running smoothly and reducing the need for costly repairs. Make sure you stick to your car’s service schedule and have your car serviced by a qualified mechanic.
• Use Quality Parts: Using quality parts can help extend the life of your car and reduce the need for costly repairs. Make sure you use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts when having your car serviced.
• Compare Prices: Don’t be afraid to shop around for the best price. Compare prices at different mechanics and see if you can find a better deal.
• Personal Maintenance: Many simple maintenance tasks can be done by  yourself, such as changing the oil, replacing air filters and checking tire pressure. This can help save money on labour costs.
• Drive Wisely: The way you drive can greatly affect the wear and tear on your car. Avoid aggressive driving and sudden stops, as this can lead to more frequent repairs.
• Shop for Discounts: Look for discounts and deals offered by auto repair shops. Many shops will offer discounts for first-time customers or for scheduling regular maintenance. If you are a student, ask for student discounts.
• Use a Discount Service Centre: Discount service centres offer a lower cost than traditional service centres. However, ensure that the service centre is certified and has a good reputation.
• Car Insurance: Having a comprehensive car insurance policy can protect you from costly repairs in the event of an accident or other damage to your car. Make sure you shop around for the best deal.
• Get the Car Checked before buying: Before buying a used car, get it checked by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential issues that may require expensive repairs down the road.
• Look for coupon on websites like Groupon: From time to time, coupon websites like Groupon may issue vouchers for your local car mechanics. Try to use them if the mechanic seems genuinely good. 

The ultimate list of student discounts in Australia (35+ discounts inside)

How often car service should be completed in Australia?

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Usually, car manufacturers will have details about the car service intervals in the car manufacture’s manual.

Generally in Australia, it is recommended to have your car serviced every 10,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first. However, this can vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as your driving habits. 

It’s important to check your car’s service schedule and consult with a qualified mechanic to determine the best schedule for your specific car. 

It is also essential to pay attention to any unusual noises or warning lights that may indicate that your car needs servicing earlier than scheduled.

Is It Better To Do Car Servicing At A Dealership or at a Private Mechanic?

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There are benefits to both taking your car to a dealership for service and taking it to a private mechanic.

One benefit of taking your car to a dealership is that they will have knowledge and experience specific to your make and model of car. Dealerships have access to manufacturer training, parts and technical resources, and their mechanics are often factory-certified. 

This means that they will have the latest information on how to service your car and access genuine parts from the manufacturer. 

Additionally, taking your car to a dealership for service can often be a requirement for maintaining the car’s warranty.

On the other hand, private mechanics are typically more affordable than dealerships, and they can often work on a wider variety of car makes and models.

Also, private mechanics may have more flexibility in their schedules, which can be especially useful if you need to get your car serviced quickly.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to take your car to a dealership or private mechanic will depend on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your car. It’s a good idea to check both prices and what they offer. 

You can also ask other people who have a similar car with you to see where they bring their car to be serviced, or you can also look up reviews or ratings of the specific dealership or private mechanic.

Final words

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Overall, it is essential for car owners to regularly maintain their cars to ensure the safety of themselves and other road users.

Car service providers in Australia play a vital role in ensuring that cars are reliable and safe on the road, and they employ trained technicians and use high-quality parts to ensure the best results.

We hope you find this guide about how much does a car service cost in Australia useful.

So you must have been asked this question: “What’s your New Year’s Resolution?”

While some of you might have got your goals for the new year ahead already sorted, many of you don’t.

Your answer: Because I’m a student. Right!

No stress!

As always, we have got your back.

If you don’t have a new year’s resolution in place or even if you do, we’re sure you’ll find this quick guide to International Students’ New Year’s Resolution pretty handy with actionable tips included.

Let’s get in.

What is a New Year’s Resolution?

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As the curtain falls on the previous year, many people, including students, reflect on life in that year. This includes their achievements, failures, learning and everything in between.

So at the end of the year or at the start of a new year, individuals make new goals, promises to themselves for improving their life in some way, shape or form. This is known as New Year’s Resolution.

This could be in various parts of an individual’s life, including:

• Academic
• Relationships
• Finances
• Career
• Health
• And many more

Can someone else actually make a resolution for me?

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The answer is No. But!

If you are unsure and need help, then you can certainly consult with a career coach or seek help from someone who has got more experience than you to help you with goals.

But eventually, you will need to sit and put them together. After all, they are your goals.

That’s why we are creating this guide, based on the ideas of our team members who were international students once upon a time. They have seen it all before you.

And the ideas are quite relevant to the international student’s life in Australia.

This can help you with your own resolutions.

Now let’s get into the resolution thingy.

International Students New Year’s Resolution Ideas

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We have divided these resolutions into various categories and chosen our Top 3 in each of these categories. 

1. Resolution: I will build my network

Resolution Type: Career

• I will meet at least 5 new people in person each week and try to exchange details for further professional interactions.
• I will be proactively looking to build my network on LinkedIn by connecting with 5 people each week.
• I will attend all the networking events organised by my university/institute

2. Resolution: I will invest in myself

Resolution Type: Professional Development

• I will undertake at least 3 short courses or certifications that will help improve my skills or knowledge during the year.
• I will get a mentor in my field of study to help me progress in my chosen career.
• I will start writing a journal every day of my life. I will write about my achievements, failures and learning each day.
• I will improve my time management to balance work, study and life balance.
• I will learn to build a strong portfolio and resume for my career

Tip: Get a free time management template from here. 

3. Resolution: I will look after my health

Resolution Type: Health

• I will stop eating instant noodles or instant unhealthy food.
• I will go for a run for 20 minutes at least 4 times each week. 
• I will sleep for 7 to 8 hours each night (no more or less).
• I will schedule regular health check ups (at least once every 6 months)
• I will priortise mental health and seek support when required

4. Resolution: I will learn more this year

Resolution Type: Academic

• I will study to learn, not to just get a degree
• I will ask 1 question at the end of each class from my teachers
• I will study 1 hour each day regardless of if there are any exams or assignments. 
• I will have at least 95% attendance in each term

5. Resolution: I will manage my money well

Resolution Type: Financial Management

• I will not be doing an impulse buying of any items. 
• I will find a job that pays me more than my current one (or ask for a pay rise).
• I will create a budget for the month and stick to it.
• I will seek to learn more about financial management during the year.

Tip: Get a free budgeting spreadsheet or budget planner from here. 

6. Resolution: I will control my social media cravings

Resolution Type: Digital Detox

• I will not use my mobile phone in the toilet.
• I will not do mindless scrolling of the social media feeds.
• I will switch off my phone before sleeping and will buy a small alarm clock.

7. Resolution: I will build healthy relationships

Resolution Type: Relationships

• I will be calling my family or friends overseas at least once per week.
• I will listen to others before speaking or giving my opinions
• I will get rid of all the toxic relationships from my life

8. Resolution: I will help others

Resolution Type: Cultural Integration

• I will volunteer once a month at a local charity or volunteer organisation
• I will help one random person each month (either donation, food or just help in lifting bags for elderly people)
• I will help my fellow students if they are stuck with study queries.

Tip: Don’t give your assignments to others at any cost. We explained that here. 

Final Words

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Now these resolutions are no way set in stone. Which means you are free to choose the ones that are relevant to your life (or may be all). 

We hope that these resolution ideas gave you enough to think about your own personal resolutions for the year. (We don’t mind if you want to copy some of these for yourself).

We suggest you sit down, and analyse it for yourself and make your own resolutions.

Wishing you all the very best for the new year. 

There is a reason why they call it “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and you know it already, we are talking about Christmas.

It is that time of year that many people look forward to spending time with family and friends.

Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, and it is a public holiday in Australia. But usually the Christmas season or the festive season in Australia goes from late November to mid-January.

Most schools, colleges and universities are closed during the Christmas holidays. And many international students who decide to stay back in Australia during these holidays look forward to celebrating, catching up with friends and doing many other activities.

Many retailers offer discounts during this time, shops are full of decorations such as lights and trees, many people exchange gifts as well.

This ultimate guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Christmas Season in Australia for international students, including some useful tips on how to get into the festive spirit!

Top 7 Christmas Traditions in Australia

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With Christmas just around the corner, it is time to prepare for the festivities with some of Australia’s most popular Christmas traditions including:

1. Carols by Candlelight: This event has been going on for over 100 years and has become one of the most popular Christmas traditions in Australia. Thousands of people gather at Sydney’s Domain or Melbourne’s Fitzroy Gardens to sing and enjoy a night under the stars with their loved ones. The event features a range of carols including traditional favourites like Silent Night and Away in a Manger as well as modern songs like O Holy Night. The event is free, but donations are welcome to support charities such as The Salvation Army.
2. Feast on roast lamb: Christmas wouldn’t be complete without roast lamb, which is often accompanied by potatoes, carrots, parsnips, mint sauce and gravy! Australians also love making traditional desserts such as plum pudding with brandy sauce, or English Christmas puddings and plums. New Year’s Eve dinner would be complete without champagne!
3. Christmas party: A traditional festive Christmas party is a great way to start the season with friends and family, whether you’re planning a themed bash or hosting a more casual get-together. Decorate your tree, choose your favourite Christmas songs and prepare some decorations to spruce up the party space. Don’t worry if you don’t plan to have one yourself, there are usually many street parties you can join on Christmas Day as well.
4. Visit Santa Claus: Australia’s iconic Santa has been visiting children all over the country for generations, so it’s no wonder he is such an important part of many Christmas celebrations. Although Australian Santa looks bit different than one in the northern hemisphere due to its warm weather.
5. Head to the beach: If you have a pool in your house, that’s great but if not, head to nearby beach for summer fun. Going to the beach on Christmas Day is quite an Australian tradition. If going to beach isn’t your thing, then head outside to watch the sunset and enjoy some quiet time with your friends or partners.
6. Road trip: Many locals will take an opportunity of a holiday to go for a long drive during Christmas season. It could be a day trip or a long holidays over the entire school holidays. So why not pack your bags and ask your mates to go on a long drive.
7. Enjoy Boxing Day: Boxing Day falls on 26th December, just a day after Christmas and in Australia, it is a big deal. You can either watch a cricket match at MCG, or catch Sydney Hobart Yatch race or shop till you drop on Boxing Day sales.

Top 5 Christmas Foods You Should Try in Australia

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No festivities are complete without food and Christmas is no different. While you are in Australia, try some of these popular Australian Christmas food items:

1. Pavlova: It is Australia’s iconic Christmas desert that you must try. It is one of the most disputed desert as both New Zealand and Australia claim that they invented this dish.
2. Christmas Ham: No Christmas is complete in Australia without some glazed Christmas Ham. Australians like to serve this cold though as they cook it couple of days before Christmas.
3. Christmas Pudding: This desert is packed with dried fruits and a bit of rum, topped with vanilla custard. These days, vegan options are also available in the local supermarkets.
4. Potato Bake: A bake of potatoes, cream, cheese, butter, garlic and breadcrumbs. It is a perfect accompaniment for the roast or BBQ.
5. BBQ: Australian BBQ is world-famous, and you can literally throw anything on it. From chicken thighs to lamb skewers to steaks to zucchini fritters or capsicum. There is something for everyone.

Cool Christmas Gift Ideas for International Students

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If you are planning to get a gift for a family or friend as an international student in Australia or you are going to give a gift to a friend who is an international students, then here are some cool gift ideas:

• Travel Journal to pen down their experiences
• A set of Australian board games
• A set of international cookbooks
• A passport holder or a leather travel wallet
• Beauty and a skincare product like Australian made soap or massage oil (e.g. Markyeestudio)
• An international language learning program (e.g. Rosetta Stone)
• An Australian music compilation album (e.g. Just The Hits: Roadtrip)
• Portable Rechargeable Speaker (e.g. JBL Charge or Ultimate Ears Boom)
• Aussie Snacks Gift Basket (e.g. Snack Box Hamper])
• Portable Coffee Maker or Smoothie Maker
• International Currency Conversion Calculator
• Reusable Water Bottle
• A world map scratch poster
• A set of Australian coins (e.g. Vegemite Centenary Coin)
• A personalised mug with a picture of the two of you together
• A pair of Australian-themed earrings
• A set of Australian themed postcards.
• A subscription to a streaming service like Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime
• A subscription to an international magazine like National Geographic

An last but not least, if you are still stuck, then getting a gift card might be the last option. Shopback or Cashrewards might be the best shot as they usually offer a cashback on their gift card purchases as well.

Popular Christmas Activities in Australia for International Students

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While most of the things and attractions are usually closed on Christmas Day, there are things you can do around Christmas season.

Let’s look at some of the popular activities to do in Australia for international students during Christmas season:

Top 5 Things To Do In Sydney During the Christmas Season

Here are some of the best things to do in Sydney during Christmas:.

1. Celebrate Christmas at Taronga Zoo (Open on Christmas and New Years)
2. Enjoy the lights at the Royal Botanic Garden
3. Visit most famous Christmas Tree in Sydney at the Martin Place
4. Shop at the The Rocks Christmas Markets
5. Enjoy sparkling Christmas at the Darling Harbour

Top 5 Things To Do In Melbourne During the Christmas Season

Melbourne is a city that lives and breathes Christmas, with the festive cheer even extending to the city’s top attractions. Here are some of the best places to visit around Melbourne during Christmas.

1. Visit a Christmas market (e.g. Queen Victoria Market)
2. Watch a Christmas movie at the cinema
3. Catch a glimpse of Myer’s Christmas window
4. Take part in Carols by Candlelight
5. Catch free public transport on Christmas Day and explore around Victoria.

Top 5 Things To Do In Brisbane During the Christmas Season

Brisbane is a place that is full of Christmas cheer. The city has many activities and events to offer during the festive season. Here are the top 10 things that you should do in Brisbane this Christmas.

1. Watch the South Bank Christmas Show
2. Get into the spirit of Christmas by visiting one of Brisbane’s many markets, such as the Redcliffe Rotary Markets or the Hillcrest Country Markets. You can head towards Queen Street Mall in the CBD for Christmas fun.
3. Get your hands on some beautiful handmade crafts from one of Brisbane’s many craft markets such as Bowen Hills Craft Market or West End Craft Market.
4. Catch Christmas Lights at the Queensland’s Government House
5. Watch a free movie at Christmas Cinema in Southbank.

Top 5 Things To Do In Perth During the Christmas Season

Here are some of the popular things to do during the Christmas season in Perth:

1. Christmas at Kings Park
2. Christmas Markets at City Square
3. Carols by Candlelight at Perth Town Hall
4. Catch Christmas Light Trails across Central Perth and Northbridge
5. Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair

Top 5 Things To Do In Adelaide During the Christmas Season

Here are the top 5 things to do in Adelaide during the Christmas season.

1. Adelaide’s Giant Christmas Tree in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga
2. Lighting Lanes in the city (Vaughan Place and Peel Street)
3. Head to the city for Christmas shopping in local markets
4. The Nutcracker at the State Theatre Company of SA
5. Watch Rundle Mall’s Christmas Window Display

Top 5 Things To Do In Canberra During the Christmas Season

Here are the top 5 things to do in Canberra during the Christmas season:

1. Attend Christmas in the city with musical performances and entertainment
2. Go to Christmas Village Markets at Haig Park Village Markets
3. Have a splash at Canberra Aqua Park
4. Head to Canberra Centre for some Santa photos.
5. Go see a movie at one of Canberra’s theatres.

Top 5 Things To Do On The Gold Coast During the Christmas Season

Our pick of Top 5 things to do on the Gold Card during the Christmas Season:

1. Christmas at the Sanctuary Cove
2. Attend Skypoint’s Magical Christmas event
3. City of Gold Coast Mayer’s Christmas Carols
4. Visit Surfers Paradide Twilight Markets
5. Attend White Christmas at the Movie World

Top 5 Things To Do In Hobart During the Christmas Season

Below are the top 5 things to do in Hobart during the Christmas season.

1. Attend a Christmas event in the city area.
2. Watch a movie at the State Cinema
3. Visit Salamanca Market for some delicious food stalls and artisan goods.
4. Take a ride on one of the awesome cruises into harbour cruise or a cruise out into Storm Bay.
5. Explore some of Tasmania during the holiday season

Top 5 Things To Do In Darwin During the Christmas Season

If you’re looking for some inspiration on where to go in Darwin during the Christmas season, here is our pick for top 5 things to do:

1. Take a walk down The Esplanade and admire the lights
2. Christmas Carols in the Darwin Mall or Nightcliff Foreshore Carols by the Sea
3. Get festive at the Darwin Christmas Markets
4. Join Santa Fun on Wheels event. (Don’t forget to bring your bicycle).
5. Pop in to Santa’s village, at the corner of Smith Street Mall and Raintree Park

So what’s open on a Christmas Day in Australia?

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It is only for 1 day but it might feel like forever.

But it is a fact that most of the things will be closed on Christmas Day in Australia. So usually you won’t have access to your typical retails stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, bottle shops and many food outlets as well on Christmas Day.

We went and did some digging on what’s usually open in each of the major cities in Australia on a Christmas Day. Let’s have a look

What’s open on a Christmas Day in Sydney?

• Taronga Zoo
• Sydney Zoo
• Sea Life Aquarium Sydney
• Wilf Life Sydney Zoo
• BridgeClimb
• Cinemas like Event, Hoyts, Palace
• Some Fast food outlets like McDonalds, Dominos and Red Rooster

What’s open on a Christmas Day in Melbourne?

• Melbourne Zoo
• Peninsula Hot Springs
• Sea Life Aquarium Melbourne
• Cinemas like Hoyts, Palace, Classic, Lido and Cameo
• Some Fast food outlets like McDonalds, Dominos and Red Rooster

What’s open on a Christmas Day in Brisbane?

• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
• Wheel of Brisbane
• Mt Coot-tha Lookout
• Cinemas like Cineplex, Hoyts and Event
• Some Fast food outlets like McDonalds, Dominos and Red Rooster

What’s open on a Christmas Day in Perth?

• Perth Zoo
• Whiteman Park
• Cinemas like Event, Hoyts
• Some Fast food outlets like McDonalds, Dominos and Red Rooster

What’s open on a Christmas Day in Adelaide?

• Adelaide Zoo
• Monarto Safari Park
• Botanic Gardens
• Cinemas like Event, Hoyts
• Some Fast food outlets like McDonalds, Dominos and Red Rooster

What’s open on a Christmas Day in Gold Coast?

• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sea World Cruises
• Cinemas like Event cinemas
• Some Fast food outlets like McDonalds, Dominos and Red Rooster
• Some other popular restaurants

What’s open on a Christmas Day in Canberra?

• Cinemas like Palace Cinema
• Some Fast food outlets like McDonalds, Dominos and Red Rooster

What’s open on a Christmas Day in Hobart?

• Wellington Park
• Royal Botanical Gardens
• No Cinemas are open
• Some Fast food outlets like McDonalds, Dominos and Red Rooster

What’s open on a Christmas Day in Darwin?

• Crocosaurus Cove
• Croc Explorer
• Some Fast food outlets like McDonalds, Dominos and Red Rooster

We suggest you to check the timing of some the attractions mentioned above before rocking up there as some of them open later on Christmas Day.

Work for International Students during the Christmas Season

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While Christmas is celebrated throughout Australia and you can easily get into the festive spirit, there are many opportunities to pick up some extra work hours as well.

And as there are no restrictions on work hours for international students till 30th June 2023 in Australia, it might be the perfect time to make some extra dollars during the Christmas Season.

Christmas Casuals

Many retailers usually start hiring “Christmas Casuals” from October onwards, but it’s never too late to try for it.

So first thing first, what is a Christmas Casual?

Christmas Casual is a person hired specifically during the Christmas season to help businesses meet the extra demand due to the festive season. And after the Christmas season is over, these Christmas Casual jobs roles will finish as well.

Although, sometimes if the businesses like your work ethics and professionalism, they can even hire you on an ongoing part-time basis as well.

Popular Christmas Casual Job Roles

During the Christmas season, there are various types of job roles available for students, including:

• Packing staff
• Warehouse staff
• Sales team members
• Waiters
• Bartenders
• Retail staff
• Supermarket staff
• Tour guides
• Delivery drivers

To undertake some of these jobs, you might need to complete some short courses like RSA etc. We have a complete guide on short courses for international students here.

Where to look for these job roles?

You can look up for these Christmas Casual jobs roles on various job websites like:

• Seek
• Indeed
• Jora
• Studentjobboard

You can also look up on the website of popular retailers like:

• Kmart
• Target
• Myer
• David Jones
• Coles
• Woolworths

Otherwise, we also suggest you keep an eye out for window displays of the shops and restaurants around your area.

If you can’t find any such jobs, then you can consider signing up as a delivery driver with various apps like Uber Eats in Australia.

You can read our complete guide on how to sign up with Uber Eats.

Conclusion

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Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, but if you are in Australia, you can’t go without noticing the festive vibes around you during this Christmas season.

We hope this guide helped you understand everything about Christmas in Australia for international students.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that there are affiliate links included in this article, which means we may be compensated if you purchase via those links. It is at no extra cost to you but helps and supports our business.

Australian culture is quite unique and there are many features and characteristics that make it stand out from the culture of many other countries around the world.

If you are planning to come to Australia, these are the 10 things you should know about Australian culture.

1. Australians Are Known For Their Friendly Nature

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Generally speaking, Australians are friendly, honest, and open-minded people.

For example, if you see a stranger on the street, you can smile and say hi to them, and they’re likely to smile back and reply to your greetings.

Australians are also known for their laid-back attitude and sense of humor as well.

They like to have fun, crack jokes, and if you are coming to Australia for the first time, you might find it a bit challenging to understand some of their jokes. 

So a tip for you is to not take things too seriously and just go with the flow. And if you do not understand their jokes at the start, you will start getting the jokes in a while. 

2. Australians Love Sports

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Whether it is Football, AFL, Cricket, Rugby, or any other sport, Australians are very competitive in sports, and Australian fans love to back their home team regardless of the sport they’re playing. 

So if your home country’s teams are coming here to play against Australia, be ready to face hardcore Australian fans along with their teams.

Australians also love sports because it is a way to connect with other people, to share stories and experiences, and to feel a sense of community.

If you are just arriving in Australia, then we suggest you read our complete guide on AFL (Australian Football League) here.

3. Australians Don’t Have a Specific Religion

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Many Australians don’t follow any specific religion, and some of them don’t follow any religion at all. 

Even though they don’t follow any specific religion, they openly accept the practice of any other religion.

As Australia is a multicultural society, you can see people from all types of religion. 

As per the latest Australian census data (2021), here are the most common religions in Australia:

• Christianity (43.9%)
• No religion (38.9%)
• Islam (3.2%)
• Hinduism (2.7%)
• Buddhism (2.4%)

So don’t worry, you will be okay to practice your own religion without any issues. 

4. Meeting an Australian person for the first time

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As we discussed earlier, Australians are quite casual, but when meeting them for the first time, make sure to shake hands with them. 

Australians usually like a firm handshake, and it’s very important to maintain eye contact with the person you’re speaking to, as not looking into their eyes is disrespectful, and it seems as if you are hiding something (untrustable personality).

As friendly as they are, if you’re meeting Australians for the first time, don’t try to get too close to them; they don’t feel very comfortable about that. 

Generally, you can talk about their culture, country, sports, etc. You can also ask them about their favorite places in Australia, or what they think is the best thing about living there.

It’s always a good idea to avoid discussing topics related to politics, religious beliefs or any other controversial topics. 

5. Australians Love Their Slang

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Australians try to abbreviate everything they say aka their slangs.

You might feel overwhelmed with Australian abbreviations or slang at the start.

If you don’t understand their slangs, it’s a good idea to ask them to repeat what they say again.

Or just tell them you’re new here, and you don’t understand the slang, and saying “hello” is much better than saying “good day mate.” 

We have a comprehensive list of Australian slangs (120+) on our website here.

6. Australians Don’t Accept Discrimination Or Racism.

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It is illegal in Australia to discriminate against people based on their color, race, religion, gender or any other attribute. There is a law in the country about discrimination to protect human rights. 

We are not saying that there is no racism or discrimination in Australia, but you will rarely find discrimination or racism happening in Australia. 

If you experience discrimination, you may be able to take legal action against it.

7. Tipping Waiters Is Not Customary

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If you are working in the hospitality industry as a waiter, a waitress, or even in the kitchen, don’t expect to get any tips. 

Generally, the wages and salaries in Australia are excellent, as the minimum wage per hour in Australia from 1st July 2022 is $21.38 per hour, (the highest minimum wage in the world)

However, sometimes if you provide an excellent service to the patrons, you might end up getting a tip. 

8. Arrive On Time For Meetings

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Australians usually don’t like to be late for meetings.

As laid-back as they are, Australians still try to arrive on time for any meeting, whether it’s an interview, a business meeting or just meeting someone casually. So make sure to arrive on time when meeting an Australian.

And if you can’t make it on time, make sure that you let that person know by text or by calling them that you are running late.

9. Etiquette in Public Transportation

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When boarding public transport in Australia, you must give way to the exit passengers first and make sure to queue when catching any public transport. Don’t try to skip the queue.

It’s very important not to eat any food while traveling on public transport in Australia, as you might even end up getting a penalty for that in some cities.

It’s also a good idea not to speak too loudly on public transport. 

You can learn more about Public Transport Etiquette here.

10. Dating Culture in Australia

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If you are planning to date someone in Australia, it’s very important to know these factors; 

Unlike many other cultures, where people like to kiss each other on the cheek when they meet for the first time, Australians are reluctant to do that for the first meeting. So try to avoid that when you’re meeting someone for the first time.

People often go out for drinks or coffee with a potential partner before deciding if they want to pursue a further relationship.

Casual dating is also popular in Australia, and many people choose to date multiple people simultaneously.

Many Australians also use different apps for finding their love.

Regardless of gender, anyone can ask for a date in Australia.

Apart from meeting people through apps and online platforms, you can also meet people at:

• Educational institute, 
• Workplace,
• Community groups
• Sports
• Other events.

When going on a date with a potential partner, it’s a good idea to split your bills in half.

So these are the 10 things that you should know about Australian culture before moving here. 

So you think you have what it takes to study in the land of man-eating sharks, venomous snakes and spiders?

You may be filled with excitement about this new adventure, but things work differently here in Australia.

If you are coming to Australia for the first time, these are the 15 things that you must know before moving to Australia.

1. Casual Environment 🙋

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Australians are generally quite casual, whether it’s work, study, or any part of their social life. They usually take things easy, and if you are going to study in Australia, you will need to adapt to this casual culture.

To begin with, you don’t need to dress formally when going to university or college, and it’s perfectly okay to call your teachers by their first names. 

No one here calls their teacher “sir” or “ma’am,” so you will need to get used to that.

2. Jobs 💼

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Finding your first job in Australia as an overseas student can be tough, so you need to be prepared for that, and you might be surprised to know that some blue-collar jobs get paid much better than white-collar jobs.

Someone working as a carpenter, electrician, or plumber gets paid much better than someone working in an entry level office job.

And, if you work in hospitality, don’t expect to get tips, as people in Australia don’t usually tip.

3. Multicultural 👳🏻

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Around 26% of the Australian population is from overseas, and that pretty much sums up how multicultural Australia is.

So be prepared to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures that you have never met before.

In certain parts of Australia, especially city areas, you might even feel like you’re not even in Australia, as you will find more overseas visitors or students than Australians.

4.Weather ⛅

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The weather in Australia varies a lot depending on the state or region you are coming into. 

For example, in cities like Melbourne and Hobart, they are known for their cold winters, while in other cities like Brisbane, Darwin, or Cairns, you may not be getting such cold weather.

When you are coming to Australia, it’s important that you pack your bags accordingly.

If you are visiting cities such as Melbourne, Hobart, or Canberra, you will need to pack some winter clothing, whereas other cities may not require as much winter clothes packing.

Also, the weather in Australia is completely different from that of the Northern Hemisphere. Summer is from December to February, while winter is from June to August.

So if you’re coming from the Northern Hemisphere, expect different weather than in your home country.

Another thing is that the sun in Australia can be extremely harsh, especially in the summer.

If you are planning to go out to the beach and get tanned at 40 degrees, think again.

It can get very hot, and the UV rays can be extremely dangerous, so if you go out, wear sunscreen or prepare to be sunburned.

And in the summer, flies can be really annoying as well.

5. Jaywalking 🚸

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Jaywalking means crossing the road without an appropriate pedestrian crossing or just crossing the street in front of traffic.

In Australia, jaywalking is illegal. You could get a penalty of up to $70 if you get caught jaywalking.

So don’t cross the street without a pedestrian crossing sign or zebra crossing; otherwise, if you get caught, you will be fined for jaywalking.

6. Wildlife 🐨

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For many people outside Australia, the first picture that comes to their mind are snakes, sharks, and spiders.

While you could see some of these things in Australia, it is not as dangerous as it is portrayed in some countries.

To give you a better idea, the last person who died of a spider bite was in 1979, and on average, only one or two shark accidents happen during the year.

In all honesty, it is a pretty safe place to live in, so don’t stress too much about the wildlife.

7. Shopping Centers 🛍

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A great number of shopping centers in Australia provide a unique shopping experience for their customers.

But if you are a late-night shopper, there’s disappointing news for you: most of the Australian shopping centers close by 5:00 or 6:00 p.m., except in a few major cities on Thursdays and Fridays, where the shopping centers might be open till 9:00 p.m.

And you can literally go to the shopping centers in your shorts and thongs and PJs if you want. 

Yeah, there is no dress code when going to shopping centers.

8. Coffee ☕

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There is no doubt that Australians love their coffee, and we must say that Australian coffee tastes pretty good, especially in larger cities. You will get to see many good cafés with great coffee.

If you are not too much into coffee at the moment, when you arrive in Australia, you might find yourself loving this coffee culture.

9. Standard of Living 💰

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A lot of people complain that Australia is an expensive country. Sydney usually ranks in the top five most expensive cities in the world.

While it might be an expensive country when compared to the cost of living in some countries. Australia certainly has good wages as well.

According to government statistics, the average income of an average person in Australia is around $1769.80 per week (May 2022). Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/

That would be around $7666 compared to the cost of living of $3653 per month. So, those are perfect numbers.

The cost of living in Australia is manageable, people can afford to buy things, go on holidays and have a decent lifestyle.

10. Mobile Network 📶

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There are three main network providers in Australia: Telstra, Optus, and TPG (formerly known as Vodafone).

There are many other providers that use these networks to provide mobile services, so there are plenty of options to choose from when you come to Australia.

There are plenty of different plans available for both local and international calls.

When it comes to mobile networks, if you are living in the city areas, then you are in luck because most of the time, the networks in those city areas are good.

So you won’t have issues with regular call dropouts or internet dropout issues. 

But if you start moving out of the urban areas to regional towns or the bush areas, then it will become a bit of a challenge.

Although we must say that Telstra does a decent job of holding their network in the outer regional areas.

But you might still struggle to get an excellent network with other network providers.

So, if you plan to travel in the regional areas or outside the city, then you might have to carefully choose your network.

11. Dimensions of the Country 📏

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Some people don’t realize it, but Australia is a huge country, and most of the major cities are quite far away from each other. 

So if you’re traveling from one capital city to another, people usually prefer to take a plane.

It is about the same size as continental USA.

12. Generic Drugs 💊

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Let’s hope you don’t get sick, but if you do, you may need to see a doctor, who will write you a prescription that you must buy at a pharmacy.

When you go to the pharmacy and ask for the medicine, the pharmacist might ask if you want a generic medicine or a branded one, and you might be thinking, what does that even mean?

The generic brands are like no-name brands; their drugs are safe to take, otherwise the government will never approve them in the first place.

The only difference you might notice between generic brands and branded medicines is the pricing.

Generic medicine is usually cheaper than the branded medicine. 

We don’t think there’s much difference between these two medicines because they are obviously safe to take. 

So you might want to choose the generic ones because it will save you some dollars.

13. Speeding 🚓

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Speeding while driving in Australia is not a good idea at all. If you get caught, you will be paying very high penalties for that.

There is a demerit point system as well, and you will lose some points when you get caught speeding.

There’s a high possibility of you getting caught speeding because there are so many cameras around the city areas, plus there are lots of mobile cameras that police use in the outer regional and outer city areas as well.

So it’s not worth taking the risk of speeding on the road, and it’s definitely dangerous to do it anyways.

14. Daylight Savings 🕑

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Daylight Savings starts in the first week of October and ends in the first week of April. During daylight saving time, we push our clocks by one hour.

It is interesting to note that not all states actually participate in daylight saving. So while some states actually move their clocks by one hour during daylight saving, other states don’t.

This situation is a little weird because half of the country does not follow the system and the other half does. 

Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia don’t take part in the daylight savings while other states do. 

You can read more about daylight savings in this article. 

15. Smoking 🚬

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Australia is not known for cheap cigarettes. The Australian government does it on purpose and puts extra taxes on cigarettes, which makes it expensive to discourage people from smoking.

If you are a smoker, you might not like the fact that you will be paying around $25 to $30 for one pack of cigarettes (around 20 cigarettes).

And as a smoker, there are certain rules and regulations you would need to follow in Australia too.

If you are an international student coming to Australia, we highly recommend you download our free overseas guide, where we map the whole journey of an international student. 

To end this article, we would say that living in Australia is probably going to be different from your home country, but it will be a unique experience as well.

So these are the 15 things you must know before arriving in Australia.