Australia

Travel Note

Language

English (yes, some people have asked so we have to include it)

Travel Note

Cost of Living

Melbourne and Sydney are like any expensive capital city. Remember that the American dollar is worth more than the Australian dollar, so something that is $20 will cost you about $13.50US.

Travel Note

Season

It may seem strange to Americans, but August is winter in Australia. We use Celsius (like the rest of the world :P) It will be between -1 and 12 degrees (30F to 50F). Melbourne is quite windy and rainy. Because we are in the Southern Hemisphere, the further north you go the warmer it gets.

Travel Note

Getting around Australia

Public transportation in our major cities is pretty good, but if you want to get out of the city you'll most likely need to hire a car (or as you say in America, rent a car). If you plan on hiring a car, please remember we drive on the LEFT side of the road and our laws are a lot stricter than yours. That means don't drive over the speed limit or chance a yellow light (speed and red light cameras are everywhere, and the fines are steep). Police officers in Australia don't need a reason to pull you over, and often will do so just to issue a breathalyser test.