Hi All:
I just returned from my validation trip to Sydney! Its quite an amazing place. Right from landing at the airport to the final drive back to the airport, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The weather is very nice, although we did get some 35* days. But, I will take those anyday to the -4* and snow we are having here in Philly. My first impressions: -
1) People are nice and courteous. They actually stop to help you out if you are asking for directions.
2) Public transport is quite good, as you would expect to find in a big city. You dont need to rent a car, as long as you are inside city limits.
3) Be wary about carrying food items into the country. They have a strict quarantine policy. They ask you to get rid of any food..I had a tough time, because I was carrying some ferrero rocher hazelnut chocolates.
4) Weather is nice, but you can have a 15* day, followed by a 36* day. Better to check the forecast.
5) Things are a little expensive in Sydney. Food, especially (at least compared to the USA). A nice lunch with tip (not in a fancy restaurant) runs about AUD30--.
6) We applied for Medicare and got our temp medicare cards right there (took 10 mins). Be sure to go to the medicare office during your validation trip and apply for the card, using your friend's address. This way, you can even fly in for free treatment, if necessary.
I was in Sydney the whole time (17 days), and there is a lot of stuff you could dosee outdoors. There is an excellent website called www.auinfo.com. Look into that for everything you need whilst in Australia (accommodation, sightseeing, car rentals, etc..) You will need to bookmark this site, as it is that important. Another one is www.flightcenter.com . This is for local flights and car rentals.
Good luck to all those migratingvalidating!
Anand.
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