Based on my experience and observations, I would say that drivers in Australia can be classified as careful drivers. Some of you might agree with my statement and some might not. This is to compare with my own country, definitely. The drivers here are very obedient to the speed limit that has been set. You can hardly see cars speeding more than 110km/h in the highway! Although there were no other cars besides you! And that explains why most used cars (5 years age) are still in a very good condition and you can worry less if you are thinking of buying one. Moreover, people here prefers used cars too! You can see many old cars on the road instead of new model cars.
But before that, you need to know on the road rules and how you can legally drive here in Australia. If you are a student or just visiting from overseas and currently holds a valid driving license in your own country, you are allowed to drive using your country's license. Further details can be found here. As for us, being a resident here, we only have 3 months to get the WA full license once we've came to reside here.
Since our country in not in the recognised list of countries that can easily transferred to WA license, we've to sit for the theory computerised test in order to get the learner's permit. And then going for the practical driving test. But, if you're from the UK or other countries, lucky you. You can ask for details from the licensing centre to get your license transferred to WA license.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
What you need to know when hiring a car?
If you come to visit Perth, I'm sure one of the most important tool that you need is definitely a car. Your journey here in Perth would be easier, from one destination to another with a car. Yes, you can still rely on public transportation here as it is very reliable, but your visit here would be such a pleasure especially if travelling with children.
There are many options for car rental here in Perth. You can either book one as soon as you arrive at the airport or you can take the car in the city centre. In my opinion, it would be easier if you book from the airport as normally you have to return the car to the original place where you first get it. Some do offer other places for return, but it is with prior arrangements and some might incur costs. Please enquire first when you take the car if you choose to return at their other branch.
As for us, we choose to take from the city centre, near our apartments because we are not returning back in the near future. It would be a hassle to go back to the airport, just to return the car.
One important reminder is that please please check the condition of the car before you go and start your journey WITH the staff. I really mean it. The one that we have was just gave us the car key and a receipt; where they stated here and here that have minor scratch or marks. How on earth to we know, whether the car seat is originally black or brown leather etc. You'll never know and did not expect what they will claim on you when you return the car.
Choose whichever suits your budget and don't forget to read reviews on them just to be on the safe side.
There are many options for car rental here in Perth. You can either book one as soon as you arrive at the airport or you can take the car in the city centre. In my opinion, it would be easier if you book from the airport as normally you have to return the car to the original place where you first get it. Some do offer other places for return, but it is with prior arrangements and some might incur costs. Please enquire first when you take the car if you choose to return at their other branch.
As for us, we choose to take from the city centre, near our apartments because we are not returning back in the near future. It would be a hassle to go back to the airport, just to return the car.
One important reminder is that please please check the condition of the car before you go and start your journey WITH the staff. I really mean it. The one that we have was just gave us the car key and a receipt; where they stated here and here that have minor scratch or marks. How on earth to we know, whether the car seat is originally black or brown leather etc. You'll never know and did not expect what they will claim on you when you return the car.
Choose whichever suits your budget and don't forget to read reviews on them just to be on the safe side.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Short-stay apartment
We stayed in an apartment in West Perth upon arrival. We've booked for about 3 weeks, hoping that we'll managed to secure a reasonable house for us later after that. Why we did that? It's quite difficult actually to secure a house from overseas (i.e. Malaysia) unless you've known somebody here to secure a house for you. But I guess, you would want to have a look of the house first before hand..
There are many options for short stay accommodation available, depends on which is suitable and convenient for you. If you come alone and on a very tight budget, you might want to consider to stay in a bulk hostel, backpackers or even rent a room in a shared house. That would costs approximately AUD30 per night or even lower. Common websites that may help you in your search would be here or even here. If you opt for a bit comfortable place, you might have to consider spending a bit higher which is about AUD85-AUD200 per night. Since the budget is higher, there would not be a big problem as there are plenty of choices to choose from. You may opt for hotels, bed-and-breakfast or even fully furnished apartments. The one that we had was the latter, more or less like a studio apartment. A double bed, a kitchen and a toilet complete with all the utensils that you've think of! You may put this apartment in one of your choices =)
The one that we stayed is quite convenient - very near to the Perth CBD, free buses around town. Since it is located nearby the city, you can have anything just within 5 kms - easy to register your bank account, shopping, medicare and centrelink registration or even car hire company. All that you need! =)
There are many options for short stay accommodation available, depends on which is suitable and convenient for you. If you come alone and on a very tight budget, you might want to consider to stay in a bulk hostel, backpackers or even rent a room in a shared house. That would costs approximately AUD30 per night or even lower. Common websites that may help you in your search would be here or even here. If you opt for a bit comfortable place, you might have to consider spending a bit higher which is about AUD85-AUD200 per night. Since the budget is higher, there would not be a big problem as there are plenty of choices to choose from. You may opt for hotels, bed-and-breakfast or even fully furnished apartments. The one that we had was the latter, more or less like a studio apartment. A double bed, a kitchen and a toilet complete with all the utensils that you've think of! You may put this apartment in one of your choices =)
The one that we stayed is quite convenient - very near to the Perth CBD, free buses around town. Since it is located nearby the city, you can have anything just within 5 kms - easy to register your bank account, shopping, medicare and centrelink registration or even car hire company. All that you need! =)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)