This is something Ive considered doing for a bit, but Im starting to feel like now may be the time to do it. I travelled Australia a few years back, and loved it, so it isn't a totally new place. But really, this thread is about tips. What type of things should I look out for? Should I invest in some sort of package to get me started? Im willing to work and do just about anything (thats legal lol) so that wouldnt be an issue.
Okay, just watch 'Wolf Creek' before you go! ;-) But seriously, if you get the travel bug, my advice is go. I travelled around most of Europe as a teenager and had the most amazing experiences of my life. Met some amazing people and have remained in contact with a few of them. You'll regret not just going for it!
You can't just go there and work legally. You'd need to get a visa, and from what I heard Australia is very strict on that stuff. You could work under the table, so to speak, but you might get screwed over. Save money and have a contingency fund is my best advice. And buy sun screen!
I know I cant. Australia doesnt seem to be too bad to get into, especially as an American. I plan on applying for the visa when I go home
Pretty much everyone can get a "Working holiday visa", I know there are alot of restrictions to get a "proper" visa, but as a European, I didn't have any problem. That means you can work fully legitimate. Many companies in the cities, like restaurants, prefer "under the table", but not in the outback, if you plan on working there. There's heaps of jobs in the outback, and pretty good money, but the people there are xenophobic as hell. Unless you're British, chances are they wont like you for no real reason. Where are you planning on going? East or west? Oh, and a tip: Apply for a bank account the first days. If you wait, it'll only become more complicated. And another tip: If you're planning on going there a second year, you'll need to work for at least three months. So if you're planning on that, legitimate work is recommended.
The genera rule for working holiday is you can get one in one country if your home country has a recipprocating (mispelling on purpose) program. Unless things have changed drastically, the US doesn't offer working holiday. We prefer people to sneak in and do the worst jobs for the least amount of money.
Haven't thought of that, but I never met any Americans there. A handful, on vacation, sun bathing. Lots of Canadians though. Nice people.
