Moving home? Need to store boxes or store your furniture? You can do it the hard way by moving your own goods or let a removalist do it for you.

Important things to consider when using a removalist

• Removalists generally cost more if you are moving on a weekend
• Try to have your gear already packed as it reduces the removalist time
• Buy your own boxes from a storage company – its cheaper
• Let them know the goods you are moving

Important things to consider when Storing your Goods | Furniture

• Garages are cheaper to rent than name brand warehouses. However they are more prone to flooding, mildew and dust
• If you are leasing a garage sign an agreement with the owner
• Warehouse storage are more secure

Storage, Removals, Removalists and Boxes Australia is a post from: http://www.brisbanestudentguide.com

Google has made our life simpler. Reliable directions can be difficult to come by, especially the rapid growth of Brisbane road these few years. Google has made getting direction simpler by offering Google Maps.

Google Maps makes getting direction easy. All you need to do is enter your starting location and ending location. Here, I will share how I use Google Map, and so far I think it’s the most effective way to navigate Brisbane (without using a map)

Getting Directions

1) Go to http://maps.google.com.au/
2) Top left, click Get Directions
3) Enter destination (street or suburb name)
4) Choose either By car or Walking
5) Click Get Directions button

Interactive Map

Now you can see the interactive map. On the left side of the column, Google suggest the route(s) you can take.

If you want to get alternative directions to avoid main streets, or for some other reason, you can change the routes by dragging the blue line on the map. Google will recalculate another possible route.

On top of that, Google Map also shows you the street name you are crossing. I’ll give you an example next:

How to read the map

This photo appears on the left column of Google Map. Points 1 to point 10 are the routes you need to pass in order to reach your destination.

I marked two special columns, A and B and this is how it works.

(A) the approximate arrival time, and also the total distance of travel.

(B) the street view. This is a useful feature because that gives you an impression of where you are about to make turns to next street. Click and give it a try.

I suggest you to remember the street name and familiarize with the street view. You should have no problem navigating a new suburb without a map this way. If you are a person with no sense of direction, there is a print option located above the map. Click “Print” to put your directions in a printer-friendly format with the option to print the accompanying map.

Getting to a store / restaurant

If you are getting directions to go to a store, restaurant or other business but do not know the address, you can enter the business’s name instead.

For example, if you are going to a restaurant in West End called “Trang”, try entering this into Google Map search:

Trang West End

Google Map will immediately show you the possible result of this restaurant. Click on the restaurant and choose “Get Direction”. There you have it! The route to Trang restaurant. Works like magic isn’t it? ;)

Google Map Options

Google Maps gives you different map options. The default map is a standard map with street names. You can also view your route on a satellite or terrain map.

To switch views, click the appropriate button located in the upper right hand corner of the map.

In satellite mode, you can familiarize yourself with your destination by zooming in. Double click your mouse to zoom in and see your destination and its surrounding area.

Have fun exploring Brisbane. Cheers =)

Ultimate Guide – How To Use Google Map is a post from: http://www.brisbanestudentguide.com

Woolworths, also known as Woolies, is one of the biggest supermarket in Brisbane. They are also known as Safeway in other states.

You can see Woolworths in major shopping center. You will not have problem locating them because they are practically everywhere.

Upon entering the entrance, you are given the choice to take trolleys or hand basket. If you are hand-carrying the items home, I suggest hand basket because you can limit how many items to carry.

You can make bigger purchases if you have personal transport. Use trolley!

Most likely you will buy the perishable goods first, such as fruits and fresh meats. Here is a guide in how to cut down grocery bills.

You can get cheaper price for meat if the meat is 1-2 days left until expiry date. These food are safe to consume within a short period. I encourage you to put into freezer if you want to store longer. The expiry date only affects the meat if you put in refrigerator.

Woolworths has more types of processed meats to choose from, compared to Coles. Such as different favours of sausages and marinated meat.

You can also order meats and salami from deli section. Grab a ticket and wait for your turn.

Similar goods are arranged accordingly. This is one of the aisle in Woolworths.

In each aisle, there is a big sign board above, gives you a indication of what that alley is selling. If you are looking for condiments (strawberry jam, nutella, peanut butter etc), you can probably find those in the “bread” section.

The dairies section, includes butter, milk, yogurt, and cheese. These goods have to be stored in a colder place.

Keep an eye on the sign above. When you see this red sign above, the items placed below are having promotion that particular week.

When I was taking photos for this post, Woolworth is closing. Most of the cash counters are not open. Woolworths usually open all cash counters during weekend and peak hours.

The cash counter lights are usually turn on if any person is operating there.

If you are buying less than 8 items, you need to queue up in another section. These cash counters usually provides a faster service, especially during peak hours. You will appreciate to have these counters available.

You don’t want to queue up 10 minutes just to buy an apple, right?

Unlike Coles, Woolworths do not accept FlyBuys reward cards. They accept many types of payments though. Such as EFTPOS, credit card, debit card and cash.

You can buy mobile recharge here as well. My friend told me the price is 10% cheaper than usual rate. For example, you recharge $50, but you only need to pay for $45. I personally never buy here before because I recharge online.

You are given the choice to save the environment by using recyclable “Green bags”. You can use this bag as many times as you like during your visit to supermarket. The green bag can be used in other supermarket as well. Cut down the usage of plastic bags, you’re saving the world ;)

Beginner’s Guide To Shopping [Woolworths Supermarket] is a post from: http://www.brisbanestudentguide.com

For students who haven’t arrive Australia yet. This guide is specially written for you. This is a basic guide how to navigate your local supermarket.

Today I am writing my experience at Coles Supermarket, one of the largest supermarket at Australia.

Tips and things you need to know:

There are usually “entrance” gate at the side, you do not enter from the counter.

You can easily spot trolleys or shopping basket beside entrance.

The supermarket are sectioned into different parts, you can navigate easily. The structures of supermarkets are specially designed to make customers purchase more items. You won’t miss any alleys ;)

Usually, the meat sections are located at the entrance.

How to buy?

1. Take a ticket, and wait for your turn
2. Raise your hand with ticket in hand
3. Tell him/her what meat you like, and how many grams
4. Pack up for you

From my experience, the price is a bit cheaper compare to pre-packed meats, usually found at refrigerator. You won’t miss it.

Red meats are usually pre-packed, as shown at photos above.

Some Coles supermarket offers wide range of seafood. Some do not. Depends on your location I think. I rarely buy seafood from supermarket, I prefer to purchase seafood from fish markets.

This is carnivore’s nightmare. Every Coles supermarket offers slightly different choices of vegetables. I think they only sell vegetables which are grown nearby? That’s my assumption, though.

I always have full confident in purchasing Coles’s vegetables because it’s always so fresh. The price is slightly expensive than Chinese and Vietnamese groceries stores, though.

After buying the fresh goods, you can head over to the pre-packed goods. You can easily spot what alley are selling which general items. Look at the signs above every alley.

You don’t have to wonder in every alley if you have a shopping list, which saves you time.

Frozen goods, cheese and juice are usually located at the corner of Coles. Be prepare to walk through this alley quickly because it’s always so freaking cold.

Always keep an eye for items which are on sales. You might not need the item this week, you can purchase it for next month ;) Coles usually have different item on sales each week.

Here is a guide I written, 26 ways to cut your grocery bills.

When you’re done with shopping

Depends on how many items you purchased. If less  than 12 item, you are advised to use the self-check out system, which Coles recently implemented.

How to use this machine?

It’s easier than operating a mobile phone – you won’t have any problem operating it.

If you hava more than 12 items, you can queue up at normal check-out counters. Served by humans ;)

However there are a few terms you need to know. This part often confuses first time students.

The check out experience

After scanning the items, they will ask,

“FlyBuys?”, and this always make the student stare blankly at the operator, confused.

Flybuys is a reward card. Only available to Coles. Other supermarket such as Woolworth do not accept Flybuys. FlyBuy official website is here.

Then, the operators will ask “Cash out?” – once again, students look at operators blankly. confused x 2.

Cash out is a service available in every major supermarkets. The purpose is to pass you cash, directly debited from your bank account.

For example, “I would like to have A$50.00 cash out, please.”

You key in your EFTPOS pin number for the total amount of purchased goods (A$35.50)+ cash out amount (A$50.00), and your bank account will debit A$85.50 in bank statement.

You can also choose to use normal plastic bags, or “green bag”. The purpose of green bag is to reduce the usage of plastic bags – suitable for people who care about the environment. These bags costs $1.00 only and can be re-use many times.

Beginner’s Guide to Shopping [Coles Supermarket] is a post from: http://www.brisbanestudentguide.com

Are you confuse with some new banking terms when you arrived Australia?

Terms like EFTPOS, Bpay and Online Banking. Probably you are confused about the difference between debit card and credit card too.

Let me explain to you

There are three main ways to manage your cash at Australia.

Debit card

Debit card is similar to credit card. The only difference is, debit card only allows using until certain amount that’s available in your bank account.

The main advantage of debit card is it allows me to make purchases online, such as order pizza, get a Paypal account for eBay, recharge phone credits online, and many more. It is a great alternative to credit card, as not everyone has access to credit cards due to bank requirement of income.

Debit card is not available to everyone, though. The condition of applying debit card is to have certain amount of money in your bank for past few months. Credit history is also important. I am not sure about the details. You can ask for your bank about eligibility.

EFTPOS

This is a card most students has. Banks usually will offer students a debit card if you put your savings in the bank. Usually also known as EFTPOS (read as F•Pos).

How this card works?

This card replaces cash. You swipe card and press pin number when you make purchases. Simple!

This service is widely available in Australia and usually students will own one. If your card is stolen, the thieves have no direct access to your card due to the requirement of pin number.

Internet online banking

This service is only available recent years, and I strongly encourage you to apply online banking account, as soon as possible! Why?

Online banking has saved me heaps of time! I repeat – heaps of time!

I am able to pay my rent through transactions saving time from going to agent’s office every week.

Bank Statements (the history of banking transactions – how much money you received, how much you spent) are usually mailed to me every month, but since they started charging A$2.20 for each transaction printed, I choose to use eStatement. eStatement works the same as normal bank statement, except it is showed on internet. This helps reduce usage of paper.

With online banking, you can also pay money to friends through easily. How? You only need these details

1) Full name
2) BSB
3) Account number
4) Amount.

Example,

Name: Daniel Wong
BSB: 014272
Account Number: 490826393
Amount: A$ 2,000,000.00

(disclaimer: not my real banking details)

How to pay with Bpay?

You can also pay your bills online. Electric bills, telephone bills, internet bills… These services usually come with a BPay logo. You can spot this logo easily.

Login to online account. Go to “Pay Bills” and type the numbers. Simple.

I hope this short article covers your basic understanding of the mentioned points. Please forward this article to friends or family who you think may need it.

Drop your questions in your comment box, I’ll try my best to answer.

Potential Services – Sponsored links

Guide to Understanding EFTPOS, Bpay, Online Banking, Debit Card and Credit Card is a post from: http://www.brisbanestudentguide.com

Setting up internet could be intriguing for first timers. Here is simple way to get you started in applying for broadband internet at Australia

1) Apply a land line

You need to apply for land line before you apply for internet. Usually, broadband internet providers such as TPG or iiNet will request you to key in your land line phone number to check the availability of internet services at your area. Usually takes 1-2 working days to have your land line connected.

Next, go to local Telstra or Optus shop to apply. Choose the cheapest package because you will only need the line for broadband internet, not phone calls. I recommend Telstra, because they own the copper lines in Australia.

You probably do not need to use land line to make calls anymore. Nowadays, we can save a lot money from broadband phone, also known as voip services. I wrote an article here.

Update: Applying a land line is no longer compulsory. Look for NAKED ADSL PLAN.. which provides internet without applying land line

2) Search for Internet Providers on internet

Apply for your choice of internet service providers – online. If you do not have internet access, you can call up the broadband companies and work something out. Here are some phone contacts for broadband companies I recommend.

Internode Customer Service: 13 66 33

TPG Customer Service: 13 14 23

iiNet: 13 19 17

Here are a few websites for you to compare plans from different internet providers:

• http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/
• http://www.comparebroadband.com.au/
• http://broadbandguide.com.au/
• http://www.netspace.net.au/

Broadband Deals – Sponsored links

3) Follow the setup instructions

Internet service providers will need a few working days to connect. During that period, they probably will send you email to inform about the status of the line connection, and potentially include what next thing you need to do.

4) You can online now

You can online when ISP completed their tasks. Provided you had already setup the modem (they will teach you how to setup, no worries). If you encounter problems, don’t be afraid to call them. The customer support team are well trained and they will try their best to help you. You paid them money – remember, you are the boss!

Hope this helps. Free to contact me if you have any questions. I will be glad to help.

3 Simple Steps To Apply Broadband Internet At Australia is a post from: http://www.brisbanestudentguide.com

Since I started my study here in Brisbane, I often confuse with my surname and first name. I am called by different names: surnames, last name, middle name. To help you clear the confusion, I will teach you difference, with some examples.

As a Malaysia passport holder, our passports do no have provision for surnames. In western world, surnames are an important concept. The whole identification process is all based on the surname.

Here’s a basic guide to clear your confusion:

(1) Family Name = Surname = Last name
(2) Given Name = First Name

For e.g.

Lim Kit Siang
Lim is (1); Kit Siang is (2)
Chinese name is Surname + Given Name

Daniel is (2); Franklin is (1)
Western name is usually Given Name at front, Family Name at last.

Here are the solutions:

There are five ways of dealing with Chinese names in the western context.

Hyphenate the Given Name
Lim Kit Siang becomes Kit-Siang Lim

Make Given Name into one “word”
Lim Kit Siand becomes KitSiang Lim – usually mispronounced because everyone thought it’s a word

Switch your name around
Lim Kit Siang becomes Kit Siang Lim – The downside to this is when you are called (in lecture, class, bank etc), you end up being Mr Kit Lim. “Siang” is generally treated as middle name and not being used in most cases.

Capitalizing or underlining your surname
Kit Siang LIM is my preference, from my personal experience, most of the admin/personnel at university prefers that too. You can underline your surname as well, like this: Kit Siang Lim. Better yet, capitalize and underlining your surname, like this: Kit Siang LIM.

Give yourself an English name
Call yourself “Johny”, “Eric”, “Anna” if you don’t have one. English first names are easier to remember. I have a friend called Kai Ting, and she uses the first alphabetical character and form it into “Cathy”. Another friend of mine, “Hank”… has a new name derived from his Chinese first name “Heng”. Better yet, a friend of mine name himself Bryan because he has a brother called Ryan. “Brother + Ryan = Bryan”.

If Lim Kit Siang has an English name, let’s give him “Johnny”. His name would be
Johnny Lim Kit Siang, or in Western context Johnny Lim.

Conclusion

Having a simple English first name will certainly clears up the confusions of the Westerners. And this certainly makes your life easier. Remember though, do not use the English name if it your filling your academic / assignment if your student ID does not have English name.

P/S – Usually Malay’s would use their fathers name as a surname when living in Australia.

Confused About Surname And Last Name? We Got The Answer is a post from: http://www.brisbanestudentguide.com

If you are looking for computer parts and accessories at Brisbane. Look no further than these two companies: MSY and Umart. They provide the best price for computer parts and accessories around Brisbane. MSY and Umart are accessible easily by students too. I strongly recommend purchasing from these two computer shops. Forget JB Hifi or Harvey Norman, the price cannot compare at all.

Note: In this article, I will not compare the distinctions between MSY and Umart. I put them into same category, so I can give reason why they are best choice for computer parts around Brisbane area.

Why are MSY and Umart the best computer shop at Brisbane?

• Price - I believe these two computer shops are the biggest rival among each other. They provide competitive price. None of them has more advantage over the other. If Part A is cheap at MSY, Umart will provide a cheaper price Part B. This way, they keep their price low, way much lower than JB Hifi and Harvey Norman.

• Low overhead - Both MSY and Umart do not own a “shop”. They basically operate from a warehouse, that’s why they can keep their price low. You order through their website > go to their warehouse > pickup.

• Accessible - MSY and Umart has shops around Brisbane area. All places are accessible by public transport. If you have access to private car, that’s even better. They provide door-to-door delivery service too, that requires extra charge, though. Umart charges $20 per delivery. Not sure about MSY.

• Provide updated price to compare - One of the competitive advantage for MSY and Umart are, they provide computer parts’ price in their websites. Prices are frequently updated. Consumers can compare the prices at home and order the parts online.

What’s not good

• No support - They do not offer after sales service. Unless the item you get is malfunctioning, they will be glad to exchange it for you. Check out their Sales policy here: MSY and Umart.

• DIY - You will need to install the parts yourself. Look for others to install it for you, especially desktop parts.

• Rare laptop parts - MSY and Umart do not have many choices for laptop parts, besides Hard disk and RAM.

Websites

You can look for their website here:
MSY – Choose Morningside Branch or Slack’s Creek Branch.

Umart - Choose Milton Branch or South Brisbane Branch.

How to purchase

MSY Morningside Branch Shop

Go to their website > View Price List > Call up to confirm the availability of the parts > Confirm and pickup. MSY accepts EFTPOS, cash and credit card (extra surcharge)

Umart Milton Branch Shop

Go to their website > View Price List > Order online, save the number > go to their shop > key in number > wait for your name to be called, while they pickup items from warehouse. Umart accepts EFTPOS, cash and credit card (extra surcharge)

How to go there?

MSY (Morningside Branch)

Go to Google Map, key in “188 Thynne Road Morningside 4170” and search. Then, go to Translink official website and use the Journey Planner on bottom right of the website, to check what public transport to get there.

Umart (Milton Branch)

Go to Google Map, key in “2 Kilroe St Milton 4064 QLD” and search. Then, go to Translink official website and use the Journey Planner on bottom right of the website, to check what public transport to get there.

Alternative sources for looking cheap computer parts

According to another friend, an emerging company called GoComp is surfacing around the computer parts industry. Have to keep an eye on it. Their computer parts fluctuates with market price. They do price comparison from http://www.staticice.com.au/.

Alternatively, another source of computer parts is http://www.ebay.com.au/.

Best Places To Buy Computer Accessories and Parts is a post from: http://www.brisbanestudentguide.com

Australia Plug

Malaysia Plug

• Australia uses 240v 50Hz system
• Used in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, has an earthing pin, and two flat pins forming an upside down V-shape
• The flat blades measure 1.6 mm and are set at 30 to the vertical at a nominal pitch of 13.7 mm
• (credits to lowyat.com forum)

Multi-plug – Best choice!

I use this type of multiple plugs for years now and it served me well. It is convenient because I do not need any converters. I strongly advice you to buy these adapters before coming Australia. The plugs at Australia are expensive. You will be glad you don’t have to switch adapters all the time.

Tips: Buy at least two power banks.

Australia’s Converter is a post from: http://www.brisbanestudentguide.com

This is how 18+ card looks like:

photo edited by admin (Daniel)

What is it?

A 18+ card is a proof of age identity card available as evidence that you are legally able to enter alcohol serving premises.

Why do you need it?

Instead of bringing your passport, or international drivers license along with you every time you enter a alcohol serving premise. It is a much more convenient and safer for alternative rather then risking you losing your passport.

How much?

AUD$24.90 as of 2009.

How to apply?

To apply for a Card 18+ you are required to complete a 18+ card application form.

Go to the nearest Department of transport and main roads customer service center in any of these locations. The nearest one in the city is at Springhill. IES.

If you need more assistance, you can call 13 23 80.

What to bring?

Bring along the 18+ card application form from the link above.

You must show an existing Queensland driver license (current or expired less than two years). If you are unable to show your license or you do not hold a license, you must show at least 3 proof of identification documents. Example, Drivers license, Passport, Student ID and Bank debit/credit card. For more information, please click here.

How long will it take?

About an hour max. Depending on the Queue on that day. They will first take a picture of you, process the card, and you will get it on the day itself.

Guide Written by Sharon Loh

What Is 18+ Card And Why You Need It? is a post from: http://www.brisbanestudentguide.com