HarrietE

Hi I land in Sydney in a few weeks and have the potential of a bar job lined up when I get there, I know you have to do the RSA course. I was wondering how you go about doing this? I also have been told that you have to do it again in each state as it isn't transferable between states. Is this true?

Thanks Mary - I've gone for the one near the town hall (i think) haha

Wondering if you can advise MaryRose, I will be opening a commonwealth bank account today and when you open it you have to say which branch you will go to to verify the accounts. From staying at Nate's Place, which branch would you say is easiest/best for me to go to to do this.

Thanks for the help on this, I've booked Nate's Place Backpackers in Kings X for the first 5 nights and will go from there.

Ive got mine with insure and go and they cover for one ways and can extend too

I'm going to Bangkok for 3 days then to stay with some friends in Korat after then maybe Chiang Mai or one of the islands but not sure... Nervous for where to stay in Bangkok too

Oh god sounds very organised, I reckon I'll still be deciding what to take on the day I go!! I don't want to take too much if I wont need it! Just essential things that can be worn all year round! I don't know what to travel in either cos I want to be comfy! Where abouts in Thailand did you go? I am going for 10 days on my way...

I am travelling with my boyfriend so really it wouldn't matter much to me, I'm not worried about people in the area its more noise and how busy it is, wondering if it's better to stay somewhere a bit quieter. I am thinking of staying centrally for the first few nights to maybe a week and then heading to a beach resort, maybe Bondi or Coogee?

Sounds good. I'm hoping to do my farm work after Christmas in Queensland somewhere - thank god I'm good with heat otherwise I'd die haha.. We might cross paths cos I think I'm going to fly to Cairns in Jan and then travel down the east coast. Re packing - I've got a rucksack but if its in a suitcase does it matter what order things are in? cos you can get it all out easily anyway? Are you taking a lot of clothes? I'm thinking of only taking as little as possible, 1 pair sandals, flip flops, trainers and then 1 pair jeans, trousers, shorts and a couple of tops and a couple of dresses? I don't know tho!! I can't make up my mind!

I am going to open my bank once I've booked my hostel in Sydney so I know which branch i will be near. Are you moving on after Sydney or planning on staying a while?

Where are you going to first Alix? I leave England in 6 weeks but I'm going to Thailand for 10 days first. I fly to Sydney - let me know if you have any tips once you get there for when I arrive! Have you opened your bank account yet?

Are there any hostels on this one street or near by the alleys which you would avoid, im not bothered about the people looking for places to sleep, saying that.. im not really that bothered about prostitutes either but i guess if there is anywhere to avoid it would be this street?

I've been told by a lot of people to try to avoid Kings X if possible.. and to be honest, it does sound a bit much! ... I've heard a few people stay somewhere called Gleebe? I think it was.. is that correct? And if so could anyone advise what its like/is it close to places etc? I don't want to end up miles away from everything

I am currently looking to book a hostel for 2 people in Sydney at the end of October, I am thinking of booking the first 5 nights and then will probably book more once I'm there. We will be looking to pick up work in Sydney too while we are there so want somewhere that is convenient. I wondered which areas are best to stay in?

Hi Guys I don't know if theres already a thread on this but I can't seem to find one. I have got my backpack now, I just don't know what to put in it. I've read loads of different kit list type things but just wondered what everyone else thought? I haven't got a return ticket so don't know how long my trip is for but starting off for a year or 2. Anyone got a rough list on what to take/what not to take etc Thanks

I just got a backpack that opens all the way round like a suitcase for £50 reduced from £100... i don't know if they have any of those outlet shopping centres where you live but it was a real bargain. it's Tresspass too so good make - if you have an outlet centre near you i'd try there for luggage!

I'm 21 now and had the number since I was 12 haha.. not sure when/if i plan on coming home though so don't really want to keep it. The £360 is what is left on the contract minus VAT it would be £390 if not. I think i'll wait until I leave in October and cancel it just before I go so then it will be a month or 2 less.. maybe £300. I was thinking of getting a cheap uk pay as you go sim and using that for my bank account phone number and stuff in the UK just incase i need it... i'll keep my iphone handset but need to get that unlocked.

Ok, so in hindsight i wouldn't have taken a two month contract out a year ago if i'd have known i was going to pack up and leave... i have 1 year left on my contract and i am going to have to pay about £360 to cancel it early. Not ideal, but.. I have read a few things about unlocking your phone before you come, is this just unlocking to other networks or do you have to do something else with it being for abroad? Help please!

I was advised when I booked that it's cheaper to fly into Sydney from Asia but don't know how true that is

Have you sorted a hostel or anything? I land on the 25th October early morning but haven't sorted hostels yet. Not sure what I'm best doing? I need to sort tax numbers and medi care too as soon as I get there