A few questions

GiftofGab

Hey Guys,

I plan on travelling solo from Cairns to Melbourne over the period of 2 months. I will then be looking for an office job in Melbourne for the rest of the year. I’ve just applied for my WHV last Monday but I just have a few more questions I’d like answered.

Regarding my visa; will I just receive an email when this has been confirmed? Also, how long does it usually take?

As for the flights; I’m looking to fly into Cairns and fly out of Melbourne. Can I book a return flight for this? Also, where is the cheapest option to book flights? I searched on skycanner.com but there doesn’t appear to be any flights flying into Cairns in September/October. I kind of like the idea of booking through a travel agent but they could be expensive. Which travel agent has the best deal? Ideally I would like to book a return flight for less than €1,200. Is this possible? It also asks me for a return date. I’m going for a year so I haven’t really decided on my return date yet. How do people go about this?
Regarding insurance; I’ve looked on backpackertravelinsurance.ie and they appear to have a deal for €150. Has anybody used this? Is there any small print that I need to look out for? Is this a good deal?


How do backpackers go about setting up a bank account from back here in Ireland? Which is the best bank to go for? I’d like to set up an account and transfer all my money over before I leave so I can just use the ATM machines when I’m over there. I’d also like to have the option of online banking.

Finally, is it best to get a social services number straight away in Cairns or will I wait until I reach Melbourne? How do I go about getting a social services number so I can work?

Thanks to anybody who can answer these.

hussey

Regarding your visa question ... Australia FAQ - This probably has the visa question you are just about to ask answer.

GiftofGab

hussey wrote: »

Regarding your visa question ... Australia FAQ - This probably has the visa question you are just about to ask answer.

Thanks for that hussey. Have you got any information regarding my questions on the flights and insurance?

hussey

Google .....

or else use the search tool on this forum, your question has been asked and answered numerous times

ballooba

http://www.google.ie/search?sclient=psy&hl=en&safe=off&source=hp&q=site:boards.ie+%5Binsert_your+_query_here%5D&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1280&bih=695&cad=h

You need a fare with a flexible return date, this will be outlined in the fare conditions. Read them.

If your itinerary is multi-city (i.e. different arrival city to departure city in Aus) then you may be better off booking a return trip to one city from Ireland, and a separate return trip from that city to the other Aus city you wish to visit. e.g. 1) return Dublin -> Melbourne & 2) return Melbourne to Cairns.

the dee

I may be wrong but I'm not sure that international flights go in to Cairns, it's a pretty small airport. You may need to go to Brisbane.

ballooba

the dee wrote: »

I may be wrong but I'm not sure that international flights go in to Cairns, it's a pretty small airport. You may need to go to Brisbane.

Cairns has a sizable international terminal.

markymark21

GiftofGab wrote: »

How do backpackers go about setting up a bank account from back here in Ireland? Which is the best bank to go for? I’d like to set up an account and transfer all my money over before I leave so I can just use the ATM machines when I’m over there. I’d also like to have the option of online banking.]

http://www.commbank.com.au/personal/accounts/getting-started/default.aspx

You can apply online