Planning for Perth, Aussie Trip 2015!

For the past 6 years, Stanley and I have traveled mainly in asia and have yet venture out of the asia region as a couple. Thus, we decided that for once, we will head to the pacific region to lovely Australia at Perth. However, having not been there before, we realized that we need to do quite a bit of research and therefore, decided to blog about it, so that we can share it with the rest who are like us!

1) Aussie Visa!

As Singaporeans, travelling to Australia means we need an Australia ETA (Electronic Travel Authority to Australia), which is an easier and simpler version of a actual VISA. Countries which are eligible for an ETA are Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Rep. of (South), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, British Nationals Overseas(BNO), USA, Vatican City State. 

To apply for an ETA, we did some research and found the easiest way to do so is by JATravel they offer the Australia ETA application online at only $10! And it only takes 1 to 2 working days to process. So easy and fuss free! 

2) Travel Insurance! 

So far, we always buy travel insurance as long as we travel, sometimes, I do think that we should buy an annual one, but usually we don't as our destination is never fix, given the fact that we can be quite impulsive at times. So usually, I will get mine from Aviva, which is fuss free online, and offers very competitive prices. 

3) Data plan! 

Data plan can be easily gotten at the airport in Perth, one company to follow is Vodafone, they offers a prepaid of $30 for 28days with 1.5GB of data and unlimited talk time. 

Else, OPTUS provides a $2 per day, pay as you go plan where by each day offers you unlimited talk time and 500MB per day of data. 

4) Airport Transfer 

There is buses from Perth Airport to Perth City; Airport shutters @ $15 per person. 

Else taking the cab to Perth city cost you about $40 to $65 which is ok if there are 4 of you! 

5) Car Rental

There are many good options for Car Rental in Aussie and a normal Mid-size Sedan cost about $25 per day. Rental company are recommended as the following;

a. Avis
b. Budget 
c. Europcar 
d. Hertz
e. Thrifty 

Car can be book before hand, it safe you lots of troubles and worries! 

6) Transport within Perth City

Perth City is well linked with CAT buses which can be free within a certain region. The buses are free within the city hall area.

Perth City; Bus Line Map

Perth City Map 

7) Others. 

Once you have pretty much most of the information above, the rest is really to plan out your trip; to list the places you want to visit and go go go! 

If you are planning on doing a road trip (self-drive) like us to other parts beyond Perth City, it will be good to have the following planned and researched out too; 

a. Address of places of interest. 

b. Opening hours. 

c. Food places / Supermarket 

d. Petrol Station Address

e. Plan your route! 

Hope this post has been helpful for those travelling to Aussie; Perth for the first time. 

We will update the rest with of our trip in the post to come! 

Cheers

Stanley & Suvie