It is dubbed Australia’s sunniest capital, so you already know that visiting Perth is a must if you want sunny days and time outdoors. In fact, Perth is quite similar to the Philippines because of its fair weather, natural wonders and beautiful beaches.
So, if that thought got you excited, here’s your quick guide to travelling to Perth for the first time as a Filipino tourist:
Take care of your documents first
Aside from an updated passport, you also need to apply for a visa online that would cost you around $145 and would let you stay in the country for up to three months. Make this your first order of business as visa applications can take weeks and you don’t want to cancel your trip just because you don’t have a visa yet.
Set a budget
If you want to make the most of your trip to Perth, of course, you need a budget. Australia uses the Australian Dollar as its official currency and AUD 1 is equivalent to PHP 38 pesos. According to travel experts, you would be spending around AUD 201 per day, which is around PHP 7,705. Of course, that cost would vary depending on your activities, what you eat and how you commute around Perth.
Book everything ahead
Once you have your documents ready, it’s time to book your flights and hotel, especially since most immigration officers would look for these. Skyscanner and Expedia are two reliable sites for finding cheap flights to Perth from the Philippines. Depending on your budget and where you’re coming from, you can book direct flights to Perth or have layovers. For accommodation, it’s best to book a Perth hotel that’s located centrally, so you have access to everything.
Pack smart
You often hear people say to pack light, but travelling well as a Filipino tourist is really about packing smart. This means choosing clothes, shoes and accessories that are appropriate for Perth’s weather and the activities that you’ll be doing here. Since Perth is mostly sunny, it’s best to go for light clothes that will keep you comfortable with the heat. But don’t forget to pack a cardigan or jacket just so you have something to keep you warm on those cold nights. Most tourists who travel to Perth also bring hiking shoes and sandals for city strolls.
Finally, it wouldn’t hurt to learn a thing or two about the city’s traditions, practices and way of life. A lot of Filipino tourists get culture shock visiting Australia since it’s quite different from the Philippines. While English is the country’s official language, understanding the Aussies can be a challenge at first, so it would help to watch Australian videos to get a grasp of how they converse.
Unlike the United States, it’s not necessary to tip when eating at restaurants or bars because Australians usually earn well with their daily wage. But if you want to, of course, you can always give a tip as a sign of your appreciation for good customer service.
