Everyone agrees that an international flight is not much fun; arriving at the airport tired and, for a first time visitor, anxious about arriving in a new country and unfamiliar with its customs (in both senses of the word).
Here is some advice designed to ensure that you avoid the problems encountered by some newly arrived students.
It is of the greatest importance that you carefully read and understand the Customs and Quarantine form, which you will be given to fill out on the plane before it arrives in Sydney.
If you have any difficulties, ask the flight attendant to help you translate the document. The most important parts of the declaration form relate to:
- The obligation to declare if you are bringing an amount greater than $A10,000.00 into Australia
- The obligation to declare if you are bringing into Australia any food, animal products, plants, wood etc.
The most important of these categories is food. Many people mistakenly believe that if the food has been processed and packed, then there is no problem. This is most definitely not the case: ALL FOOD MUST BE DECLARED.
Many people mistakenly believe that if items or money are declared, they will be taken away from them; this is NOT the case.
In most cases you will be allowed to bring the items or money into Australia, but it is necessary that the decision is made by a Customs officer.
If you are bringing more than $A10,000.00 and you declare it as required by law you will have to disclose both the source of the money and how you intend to use it in Australia.
If everything checks out you will be able to bring the money in without any problem.
WARNING: failing to declare items or money as required can lead to criminal proceedings and very heavy fines or worse. If you are careful and do the right thing then you have nothing to fear.