International Centre

Western Australia has strict customs and quarantine laws which do not allow you to bring a variety of animal, farm and wildlife products into the state.

These include most unprocessed animal products; agricultural products (cereals, fruits, honey, dairy products); any item which can carry diseases, insects and other pests; wildlife and products made from skins, feathers, bones, shells or ivory. You will be responsible for every item you bring with you.

On entering Western Australia, you must declare any food, plant material or animal products that you are carrying. Heavy penalties and on-the-spot fines will apply if you do not declare quarantined items. If in doubt, declare it.  

During your flight you will be required to complete an Incoming Passenger Card. If you are carrying $10,000 or more in foreign or Australian currency, you must declare it on the card. Failure to declare is an offence.

Avoid at all costs drugs, weapons, explosives and other illegal imports, and do not carry other people’s goods or parcels unless you are sure of their contents.

1. Important documents
2. Clothing and personal items
3. Financial arrangements
4. Duty free concession

Important documents

Make sure you bring your: 

• passport
• e-Visa
• airport pickup form
• current academic transcripts of tertiary studies (Study Abroad/Exchange Students)
• UWA Documents – Offer letter and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• prescriptions for any regular medication
• medical history
• drivers licence
• credit card.

If you are bringing school-age children make sure you have their:

• birth certificates
• immunisation records
• education records.

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Clothing and personal items

Perth has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and cool wet winters.

• November - April is warm to hot and dry (average 20°C min - 35°C max).
• May - October is cool to cold and wet (average 7°C min - 19°C max).

Dressing on campus is informal.

• In summer lightweight clothes, sandals or track shoes are sufficient.
• In winter heavier weight clothing, including woollen jumper/sweater, winter coat or waterproof jacket, is recommended.
• In spring and autumn, jeans with a lightweight jacket or jumper is sufficient.

Generally the cost of clothing and footwear in Australia is comparable to western countries but more expensive than Asian countries. However, it is possible to find bargains during sales in the larger stores.

Don’t forget to bring sportswear, swimwear and a hat for summer!

Clothing and personal items to bring

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Financial arrangements

You should bring A$4000 to take care of your initial expenses and to cover at least the first month. It is suggested that you bring these funds as:

• Cash $1000
• Bank draft or travellers cheques $3000

On arrival, open a bank account (if you haven’t already done so) with the $3000.

After a few weeks, you will be able to let your parents (or whoever is sponsoring you) know how much money to send and how often.

Some Australian banks have branches in other countries. If there is a branch in your country, open an account before you leave as this will make financial transactions more convenient once you arrive in Perth.

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Duty free concession

If you are aged 18 years or over, you are allowed to bring up to A$900 worth of general goods into Australia duty free. Personal items such as clothing, footwear and toiletries (excluding fur and perfume) are free from duty and tax.

If you intend to bring a new laptop or other electrical goods which are less than 12 months old, you may be liable for customs duty and sales tax on arrival.

Alternatively, you may be required to pay a security deposit, which is refundable when you take the laptop out of the country on your departure.

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