What should I bring with me or have shipped?

I will need/want to have a laptop computer, a Tv, my hockey equipment and maybe a gaming console like the Xbox 360. Any idea how the prices there on these compare to here in Canada? Should I wait until I get there to purchase them, or buy them here and have them shipped over? The shipping is paid for by the way. Thanks guys

Hockey equip.definatly more expensive in Australia,T.V are comparably price here as to there but best if bought in AUS because we use PAL here whereas Canada uses NTSC, Laptops:you have a better selection in Canada and will probably be a bit cheaper there too and game consoles you would be better off getting one here so it works with the TV and your games will work. (All this info was passed on to me by my boyfriend the TECHNOLOGY savvy) Hope it helps

I agree.

I'd bring the hockey equipment as it's usually about 3 times the cost it would be in Canada. Although not much point in bringing it unless you're near one of the big cities that has rinks. I know there's 2 rinks in Brisbane (we play here), some in Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide, Melbourne and 2 in Perth I think.

The laptops or computers definitely brings. Any appliances that are 100-240V and 50-60Hz will run no problem here. You'd just need a cheap adapter to make the plug in fit in the socket. So laptops, desktops, digital cameras, MP3 players should all be ok. Our printer also works here too. Oh yah, computers are definitely cheaper. We bought a new one just before we left and it was at least twice the price here.

Tv's are pretty comparable in price. The only thing I've noticed is that plasmas are a lot cheaper than LCD's here. We spent $1600 and got a 42 inch LG plasma, it would have cost about $2300 for the same LCD version. Not sure why, but if I remember correctly Canada was the other way around.

TV's don't bother with. As the other poster mentioned our tv systems run on PAL, so it receives PAL signals from cable and puts it on TV. So unless your tv is dual voltage and also runs on PAL then there's no point. Same thing with the XBox. I'd actually call the company to get some more specific advice. But all your console will be using the NSTC system and the Oz tv won't so you might have problems. Also, if you rented or bought any games here they probably wouldn't work because they'd be region coded. I just happen to have a flier handy and at Gametraders (look up website) they have an Xbox 360 and 3 free games for $580 ($50 off regular price). The 3 games are just ok though.

So buy a computer here eh? The only problem is that I am travelling SE asia for 2 months before I arrive in Melbourne for work, and I'm not hauling it on my travels. I guess I could have it shipped to Melbourne with my other personal belongings though. Any problems with the power supply? Do I need to buy a coverter and if so where do I get one?

I'll buy a DVD player there, but will the Dvd's I currently have work in Oz?

Thanks guys

Whatever computer you buy just make sure you check the electricity supply. As long as it's 100-240V and 50-60Hz you're fine. Most computers will have a small sliding switch on the back (usually around the plug in cord). The switch will be 100V on one side and 240V on the other. When you get here just make sure you flip the switch over. Or preferable when you pack it up so you don't forget. You won't need a converter, just a plug adapter which is $5-10 and can be picked up at any electronics store and even lot of grocery stores. Your computer will accept the power fine so it's just a matter of being able to plug it in because the sockets are different here, that's what the adapters for.

If you buy a multiregion DVD player (or one that can be unloacked/hacked) then your DVD's from Canada will be just fine. We brought over about 300 DVD's and they all work without a problem. Our DVD player is multiregion and we're using a plasma tv, and also a small cheap no name tv & DVD in the kids room. Works fine in both places.

Good to know, thanks for the tip Comet. Anything else that I should bring that you really can't find there? or other tips that I should know?

I can't think of anything at the moment. Definitely hockey equipment though. Even sticks and tape are a lot more expensive here. If you happen to use those replaceable blades I'd stock up on those too as you probably can't get them here at all.

Other than that just make sure you bring the original for all relevant paperwork you might need for your job. Degrees, certificates, etc.

Same goes for any important Canada paperwork. If you have to renew your passport while you're here you'll need your passport, birth certificate, etc.

That's really it though. All the day to day stuff you can get here so mostly it's just food that's different. You're not realy supposed to bring that anyway. But if you do put food in your container only put stuff that won't be damaged by the heat. So Kraft dinner would be good (can't get here), or at least the regular packages.

If I think of anything else I'll be sure to post it.

What about spiced Rum? do they have it there? I can't live without the Captain Morgans. lol Ah well, I know what I am asking for for Christmas. Yes please do let me know if you can think of anything else, I guess I need to go out a buy a laptop before I go.

I think you can get that. I did a quick look on the web and came up with this:
http://www.winemakerschoice.com.au/Prod ... px?id=1565

I'm sure there are others places to get it from though. I just can't think of the names of any liquor stores at the moment.

Good to know, hard to live without the Captain. lol I just bought a DELL laptop and the gentleman that sold it to me told me that there would be no problem with using it in Australia. Also that there is international warranty on it, which I could not find with all computers. I checked the specifications for it that I found online and it says "Voltage Required AC 120/230 V" will this be ok for Oz? Also where do I find the converter for this and how much does it cost? Thanks