pre-departure guide
Australia
Australia is waiting. Are you ready?
To help you prepare for your time down under, we’ve compiled a bunch of essential information and some logistical details into this guide. Find a comfy chair, grab your favorite beverage and take 20 minutes to go through this information. We’d also encourage you to share this guide with anyone important to you.
We’re excited to have also included some tips for the Hop Well-Come orientation as well. This four-day program has been specially designed to ease your transition into Australia, meet other students and our team, plus just have a little fun in beautiful Byron Bay. We think you will love it.
Thank you for trusting us to be your partner in this journey. We are going to be right there by your side, every step (or hop) of the way.
Enjoy the guide, reach out if you need anything and safe travels. We look forward to meeting you in Australia.
Let's hop to it!
YOUR TEAM@HOP
essential documents
Passport: The big one! Numero Uno! This is the single most essential piece of documentation you’ll need during your time abroad. So it goes without saying that it is important to know where it is at all times and especially when traveling.
HOP HINT: Identify a place in your carry-on, or backpack where it goes and check EVERY TIME you move. Do the big three check - Passport, Phone and Wallet/Purse.
Students have left passports on check-in counters and airline seat backs multiple times before creating unnecessary stress to start the journey. When not in use, it is equally as important to stow your passport away in a safe place at your housing. We advise taking a pic of your passport and storing it on your phone in your favorites. If you were to ever lose your passport, it’s easier to obtain a new one if you have copies of the old one. When you move into your housing, some students choose to lock their passport into their unused luggage to keep track of it. You can also now buy passport holders that incorporate air tags as an additional security measure.
Student Visa: Your visa may already be approved, or you may still be in the final stages of the application process, depending on where you are in your pre-departure timeline. Your Global Guide will keep you informed and support you throughout the process.
All international students are required to obtain a South Korean student visa (D-2) through a Korean embassy or consulate in their home country prior to traveling to South Korea. By this stage, you have either received approval for your D-2 visa or have submitted your application and are awaiting final confirmation.
The South Korean student visa is not a physical document. Once approved, it is electronically linked to your passport, and you will receive a Visa Issuance Confirmation (VIC) or official approval notice from Korean immigration authorities.
Upon arrival in South Korea, students holding a D-2 visa must complete the required Residence Card (RC) process at the Sejongno Immigration Office. This process requires making an online reservation in advance through the HiKorea immigration website, as appointments are limited. Completing this step promptly is important, as immigration offices can become extremely busy once classes begin.
We strongly recommend printing a copy of your visa approval document and carrying it with you when traveling, as well as saving a digital copy on your phone for easy access during your journey.
Health Insurances: You are covered under multiple health insurance policies, both via your host university and Hop Education Abroad. You may also have coverage with your U.S. institution or otherwise; more on health insurance functionality below. Please print and keep copies of your health insurance identification information for each policy you have.
Prescriptions: If you are traveling to South Korea with any prescription medications, you are instructed to keep the original prescriptions readily available in your luggage to show Customs officials if asked for.
Remember:
Do not lose your passport.
Make copies of your South Korea student visa (D-2), passport and health insurance identification information.
Check your medications before travel.
health insurance
You are covered under at least two health insurance policies while in country. One is provided by Hop Education Abroad and the other may be from home university or parents coverage. If you ever have questions on which policy to use, please reach out to Hop and we can guide you. Generally we would encourage using our policies to request reimbursements. Please ensure you have receipts for all expenses you wish to claim when using the policy.
In partnership with the CHUBB Group of Companies and AXA Travel Partners Assistance, Hop enrolls all students in our combined Health and Travel policy. Should you be traveling outside of your host destination during the program, you are advised to use this insurance (or any other relevant coverage you may have with your home institution or personally).
Below is a summary of included Hop benefits:
BENEFIT | MAXIMUM | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
Total Accident and Sickness | $USD 500,000.00 | Deductible $0 |
Hospital Room and Board | Included Above | Semi Private Room Rate |
Mental Health | $USD 5,000.00 | In Patient Treatment |
Prescription Drugs | 100% of Expenses Covered | In or Out Patient, Co-insurance |
Emergency Medical Evacuation | 100% of Expenses Covered | |
Emergency Medical Reunion | $USD 12,500.00 | |
Home Country Emergency Care | $USD 10,000.00 | Extension Benefit of further $10K (Up to 30 days) |
Security Evacuation | $USD 25,000.00 | Aggregate Limit of $250,000.00 |
Chiropractic Care | $USD 500.00 | $USD 50.00 per Visit (Up to max of $USD 500.00) |
Accidental Death | $USD 50,000.00 | Includes Dismemberment |
Repatriation | 100% of Expenses | |
Personal Belongings | $USD 1,000.00 | |
Cancellation/Delay/Interruption | $USD 6,000.00 | Max of $2,000 each Category |
Lost Luggage | $USD 500.00 | $500 per Bag |
Lost Credit Cards or Cash | $USD 500.00 | Cash Limit of $250.00 |
Hop Education Abroad carries Commercial General Liability Insurance through the CHUBB group of $USD 5,000,000.00 with a $USD 3,000,000.00 amount for each occurrence.
Crisis24 Horizon
At Hop Education Abroad, student safety is always a top priority. That’s why we provide access to Crisis24 Horizon, a powerful global travel risk and assistance app designed to help keep you informed, supported, and prepared wherever you are in the world. Crisis24 Horizon delivers real-time security alerts, health updates, and detailed country and city risk insights—all in one easy-to-use platform.
Available on iOS and Android, the Crisis24 Horizon app puts critical support right in your pocket. Students can receive location-specific alerts, stay up to date on evolving situations, identify nearby medical providers, and access multilingual assistance when it matters most. The app mirrors the robust tools available on desktop, ensuring reliable support on the go.
Backed by a dedicated global intelligence team and an international network of more than 40,000 vetted medical providers, Crisis24 Horizon offers 24/7 access to timely information and assistance. We’re proud to offer this essential resource so students—and their families—can feel confident knowing support is always within reach.
Key features include:
Health, medical, safety, and security insights by location
Country and city risk ratings with detailed profiles
Real-time news and security alerts with customizable notifications
Travel tips to help you prepare and stay informed
Access to a global network of trusted medical providers
With Crisis24 Horizon, Hop students can explore the world with greater confidence—knowing help and information are always close at hand.
Remember:
You have health coverage with multiple insurance providers for the full duration of your program.
Depending on the situation, one insurance policy may be preferred to use over the other.
When traveling outside of your host destination, you have health coverage with Hop’s coverage via CHUBB/AXA, but not the policy chosen by your host university.
Please download the Crisis24 Horizon app.
medications abroad
Traveling with Prescriptions:
You can bring up to three months worth of medications with you (birth control medication and vitamins are typically okay for more), and you’ll want to have it clearly marked with your name/prescription on the label in its original packaging, and kept inside your carry on luggage. It's encouraged that you keep any prescriptions in your carry-on so you can answer any questions about it should airport security inquire.
If you need more than three months’ worth of medications, you will need to visit a doctor in Australia to have a customs clearance form filled out to have your final month of medicine mailed to you. This form will state that you are allowed to have the medications shipped into the country and that when they come through customs (and are searched) that they should not be intercepted and/or destroyed. You should plan to make an appointment as soon as you arrive in Australia, as appointments may be booked out for several weeks. All students have medical coverage during their program and will receive insurance cards and information about their campus clinic during university orientation.
For medications such as Adderall (amphetamine and dexamphetamine) the following applies: This medication cannot be imported by an individual without an import permit being issued beforehand unless the goods are brought in on one’s person for one’s own personal use. We advise that students should carry their medication in their carry-on luggage and have documentation (either a copy of a prescription or a letter from your doctor) which clearly demonstrates that this medicine has been prescribed to you. If you don’t have a letter, just be sure your name is listed on the bottle clearly and it is in the original packaging.
You will need to declare this medicine to the Australian Customs Service when you arrive. In this way, you will need no permit for this “travelers exemption” importation which allows up to a 3-month supply to be brought into Australia.
Mailing Prescriptions:
Since you will be in Australia for more than three months, you will need to arrange for further supplies to be sent through the mail. Having further supplies sent through the mail can only be done once an import permit is issued. For a permit to be issued, an Australian-registered doctor will firstly need to apply to the TGA for Special Access Scheme (SAS) approval. In that application, the doctor needs to give a diagnosis and clinical justification for using these products over products that are registered and available in Australia. The doctor should make it clear in the application that the patient is not an Australian resident and that they are only here short-term and that the medication has previously been prescribed by their doctor in their home country.
If the doctor’s approval is granted, an import permit will then be issued by Treaties and Compliance Branch of the Office of Chemical Safety. The doctor is likely to already be aware of the SAS and its workings as we have students complete this process every semester. There is a document on The TGA website which explains the SAS and its workings. Any specific questions should be directed to the TGA directly to get the most accurate advice.
Australian government websites with information on specific medications:
Information about bringing medication to Australia
communications abroad
Cell Phones: You have several different options when it comes to using your phone down under. A few of the common options are details below
International phone plan: Your U.S. phone carrier may offer an international phone plan. Please note that these can be quite expensive and may not be the best solution for each student. For example both Verizon and ATT charge around $100 USD per month to access international networks.
eSIM card plan: eSIMs are a new way to access local phone carrier networks virtually. You could set this up before arriving in Australia or upon arrival. There are varying data plan options to consider depending on your expected usage. The average cost appears to be $30 AUD per month for smaller data plans.
Australian SIM card: If your phone is “unlocked”, meaning it can be used with a different cell phone carrier than the one you purchased the phone from, you could buy a physical Australian SIM card. Popular networks include Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. If you have an old smart phone laying around, this could be the perfect use for it.
Local phone: You could purchase a lower-cost basic phone in Australia to use domestically and keep your main phone for Wi-Fi use only. This could be an inexpensive option but may grow bothersome if you don’t wish to carry two phones regularly.
Generally speaking, we’d recommend having an eSIM carrier plan or using a local Australian SIM card in either your main phone or a second phone. This tends to be the most flexible and budget friendly option considering the length of your trip.
Internet: The internet in Australia tends to be slightly more expensive compared to the U.S and slightly slower than you may be used to on a college campus. For this reason, we recommend having patience when using large amounts of data for activities such as FaceTiming, using streaming services, streaming long visual content, etc. There is an abundance of free wi-fi spots throughout urban areas but outside of major cities the coverage and availability becomes more limited. You may consider purchasing a mobile hot spot for Wi-Fi, especially if you’re not planning to purchase an Australian SIM card. The hot spot connects to the local internet and phone carriers and allows you Wi-Fi access whenever it’s on.
Local Australian emergency numbers to keep handy:
SERVICE | EMERGENCY NUMBER |
|---|---|
Police, Fire, Ambulance (Triple Zero) | 000 |
Police (non urgent) | 131 444 |
Ambulance (non emergency) | 13 12 33 |
National Relay Service (for individuals with hearing/speech impairments) | 133 677 |
Emergency Information (weather, natural disasters) | 13 25 00 |
important contact information
Be sure to save these numbers in your phone in case you need them!
Crystalbrook Bryon - Orientation hotel
+61 2 6639 2000
77/97 Broken Head Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
24/7 Hop Emergency Number
+1 (256) HOP-CARE (467-2273)
Remember:
We recommend purchasing an eSIM or Australian SIM card through a local phone carrier in order to contact your loved ones abroad, and your new friends locally in Australia.
If you have an extra smart phone available, you could use this as your Aussie phone with the new SIM card.
The internet can be slower and less widely available in Australia compared to America, so patience is recommended when streaming or FaceTiming, especially in remote areas.
000 is the local emergency services number; the equivalent of 911 in the U.S.
budget & finances
Cost of Living Estimates: Designing a personal budget you’re comfortable 2itprior to your arrival will be helpful in guiding you on how you’d like to spend leisure and social time during the program. Please review the table below for our recommendations!
EXPENDITURES | ESTIMATE BUDGET RECOMMENDATION (USD) |
|---|---|
Food (Groceries & eating out) | $1,500-$2,000 |
Personal leisure spending (social activities, etc.) | $1,250 |
Local transportation (buses, trains, riding sharing apps) | $400 |
Travel (domestic trips, weekend excursions, etc.) | $750 |
Please be reminded these are estimates that are heavily influenced by personal behavior. Depending on the funds available to you or your preferences, you could reasonably spend far less or much more on each expense. If your program includes a meal plan, you can expect to spend less on food and groceries.
Banking: Opening a bank account in Australia is easy. If you plan on working during your program it is recommended to open one, as most employers will pay wages via direct deposit. To open a bank account, you’ll need to bring your passport, some other form of photo I.D. like your driver’s license, and a small deposit of cash. The most significant benefit of having a local bank account is that you can spend without worry of international transaction fees or ATM withdrawal fees. Most banks offer fee-free banking to students enrolled at an Australian university.
Credit Card Usage: Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are most commonly accepted in Australia. Be aware that most credit card companies charge approximately 2-3% for foreign currency transactions. This may vary from card to card, so you are advised to confirm what your specific credit card’s fees are prior to arrival. Be sure to notify your credit card company you will be using your card overseas to avoid any fraud alerts when using your card.
Local Currency: The primary form of currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). All purchases are rounded to the nearest five cents as Australia does not use coins smaller than a nickel. Taxes are also included in all labeled prices. Most establishments accept electronic forms of payment; cash is not widely used. We also don’t recommend traveling overseas with large amounts of cash on you for security and safety reasons. If you’d like to have some Australian dollars on you as a precaution, your local bank may have some available for purchase.
Exchanging Funds: Alternatively, you could exchange U.S. dollars for AUD at an airport currency exchange upon arrival, but please be aware their exchange rates may not be the best available. Having money transferred directly into an Australian bank account via TransferWise or similar app will give you the best exchange rate. You can elect to withdraw directly from an ATM, but be mindful of any ATM withdrawal fees associated with your home bank or local ATM. The current average exchange rate from USD to AUD is 1.5, meaning every $1 USD is worth $1.5 AUD. $10 USD is $15 AUD, etc.
Emergency Funds: We advise having a plan in place for accessing money in the event of an emergency or unexpected disruption. You could bring a second credit card that is meant to be used only for this purpose, but otherwise locked away in your housing. Or, ensuring you have access to two separate bank accounts may be most preferred. However it may work best with your family and individual circumstances would be sufficient. Should you lose access to your funds and need emergency assistance, please contact your Hop Go-To or Global Guide.
Working Rights: Australia is unique in that visiting students are allowed to work pay job positions. As an international student, you have the right to work up to 40 hours a fortnight (every two weeks) while classes are in session. During any scheduled breaks from school, you can work unlimited hours. Job positions in hospitality, retail or service work are the most common for students to find. If you’re interested in working, begin your job search shortly after arrival to maximize your chances of securing employment. While these types of opportunities are limited and take some effort to find, it’s not uncommon or unfeasible for students abroad for one semester to find paid work. Checking what may be available on your host campus is a great place to start. You’re also encouraged to ask your local Hop Go-To for recommendations.
Remember:
Prepare a personal spending budget you and your loved ones are comfortable with prior to arrival.
Consider the logistics of how you may prefer to spend money, via a local bank account, ATM withdrawals, credit cards, etc.
Have a secondary way of accessing funds in the event of an emergency.
Contact your local bank & credit card companies to tell them you’ll be traveling internationally for an extended period.
Be aware of international transaction fees on your credit cards, and any ATM withdrawals fees associated with making withdrawals or purchases.
You may work a paid job for up to 40 hours/fortnight while studying abroad, if you so wish. Begin your search early if you intend to seek employment.
packing essentials
Packing Recommendations: It is extremely easy to become overwhelmed when trying to decide what you need on the other side of the world. Almost every student will say in retrospect that they bought too much with them. It is advised to pack no more than what you can carry individually. It’s a long journey overseas and lugging around too much baggage can certainly make the trek more difficult and incur unwanted fees while flying. You are advised to pack as light as possible and for a variety of weather conditions. You’ll be down under for several months and the weather will vary during your time there. Most airlines have a maximum baggage allowance of two checked bags, one carry-on and one personal item and they will have weight limits on these items. Ensure you check the policy with your specific airline before packing.
Packing List: The following list is a suggested packing list for the semester:
Clothes for both warm and cool weather
Socks & underwear
Comfortable walking shoes
Swimwear & beach clothing
Sleepwear
Accessories (hats, jewelry, etc.)
A couple outfits of formal wear
Sunscreen
Toiletaries
A weekend bag or smaller backpack for hiking/short term travel
Beach towel and extra bath towel
Camera
Laptop & other personal electronics (Kindle, iPad, etc.)
Two or more electronic adapters
Journal
Remember:
Pack light, leave room for new clothes and souvenirs you’ll purchase.
Review your airlines’ baggage regulations.
Review our suggested packing list while you’re getting ready to depart.
well-come abroad
Host University Orientation: Your host university will hold a formal orientation before classes begin, lasting from just one day to one week. It is strongly encouraged to attend this orientation as it’s a great way to meet more students and you’ll receive useful information about your campus. This information could include helpful facts about academic enrolment assistance, health insurance enrollment, medical facilities, security, university-sponsored trips and activities, and more. You’ll also have the chance to survey what student clubs and organizations you may be interested in joining.
Arrival: Upon arrival into Australia on January 10th, 2026, you will be greeted by the local Hop orientation team at the airport in Brisbane (BNE). We will be eagerly awaiting your arrival in the arrivals area for international flights. You can expect to spend 20-60 minutes in Customs after you deboard your plane. Our team will be monitoring your flight and stay aware of any travel delays; you will not be left behind at the airport as a result of any in-air delays. Once all students have arrived and are accounted for, we will travel as a group down to Bryon Bay. It is about a 2-3 hour drive from Brisbane to Bryon Bay.
Remember:
The Hop Well-come Orientation will take place in Bryon Bay from January 10th to January 13th, 2026.
The Hop team will be eagerly waiting to greet you upon your arrival to the Brisbane airport (BNE) on Saturday, January 10th, 2026.
We will commute as a group to Bryon Bay after all students have safely landed and been accounted for.
This orientation is designed to focus on mindfulness and provide you with tools to excel personally and academically during your semester.
You are strongly encouraged to attend your host university’s orientation and associated activities/sessions.