For anybody who would like to share their experiences with the friends/family at home a 'blog' is the perfect medium. A blog will provide you with your own space on the web to create and publish content for others to view and respond to by posting comments on your page. Learn about writing your own travel blog.
Storage space is quite an important factor to consider when choosing which provider to go with. Why? Because you can use an e-mail account to store your media safely when you travel. Learn how email can be useful for backpacking other than sending mail.
Instant messaging (IM) is a brilliant option of communication for a backpacker. It enables two or more people to meet and chat live online either by typing messages or speaking into a microphone (or both). If people have web cams they can also be activated so you can see the people you're talking to, adding another element.
To make calls to international numbers from Australia it helps to understand the different dialing codes required to connect your call. It works by splitting the world into zones (large and small) which are each represented by a series of numbers. Learn how to make international calls when backpacking in Australia.
It's always a good idea to know as many ways of contacting people as possible when you're backpacking around Australia. In this section you can learn lots of useful ways to keep in contact while you're in Australia and how they can be particularly useful for backpacking in Australia.
Diversity is the key, and knowing what options are available is going to help you to use the best type of communication for any given situation.
As with almost everything else while backpacking, the more options you have, the better your chances are of getting things done when you need to. Finding the best option will make things faster and more cost effective for your trip. So let's take a look at some typical examples...
If you want everybody at home to know how you are and what you have experienced lately, instead of using up all the credit on your mobile phone, calling people trying to describe the pictures you took or the videos you made, you could write a colourful Travel Blog, to share with everyone at home!
Of course a blog isn't going to help you clear up a payment dispute at home, so instead you might use your International Phone Card and discuss things with your Appointed Person to get things done.
If you wanted to say hi to your friends/family together in real time, you might choose to visit the local web cafe and hold a video conference using an Instant Messenger where you can see and speak to them all at the same time.
When you apply for work, if you wanted to send your C.V (resume) and some copies of your certificates to a company for a job, it's unlikely that they use an instant messenger in the office, but you could send them an E-mail with your Employment Documents attached to it with your application.
In an emergency, if someone has been injured and needs an ambulance, the quickest way to get help is going to be your Mobile Phone to make the emergency call etc... These are all just small examples but it shows how useful the different forms of communication can be for backpacking in each case.
Read and learn with our articles for more information about staying in touch when you're backpacking your way around Australia.
Using Mobile Phones while backpacking around Australia
How mobile phones work in Australia, which networks are available, which phones work in Australia, how to get an Australian SIM card.
Writing A Travel Blog About Backpacking in Australia
What a blog actually is, a brief history, how to create a free blog and start sharing your journey with the people back home.
How to use International Phone Cards - Backpacking in Australia
Learn how to use international phone cards/tickets and where they can be purchased.
Making International Calls From Australia - Backpackers Guide
Learn how to make international calls using the correct dialing codes from Australia to home.
Backpackers Guide To Instant Messaging And Free Video Calls
Using the internet to hold a conference where you can type, view and speak to all your friends/family at the same time.
E-mail Setup for Backpacking Around Australia
A brief explanation about e-mail, some of the advantages to having e-mail, how you can get an email account setup.
A mobile phone is a necessity for anybody spending time in Australia. Even if you're only staying for a short period it's still highly advisable to get an Australian SIM card and compatible mobile phone.
For calling international numbers (i.e, contacting people at home) a phone card/ticket will often provide you with the best rates. Learn how to call home with low calling costs when you need to.
Travellers cheques are widely used to safely transport money to a foreign country where they can be 'encashed' when you need them. They can be ordered in a shop front (bank, post office, etc...) or online.
For anybody who would like to share their journey and experiences with the people at home a 'blog' is the perfect medium. The savvy traveller will use the blog like their own personal newspaper.
The Medicare system is for Australian citizens but if you're from a country which participates in the health care agreement you may well be eligible to join Medicare.
Keeping a personal organiser will be very helpful while you're in Australia. You can use it to make managing you trip very easy. Learn how useful a personal organiser is for backpacking in Australia.
The good thing for people on a Temporary Working visa is that you can make a claim for all of the employment tax you have paid when you leave the country.