Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Visa (417), which allows you to visit for up to one year and gain casual employment. The
emphasis of this visa is on casual and not full-time employment, so you're only supposed
to work for any one employer for a maximum of six months. A first WHM visa must be
obtained prior to entry to Australia and can be applied for at Australian diplomatic mis-
sions abroad or online. You can't change from a tourist visa to a WHM visa once you're
in Australia. You can apply for this visa up to a year in advance, which is worthwhile do-
ing, as there's a limit on the number issued each year. Conditions include having a return
air ticket or sufficient funds for a return or onward fare, and an application fee of $270 is
charged.
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Nationals from Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey
and the USA between the ages of 18 and 30 can apply for a Work & Holiday Visa (462)
prior to entry to Australia. Once granted, this visa allows the holder to stay for up to 12
months and undertake temporary employment to supplement a trip. Conditions vary de-
pending on nationality. The application fee is also $270.
Women Travellers
Sydney is generally safe for women travellers, although you should avoid walking alone
late at night. Sexual harassment and discrimination, while uncommon, can occur and
shouldn't be tolerated. If you do encounter infantile sexism from drunken louts, the safest
option is to leave without making any comment. In bars, use common sense and don't ac-
cept drinks from people you don't know or leave your drink unattended. Drink spiking
isn't a common practice, but it has occurred in the past.