Public transport, concessions, and the concession trap

Every state runs its own system

There is no national transport network or national ticket. Each state and territory runs its own, with its own smartcard, its own fare rules and its own app.

You will hear these names: Opal in New South Wales, myki in Victoria, and separate systems again in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. Get the right card or app for your city in your first week — travelling without a valid ticket carries real fines, and inspectors do check.

The concession trap

This is the detail that catches international students out, and it is worth being blunt about: student travel concessions are decided state by state, and not every state extends them to international students.

In some places you get the same discounted fares as domestic students. In others you pay full fare for your entire degree. It is not a mistake and it is not something your university can waive.

Check your own state's rule before you build it into a budget — and if you are choosing between cities, it is a real cost difference worth knowing about in advance.

Paying for travel

• Most networks now accept a contactless bank card or phone directly, alongside the local smartcard.
• Fares are usually capped daily and weekly, so a heavy travel week costs less than the individual trips suggest.
• Tap on — and where required, tap off. Forgetting to tap off often means being charged the maximum fare for that journey.

Driving on an overseas licence

You may be able to drive on a valid overseas licence, but the rules — how long for, whether an official translation or International Driving Permit is needed, and when you must convert to a local licence — are set by each state, not nationally.

Two things are consistent everywhere: Australia drives on the left, and drink-driving and speeding are enforced strictly, with roadside testing that is routine rather than exceptional.

Cycling and walking

Helmets are compulsory for cyclists in every Australian state and territory, and the rule is enforced. Many cities have grown their separated bike infrastructure considerably, and for an inner-suburb commute a bicycle is often faster than public transport.