A practical packing guide for international students — what's worth bringing, what to leave behind, and what the customs rules actually are.
Most students pack too much. Clothes, bedding, kitchen gear — all available cheaply in Australia. Here's what actually matters.
Australia has Kmart, Target, Cotton On, Big W, and dozens of other affordable clothing options. Unless you have specific traditional clothing you need, there is no reason to fill your suitcase with Western-style clothes. Sizing is different too (Australian sizing tends to run slightly larger than Asian sizing). Pack 3–5 days of clothes for the flight and first few days. Buy the rest here.
A complete bedding set (pillow, duvet, fitted sheet, pillowcase) costs $50–$100 at Kmart or Target. Bringing heavy bedding wastes luggage allowance you could use for things that actually matter. The one exception: if you have a beloved blanket or pillow that genuinely helps you sleep, bring it — mental health matters.
Pots, pans, plates, cutlery — all available at Kmart from $2 per item, or free at op shops and Facebook Marketplace. The exception is a specific cooking utensil that's hard to find in Australia (some specialised tools for specific cuisines). Don't pack a rice cooker — they're $25 at Kmart.
Australia uses 230V/50Hz power. Your 110V devices need converters, not just adapters. Laptops and phone chargers are usually dual-voltage (check the label — if it says 100–240V, you just need a plug adapter). Don't bring multiple appliances or a gaming PC — you'll be charged excess baggage, and you can buy second-hand here for less.
Bring a 6-month supply of any prescription medication you take regularly. Include a letter from your doctor explaining the medication and dosage. Some medications available over-the-counter in your home country require a prescription in Australia. Getting established with a GP takes time, so having supply buys you that time. Declare all medicines at customs.
You can bring many food items through Australian customs if they are commercially sealed and you declare them. Spice mixes, specific snacks, instant noodles, pickles in sealed jars — these are usually fine when declared. What's NOT allowed: fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, eggs, dairy, honey, seeds, and untreated wooden products. When in doubt, declare it. Failing to declare gets you a $500+ fine; declaring and having it confiscated costs you nothing.
Bring physical printed copies of: your COE (Confirmation of Enrolment), your visa grant letter, your passport, your OSHC policy details, your offer letter, any academic transcripts you might need for employment. Keep digital copies separately (email to yourself, store in cloud). Don't rely on being able to print things easily in your first 48 hours.
Bring two ways to access money. Your primary card plus a Wise or Revolut card, or a small amount of Australian cash (AUD $200–400). ATMs are everywhere, but if your card is declined or blocked for overseas transactions (this happens), you need a backup.
One photo of your family printed and framed. A small item that makes your new room feel like yours. Your favourite comfort food that packs well. This is not frivolous — your mental health in the first months matters, and small anchors to home help more than you might expect before you leave.
International students typically get 23kg or 30kg check-in allowance depending on airline and ticket class. Excess baggage fees are expensive ($20–$50 per kg). Weigh your bag before going to the airport. If you're over, remove things — you can buy them in Australia for less than the excess baggage fee.
Australia's biosecurity rules are strict. Undeclared food, plant material, animal products, or soil can result in fines of $500–$2,660 for travellers. The rule is simple: if you're not sure, declare it. Customs officers are generally reasonable — if an item is confiscated after declaration, you won't be fined. If it's found after you didn't declare it, you will be.
If you are carrying AUD $10,000 or more in cash (or equivalent in foreign currency), you must complete a Cross-Border Movement of Physical Currency form before you arrive. This is not a tax — it's a reporting requirement. Failure to declare can result in your money being seized.