Should I pack toiletries for Australia or buy them after I arrive?
Pack toiletries for only your first few weeks in Australia, since supermarkets and pharmacies stock most things. Carry sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, your usual skincare and basics, and buy bigger bottles of shampoo, soap and toothpaste after you arrive. Cabin liquids must be 100 ml or less.
You only need to pack toiletries for your first few weeks in Australia, because supermarkets and pharmacies are almost everywhere. Do carry sunscreen, since the sun is much stronger than most students expect.
What to Carry
| Type | What to pack |
|---|---|
| Basic toiletries | Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo and conditioner, a small towel |
| Skincare | Face wash, moisturiser, sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), lip balm |
| Personal care | Deodorant, comb, nail cutter, razor or shaving kit, sanitary products if needed |
| Daily use | Wet wipes, tissues, cotton swabs |
What to Buy After You Reach
- Bigger bottles of shampoo and body wash, soap, toothpaste and sunscreen are easy to pick up locally.
- If there is an Indian hair oil or face cream you cannot do without, bring a small amount, since it may be harder to find or costlier there.
- Cabin bag rule on international flights: liquids, gels and creams in containers of 100 ml or less, all together in one clear, resealable plastic bag.
- Larger bottles are fine in check-in luggage, but seal the caps with tape or keep them in a zip bag to avoid leaks. Keep loose razor blades in your check-in bag.
My Advice
Keep your suitcase light and carry the skincare products you already use, so your skin has less to adjust to. Check your airline's current baggage and liquids rules before you fly.
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