- News and articles
- Events
- Find usIDP AustraliaIDP BahrainIDP BangladeshIDP CambodiaIDP CanadaIDP ChinaIDP EgyptIDP GhanaIDP Hong KongIDP IndiaIDP IndonesiaIDP IranIDP JordanIDP KenyaIDP KoreaIDP KuwaitIDP LebanonIDP MalaysiaIDP MauritiusIDP Middle EastIDP NepalIDP New ZealandIDP NigeriaIDP OmanIDP PakistanIDP PhilippinesIDP Saudi ArabiaIDP SingaporeIDP Sri LankaIDP Taiwan, ChinaIDP TurkeyIDP UAEIDP VietnamIDP Corporate
- Social
- English
Shops and Restaurants in Australia
Study in Australia: A Guide for Thai Students to Enjoy Shops and Restaurants
Australia is not only known for its world-class education and research opportunities but also for its vibrant shopping and dining culture. Whether you love shopping for the latest fashion or exploring diverse cuisines, Australia offers a wide range of options for international students. Here’s a guide to help Thai students navigate shopping and dining experiences in Australia.
Shops in Australia
Australia’s shopping culture is incredibly diverse, and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for fresh groceries or the latest trends. Here’s what you can expect:
Supermarkets: Major supermarkets like Woolworths, Coles, and IGA are available across Australia, making it easy to pick up your groceries. They typically stay open until at least 10:00 PM every day, so you won’t have to worry about rushing to do your shopping after a long day of studying.
Shopping Hours: If you’re looking for clothes, makeup, toys, or sporting goods, most stores close by 5:00 PM, except for late-night shopping on Thursdays and Fridays when stores are open until 9:00 PM. This gives you a great opportunity to shop after a busy week.
Fresh Food: Australia is famous for its fresh produce, which is available year-round. You’ll find everything from fruits and vegetables to meats and seafood in local farmers' markets and supermarkets. If you love to cook, this abundance of fresh food will be one of the highlights of living in Australia.
Restaurants and Dining Out
Australia has a rich and diverse dining scene, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re craving authentic Thai food, Italian pizza, or Japanese sushi, you'll find it all in Australian cities. Here's what to expect:
Variety of Options: From casual cafés and pubs to more upscale restaurants and bars, you’ll never run out of dining choices. The country’s multicultural influence means you’ll have access to global flavors from every corner of the world.
Cuisines and Price Points: The best part about dining in Australia is the range of price points. You can enjoy a quick meal at a café for a reasonable price, or go for a more expensive dining experience at fine restaurants. Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane have food from all cultures, whether you're craving Asian, Mediterranean, or modern Australian cuisine.
Tipping: While tipping is not mandatory in Australia, if you receive exceptional service, you may want to leave a tip to show appreciation. Typically, a 10% tip is considered generous, but it's completely up to you.
Cost of Living and Eating Out
The cost of living in Australia can vary depending on the city. Generally, cities like Sydney and Melbourne may have higher living expenses compared to cities like Brisbane or Adelaide. However, in all cities, you'll find plenty of affordable options when it comes to food and groceries. If you’re living on a budget, you'll find local markets, street food, and takeaway options that won’t break the bank.
For students, cooking at home can be a more affordable choice, as fresh produce and groceries are reasonably priced. However, if you enjoy dining out, Australia's dining scene offers a variety of options that cater to every budget.
Shopping and Dining: A Social Experience
In addition to being functional, shopping and dining in Australia offer great opportunities to socialize. Many shopping malls, restaurants, and cafés are designed with student communities in mind, creating a social environment where you can meet people from all over the world.
Socializing in Cafés: Australia’s café culture is famous, and many students love hanging out at cafés between classes. It’s a great place to relax, chat with friends, or even network with other international students.
Events and Food Festivals: Throughout the year, Australian cities host various food festivals and events. From markets in Melbourne to food trucks in Sydney, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore new cuisines and meet new people.
Conclusion: Enjoying Life in Australia
Living in Australia as a student means more than just studying. It’s about exploring a new culture, meeting people from all over the world, and experiencing life in a multicultural society. The shopping and dining scene adds to this vibrant lifestyle, giving you endless options to enjoy fresh food, shop for essentials, and dine out with friends.
With supermarkets open late, a wide range of restaurants and cafés, and plenty of options for every budget, Australia’s food and shopping culture will undoubtedly enhance your study experience.
As you prepare for your adventure in Australia, make sure to consult with an IDP counsellor to help guide you through the process, from university applications to tips on adjusting to life down under. Book your consultation today and start your exciting journey towards studying in Australia!