The Internet works totally different in Australia compared to the rest of the world.

In Singapore and Vietnam, you get free internet in the airports and hotels—which best articulates of how prolific our dependence, and expectations, are of the internet.

However, in Australia, they have managed to make people pay per/download. It is ludicrous I assure you.

How Does Internet Billing Work?

This means that every time you check your email, watch a YouTube video or do a Google search, your internet usages bill is clicking away. You cannot monitor your monthly usage and slow down accordingly that month! Oh no…your internet bill just keeps clicking away!! Thus, although you might be on a $30/month plan, you wind up with a $70 bill and that was with you watching what you downloaded.

Internet Billing:

Plus, you often have to have two other bills to pay because of internet: 1) modem cost and 2) land line for the internet to go through.

Did I mention the fact that the Internet providers often expect you to sign a 24-month contract?
The process is not transparent at all. Expect hidden costs with paying per download.

Internet Installation:

Remember the university days when you had to wait 2 weeks to get an internet installation appointment? That’s another area of difficulty. And like I said, don’t expect the service person to necessarily show up just because you have an appointment!

Do You Need Unlimited Downloads?

Get unlimited downloads-you will use it; if you are worried about the two-year contract, consider an apartment rental where the internet pricing is already included. You can save yourself a lot of hassle.

I’ve seen a lot of people move to Melbourne in the lat two years, and nearly all of them who didn’t take this advice got screwed in the long run.

There are a lot of things to look out for when selecting the right internet company. Make sure you consider all of these options and that you get the best, most transparent advice.