BIG OE HINTS AND TIPS

BIG OE HINT AND TIPS - UK AND EUROPE

TIP #1: If you have a grandparent who was born in the UK then you may be entitled to a 4 year UK Ancestry Visa but must apply before you leave.

TIP #2: If you're on a tight budget it is often cheaper to fly via Asia as opposed to the USA. However, you normally get a larger baggage allowance via America which is something worth thinking about if you are going to the UK for a while and working. Just think of all those power suits you'll need to pack!

TIP #3: Not sure how long you are going to be away for? STA Travel can offer you flexibility as well as value for money. Check out STA Travel's flexibile Blue ticket. Going away for longer than 12 months? We can also hook you up with an 18 month ticket. Going away for more than 18 months? We recommend you purchase a one-way ticket (please check that you are able to fly into your OE destination on a one-way ticket).

TIP # 4: Purchase an A-Z of the city that you are staying in as soon as you arrive - it will become your best friend!

TIP #5: If you are planning to be away for a while - ensure that you have a reliable person back in Aotearoa that will send you all those staples (Minties, Chocolate Fish, Perky Nana's). If you are going to be based in London there is a New Zealand store located in the historic Royal Opera Arcade, behind NZ House, Haymarket, where you can pick up all your favourite NZ treats.

TIP #6: Travel cheap! If you are a student or under 26 years old - grab an ISIC or IYTC card. The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) and the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) are your tickets to the best travel deals on the planet. Check out www.isiccard.co.nz for more details.

TIP #7: Going to the UK? The National Health system in the UK may cover you for some minor health problems, but if you need any emergency care or repatriation (getting you home in an emergency) and you don't have Travel Insurance - then forget it.

TIP #8: If you would rather not spend 6 weeks on the phone in London trying to set up your UK bank account, then take our Britbound package they will arrange a bank appointment for you to set one up on the day you arrive.  They can also help hook you up with a National Insurance (tax- similar to the IRD here) number. It's too easy!

TIP #9: Before you depart, ensure that your passport is valid and not going to expire whilst you are overseas. Some countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your period of stay.

TIP #10: If you are planning on working whilst on your Big OE, make sure you have organised the correct visa before you depart. Leave plenty of time to organise your visas as some can take up to 3 months to organise!

TIP #11: While the world is a beautiful place, we recognise the fact that it is a changing one. With the current political climate, you should be aware of some of the more dangerous places to visit before you plan a visit there. Keep abreast of the latest government information on travel warnings and precautions. Visit the web site below for the MFAT travel advisory information: http://safetravel.govt.nz/

TIP #12: Bonjour! Get the most out of your Big OE (and ensure you can get around) by learning the local language. STA Travel can organise language courses including accommodation and activities.

TIP #13: Photocopy all your important documents (passport, tickets, visas, credit cards) and leave a copy with your family or friends in New Zealand. This will be a saviour if you happen to lose anything and need to replace it.

TIP #14: Carry empty duty free bags with you. If you happen to have too much luggage, fill them up with your extra stuff and carry them onto the plane with your carry-on luggage.

TIP #15: When buying liquids and creams to take in your carry-on luggage keep in mind that International airport security measures require all liquids and creams to be in containers no larger than 100mls.  These must be stored seperately to the rest of your carry-on luggage in a 1 litre resealable transparent plastic bag.  Ladies that includes your lippy too!

TIP #16: Take a photo of all your belongings that you are taking on your OE before you depart NZ. Just incase your bag gets stolen or lost, this will help when it comes to making a travel insurance claim.

TIP #17: Carry extra dental floss with you. Not only handy for dental hygiene, dental floss can come in handy if your shoe lace breaks or if you need a clothes line in a hurry.