Can someone explain how these 'caps' for mobile carriers in Australia work?
I've seen other carriers with similar thing but I'm going to use Optus for this one.


Referring to this website in Optus,

=>Recharging $30 gives me $30 Credit PLUS $270 MyBonus together with 500MB of data and it expires in 28 days.

What can I do with the $270 MyBonus credit? I don't understand how it works. Which credit will they deduct from if I make a call/text? MyBonus credit or my normal credit?

& on an related question, anyone recommendations on which mobile carrier to use in Melbourne based off personal experience? Thanks!

Hi jim,

The caps worked as if their credits, as similar to back in malaysia. For example, in malaysia, you pay RM 30 and you get RM 30 credit to call/sms etc right? Lets say one sms for Maxis-Maxis is RM 0.01, so your RM 30 credit would be deducted by RM 0.01.

The same goes to cap, but they do not convert $30 into $30 of credit to call/sms, instead they convert $30 into maybe 300 caps? or something like that? and when you make a call or sms, they deduct about 2.20 caps? something like that. So its just a different 'scale' of credit i would say? Your MyBonus credit will be deducted firstly, then your normal credit. at the end of the day, MyBonus credit and normal credit are the same, just that they split them up into diff categories?

I am currently with Three/Vodafone, and Im using the 500 caps with 1.5GB of data. The 500 Caps can be used to make local calls, text messages and international calls of course. It is F.O.C to call/text a similar network for Three/Vodafone. The dark side here is that, they have quite bad coverage.

If your seeking to make very often international calls, go for Lebara.
If your seeking for stable and steady coverage, Optus is fantastic, but i dont think its cheap as compared to Vodafone/Three

Hope it helps =)

P/S: Anyone correct me if whatever im saying is misleading here thanks.

Cool, thanks for the explanation. So basically it works just like credits, but it is on a MUCH larger scale. Right?

Nahh I think making international calls would be unlikely. There's Skype for a reason

Regarding Optus, try taking a look at Boost Mobile. I think it is either their subsidiary company or another company which uses Optus's network. I have checked online and they provide some great packages as well.

Yeapp, i suppose thats the best way to explain Caps haha.
As for Optus, you'll need to seek from some1 who is currently using Optus. I'd not find out or heard of anything on Boost Mobile. So yea, good luck and enjoy Australia =)

Anyone with experience can pls fill in the blanks for budgeting
per week

a) Accomodation
b) Food
c) Transport
d) Communications- H/p
e) Utilities- Electricty, Internet
f) Others eg entertainment, clothing,etc

Which part of Australia you heading to? Whereabout you staying? Suburb? City? Location wise can affect accomodation price very much

i am not. i am budgeting for my son.

Lets say for arguement sakes.

a) Melbourne
b) Brisbane or Perth

all city

Thanks

Im not too sure about life in Perth/Brisbane though. But i could give out some words at Melb.

Accomodation (staying at City) - approx. $900 - $ 1200 / month

Food (City Area, assuming cooking during weekdays and eating out during weekends)
- approx. $ 150 grocery + $ 100 (eat out)

Transport (Travelling around City Only)
- approx. $7 for a whole day or $3 for transportation within 2hrs.

Communications (varies)
- Economical, approx. $ 49/month with a new smartphone plan or approx. $29/month without a new smartphone plan

Utilities (inclusive electricity, gas, water, internet)
- $ 200-250 / month

Others entertainment (Individual Preference)

---

Added on February 14, 2012, 12:06 pmThis is a very brief approximation only. It depends on the individual anyhow. The communication expenses may vary with different network services. The one i commented was for Three/Vodafone.

This post has been edited by Draig: Feb 14 2012, 12:06 PM

Is that all MONTHLY costs?

Food at $250 per month sounds pretty cheap?

Yes all is monthly cost.
Like I mentioned, all the cost varies depending on individuality.

My experience is about $250 - $300 per month on food. Maybe someone else has their experience to share?

Thanks!

This is good. Real life experience. Good stuff!

I can do per week for Perth. It's just a rough estimation. Note: I've already estimated it to per week.

(a) $200
(b) $130
© $8
(d) $10
(e) $20
(f) $50

I really don't know what others are you referring to. So, I'm just giving you a rough estimation of what I would use.

Thanks!

Thats fine.

Its much more accurate from real life !

Guys...
I've registered for the Tax File Number on the 12th of Feb....
But there's still no reply... Does it take that long or should I give them a call or something?

You didn't wait long enough. It will arrive in the mail. I believe when you applied the site stated how long you may have to wait (close to a month?), and unfortunately that is accurate - it does take quite some time. No need for concern.

Alright...
Thank you so much...
After receiving my TFN, do I have to inform the bank about it?

Without a TFN, the bank can and must withhold any interest credited at the maximum rate (around 45%). I assume you're Malaysian.

But you don't have to, at least I don't think so.

You don't have to, as in it is not mandatory, but it would be a good idea, instead of having your bank interest withheld at 46.5% for no good reason.....

It should be stated on the website how long you have to wait. If it still doesn't arrive after then, call them since sometimes there could be problems with the mail etc. After answering some security questions they'll tell you your TFN and they can send you another copy of the letter.

You don't have to, but it's a good idea to do so since without your TFN, the bank is obliged to withhold maximum tax from the interest you earn. Your TFN is an important number and should not be given to any institution or person without any justifiable reasons. Giving it to the bank is fine though.

A ball park budget of aud1600/month shd suffice. If opting for a residential college with 3 meals/day, with utilities etc, look to lay about 400-425 a week.