Money

The most shocking thing about Australia so far is how EXPENSIVE everything is! I'll obviously have to get used to it but yikes, I was shocked when I went to dinner at a pub and the cheapest thing on the menu was $20! The first time I bought groceries I just kept staring at the prices looking for something, anything less than $10 then started wishing I could have brought my shampoo and lotion from home. There is also not as much variety in hair/skin/cosmetic product. Yes, I guess this means I miss Walmart…but I still hate it. Probably more shocking than the pub menu was my movie ticket…and I complained about a $9 movie in Indy but I was absolutely stunned to hand over $17 for some chill Saturday night entertainment! So if you come to OZ be prepared to spend lots of cash. I'm sure there are some things that are cheaper here though…concerts and live music definitely are and there is no shortage in supply (always something going on) and I found some pretty cheap produce at the Vasse Farmer's Markets this morning. Just to give you an idea of some prices…

Beer $8-10

Meal at a Pub $20-30

Sushi 6 pack to go: $10

Bottle Water 2L: $5

Tofu: $4 (small block)

Can of Chickpeas: $1.20

Cherries: $19/kilo (wondered if I read that right, obviously didn't buy)

Vitamins: $10-30 (store brand, small bottle)

Face Wash: $10

Lotion: $10

Sunscreen: $15 (125ml small bottle!)

Toothpaste: $6

Herbal Essences Shampoo: $9 (which I did not buy!)

Movie: $17

Live Music at a Pub: $10

Music Festival: $50

Phone: $80 plus $30 top up per month (Telstra)

Mobile Internet: $80 (Vodafone 3GB) plus $50 a month top up