Some Items Travellers Need To Give Thought & Action To.
Absentee bill paying: House & Contents Insurance: Carrying Cash: Security Storage:
Drivers Licence: Vehicle Registrations: Australia Post: Telephone Calls:
Absentee bill paying:---Direct Debit
By far our current arrangements have been the most hassle free. We systematically contacted all the usual service providers and filled out the appropriate forms to have them payed by direct debit from our nominated bank account. The Council rates, Electricity, Gas, Telephone, Internet, Private Health Insurance, Ambulance Members, House and Contents Insurance, and Vehicle (one way only) Insurance, are all done that way. The system still has an account sent out as normal, but printed on it is the fact that it will be paid by direct debit on a specified date, usually one day prior to the final date for payment. Sometimes paying by direct debit earns an additional discount. Direct debit payments can be applied when paying either the full account or instalments, and is the required payment method for some institutions. The potential hassles are that the money must be in the bank and that it takes about two months for some service providers to factor in the direct debit into their automatic systems.
House & Contents Insurance:
Check your particular policy, it will read that if the house is “unoccupied for more than 60 consecutive days” that various important sections of your coverage are no longer valid. Some companies will grant cover beyond the sixty days if you notify them in writing and they agree in writing, but in our experience the extra fee they require is exorbitant. Several companies will give you verbal assurance that you are covered for more than sixty days if someone is going to be around the property often, clearing junk mail etc. We have had a burglary claim honoured after being away much longer than sixty days, so they can be flexible. The easiest legal way to retain cover is to have someone “sleep over” on the 59th night. Then start the sixty days all over again!
Carrying Cash :
We only carry minimal cash about $200.00, which we use if we have to. All our fuel etc is payed by direct debit card, (VISA) which is acceptable at all highway fuel stops, and not being a credit card has no extra charges, or bills to remember to pay later. However away from major highways, cash for fuel is required!
Security storage:
Some container bolted in or chained and padlocked in the vehicle and or the van is a wise move to enable credit cards, money, jewellery, (a large purse) etc, to be left unattended when out of the vehicle or van. Steel military ammunition boxes available from disposals are quite versatile for this purpose, two sizes in particular.
L 11”(28cm) x W 6”(15cm) x H 7 ½”(19cm) and L10”(26cm) x W 4”(10cm) x7”(18cm) which can fit between the end of the rear seat and the side of the Scout, chained to the seat bracket, is one way of doing it.
Drivers Licence, Vehicle Registrations:
A few weeks back went to Vic Roads told them we were going away and during the time away my drivers’ licence, Scout, Van, and Boat registrations would all become due on different dates. The man behind the counter printed out the new registration labels, we paid for the regos and my ten-year licence to the cashier, got my photo taken, waited ten minutes, and left with my new licence, current from 20-05-05. and the relevant rego. labels, all with a minimum of fuss. On another occasion we have also had to attend to Jeanette's licence similarly.
Australia Post:
Australia Post diversion, can be changed, extended, etc from any post office in Australia, but NOT at remote post office “agencies”. Some post offices will agree to hold mail, and send when asked by Express Post bag, to wherever a person is. We divert to a daughters address, and if any mail is in a "window" or obvious business letter she opens it and either deals with it, or puts it with private mail, to be sent by express bag, if she ever hears from us asking for mail to be sent to us somewhere, something we don't often bother about. We have learnt it is better to try and reduce the likelihood of incoming mail, than to have to arrange for something to be done with it once it arrives.
Mobile Phone:
Our CDMA mobile has no service after we turn North at Port Augusta, & on current experience we do not expect any better from “Next G” except for when within a 15km radius of major centres such as Woomera, Coober Pedy, etc. and no service at our overnight roadside stops!! (mobile phone coverage is densely populated areas of Australia) Advise everyone your mobile phone wont get you easily.
When No Mobile Service:
There is information enclosed that can be left with friends, relatives to enable them to make contact if necessary.
Making Phone Calls:
A Telstra “Telecard” or Optus Card, which is free to obtain, free to retain, is the most cost efficient way to make phone calls away from your home landline connection!!! Using the card you can take advantage of cheaper time rates, no need for money, or a phone that can accept it, no need for a pre-paid card, or a phone that will accept it. Bills are sent to your home address, charges are at whatever your deal is with Telstra, or standard STD rates.
If you are not a Telstra customer phone the carrier you are with and request them to apply for a Telstra Telecard on your behalf. Optus customers can request an Optus Card.
For Telstra customers application forms will be sent out if you phone 13 2200. Ask for a pin number you can remember!
