CTP is the biggest con ever, I have read quite a few say how much cheaper car insurance is in Australia but they dont include CTP in the figure.

It's a massive rip off, I don't know how they get away with it

NAB is looking the best.

http://www.moneysavingaussie.com/Pag...Australia.aspx

Yup, we're with them and, to my knowledge, pay no fees

Look above that and go for the Citibank Plus. Great when travelling & still no monthly fees.

I have an account with the Commonwealth Bank (I need to close it as I never use it). I never get charged for it.

I think the rip off culture in Australia does pray on the vulnerable or those who aren't wise enough to shop around. There's plenty of deals to be had and there's plenty negotiation to be had.

Sure, there are going to be expensive things like second hand cars and there's going to be cheaper things like petrol, but if you choose to buy that pair of Nike trainers in Athletes foot rather than jumping on Wiggle then that's the fault of the consumer.

Yes I agree with you to a certain extent about the rip off culture preying on the vulnerable and unwise but there seem to be lots of Hobsons choices where the only show in town involves being ripped off. I've always been one to shop around for deals especially when rip offs are obvious but all too often alternative buying options have been headed off at the pass.

University required reading books. Sonny Jim needs 5 books, 4 of which are only available in Australia. The 4 range in price from $55 to $127. The one that is available outside Aus is $22.

Thanks, on closer examination that does look good. Free bank cheques as too - I've had to use a few of those this last couple of years

+1. Citibank offer an exceptionally good service, and being a US derived bank, their customer service is actually pretty good.

I have recommended them to many of my friends, but it seems that some people just prefer to pay fees for their everyday banking


S

I did this with my wife and kids last year. I was on thin ice - getting out of the car - but I had to get a trolly and lift their baggage out of the boot. I spotted the local member for the blue eyes and blonde hair party and sort of put on an exaggerated show of urgency and haste. He nodded at me - and gave me a look of understanding. I then looked over my shoulder - shrugged at him - and kissed my wife and kids goodbye with an indecent speed...

Agreed. I don't buy this thing that all the 'Aussies' are 'stupid' nor that its even a rip of culture. Some things have been historically expensive and prices have not moved or been priced to take into account globalisation. I also have sympathy for retailers who probably do have to bear the costs of being far from markets or importers - but no sympathy for piss-takers. Stacks of Aussies know exactly where to shop, and it's more than not overseas for certain items.

My list:
Books
Certain specialist items like ski/outdoor equipment

Hmm, I thought all the smart kids had recognised this was a con (designed to bring in cash for the universities/lecturers) and were scanning and distributing the books for free. Ideal for keeping on your laptop, tablet, or ereader; much more practical to carry around.

I've just re-discovered that a pdf was great for the train but I had to constantly page up and down...

I finally cracked open my course text - paper - and hey presto - I'm much more efficient - taking it all in much faster. I love the old-school method...

Hmm, well most of my textbooks would fit on a 10.1 tablet screen at lifesize (single or double page), and at ~300ppi. So excepting the illuminated screen/contrast aspects, its the same amount of information at the same rate. Personally I'd say the convenience and cost advantages would win out, but horses for courses.

Yes, this ground my gears when I was studying. My course book was $120 in the university bookshop - written and published in Australia - yet, I managed to find it online in the US for $40 less, including postage.

So it was written and published here, shipped to the US, warehoused and stored there, then shipped back to me and it's still nearly 70% cheaper than the University Bookshop, which is meant to be run for the benefit of the students

Absolute madness.

Hats off to the kids if they are scanning and distributing PDF versions. This seems quite reasonable in the face of such blatant gouging.


S