Before chasing sunsets and staring up at skyscrapers, figure out the boring stuff: how do you get around? Is cash still a thing here? When are the public holidays and how do they work? Are you legally allowed to drive? Let’s get a little practical so you don’t cry in a train station bathroom (again).

One thing that would have been really helpful when I first arrived in Perth was having a list of all the little things you forget to think about but need to know before you even think about sightseeing. The temptation is real: drop your bags, grab your camera, and whizz off to that must-see view. But pause. Trust me – future you will thank you for getting your shit together before you have too many “oh god, why didn’t I think of that” moments.

1. The Local Transport System

It’s highly likely that the first thing you’ll need is to get from the airport to wherever you’re staying, so you’ll need to know what’s available: trains, buses, or is it taxis only here? Can you tap on and off with your phone or do you have to buy tickets first? Save yourself the embarrassment of getting to the barrier clueless!

Bonus: Figure out what time everything stops running so you don’t end up stranded at 2am!

2. Cash-obsessed or card-friendly?

While the uk is definitely moving in the direction of becoming cashless, not everywhere you go will be like this so carrying cash is handy. It’s not always economical to exchange your currency before you leave so make it a priority when you arrive but please, please AVOID the airport ATMs (their fees are not worth it, trust me).

You never know when you might need it either.

3. How late are shops and restaurants open?

I got lucky in Singapore because this is not something I had previously researched, and by the time I’d settled in the hotel and recovered from the journey it was already 9pm. Back home, at this time, midweek, nowhere would be serving food, yet in Singapore this is peak time for the restaurants so I could still get myself some dinner.

The shops as well will always close at different times particularly on a Sunday so make sure you check!

4. Know the driving rules

Which side of the road do they drive on? Are tourists allowed to drive here? Do you need an International Drivers Permit (IDP)? Parking rules? Traffic cameras? Toll roads?Insurance?

Note: An IDP must be obtained from your country of origin i.e. this is something you HAVE to do before you leave.

5. Download the maps

This will save you A LOT of stress if your sim card isn’t sorted or your data fails. Pin your accommodation, public transport stations and nearest hospital in case of an emergency. You can also save things like supermarkets and laundromats too!

6. Sort your SIM

WiFi isn’t always guaranteed – even if your hostel says it is – so find out: can you pick up a SIM at a store easily enough? Will an eSIM be a better option?

7. Learn the local scams and safety warnings

Upon my arrival in Darwin I was warned by the receptionist at my hotel that there were a lot of homeless aboriginal people in the area that would try many different things to get you to pay them. Of course this is maybe a more obvious thing to avoid than some scams can be but you don’t always have a friendly warning before experiencing it yourself.

Not only this but weather events are something you can try and prepare for as well. For example, are wildfires common? week-long storms and flash floods? Read up on these things but if in any doubt always ask the locals!

8. Who you gonna call?

We all know the emergency numbers for our home country, but how many of you make a point to know what it is when you go travelling? Better to be safe than sorry.

9. When are the public holidays?

I’m sure most of us would rather have a beach to ourselves than rampaged with children because you didn’t know it was the Easter break, right? Not to mention the increase in prices of activities and accommodation during peak seasons, plan wisely.

10. Take a moment to land

Emotionally I mean.

Pause. Breathe. Take a moment to appreciate the steps you’ve made so far and let your nervous system catch up. You don’t have to do anything right now.

When you’re running on fumes is when culture shock will hit the hardest.

Bonus:

Let go of the pressure to feel something immediately

You might not be in awe of the move as soon as you step out the door but that doesn’t mean the trip is wrong – it means you’re human. Let things sink in a little more, take one step at a time and enjoy watching your chaos unfold.

It’s easy to think that arrival means action. That you need to start ticking things off a list and collect memories that prove you’re really here.

In reality, starting slow might just be better.

I think arrival is more about keeping the present moment alive. So stay still, get your bearings, and learn the city’s rhythm – or at least how the traffic lights work – before you go chasing after anything else. Once the logistics are out of the way, your mind quiets down. Suddenly you’re not just seeing something new, but are noticing it. And that’s where the real stories begin.