My wife and family are traveling to Oz next week and would like to know where to shop for items that we didn't want to bring with us such as blow dryers, culing irons, shaving cream and other incidentals. Are tere any wal mart or sears type retailers available?

Rusty

Hello Rustydawg,

Target and Kmart are the Australian stores that are the most similar to Walmart, I think.

I think you'll find that electrical appliances are more expensive in Australia than they are in the US (if you're from the US).

Do you really need to buy a blow dryer? If you're staying in hotels that are 3 star and up, my experience in different countries is that more and more hotels are providing them.

My short, wash and wear hair style has eliminated the need for blow dryers and curling irons when I travel. When I go to foreign countries, I try not to take any electrical appliances. I've even invested in a battery operated electric toothbrush for my travels.

However, if your family members really do want to purchase a blow dryer and curling iron, they certainly are available in Australia.

They also have department stores in Australia. Myers and David Jones are a couple of names.

Something I can recommend is an Orgasmatron (head massaging device). We bought one from a market stall in Southbank in Brisbane.

It's lightweight, packs flat, does not require electricity, and feels heavenly. Here's a photo of one:

http://www.latestbuy.com.au/orgasmatron_gadget.html

Here's a picture of how it's used:

http://www.internethealthlibrary.com...rgasmatron.htm

But I digress.

Thank you for the respose. We are traveling with a large group and there has been quite a worry of two girls having to share one blow dryer in the hotel. I agree with you tho, towel dry or put it up in a pony tail.

>>>two girls<<<

I hear you, Rusty. This too shall pass.

Hope you have a great time in Oz!

For the lowest prices find a:

Crazy Clarks
The Warehouse
$2 shop
The Cheap Shop
The Bargain Shop

OR ever check out one of the charity shops close by.

It will also make a difference where you are staying as in some cities - Sydney for instance most of the stores such as Target and K Mart are in the suburbs rather than the CBD. However,in the CBD you will find that the major department stores will have all that you need.

In Sydney there is a huge market haymarket where you can get everything you need at low prices. Get UGG boots for ladies ther quite reasonable. Tour market before buying to check out prices.Also Wooworths is large supermarket.

In Sydney, Woolworths near Town Hall is about the cheapest place to buy these things.

Curling irons, hair dryers, shaving cream - aren't you on holidays?

Australia has pretty much the same type of setup as the US re: malls. In Brisbane city, you can find what you are after in KMart, Target, or Myer. Probably the same in other cities. These stores are also located in all major suburban shopping centres (in Brisbane, you can do a lot of shopping at Indooroopilly shopping centre, 15min west of Brisbane city centre).