Beginner’s Guide to Vaping in Australia — Everything You Need to Start

Thinking about starting vaping in Australia? Whether you’re looking to transition from traditional cigarettes or simply curious about vaping, this comprehensive beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know. From choosing your first device to understanding e-liquids and getting the most out of your vaping experience, we’ve got you covered.

At Vapes Market Australia, we’ve helped thousands of Australians start their vaping journey, and we’ve distilled all that experience into this easy-to-follow guide.

What Is Vaping?

Vaping is the act of inhaling vapour produced by an electronic device (commonly called a vape, e-cigarette, or vaporiser). Unlike traditional cigarettes that burn tobacco, vapes heat a liquid (called e-liquid or vape juice) to create an aerosol that you inhale. This process doesn’t involve combustion, which means there’s no smoke, ash, or cigarette smell.

How Does a Vape Work?

Every vape device, regardless of its size or complexity, works on the same basic principle:

1. Battery — Powers the device and heats the coil
2. Coil/Atomiser — A small heating element that vaporises the e-liquid
3. E-Liquid — The flavoured liquid that gets turned into vapour
4. Tank/Pod/Cartridge — Holds the e-liquid
5. Mouthpiece — Where you inhale the vapour

When you take a puff (or press a button, depending on the device), the battery activates the coil, which heats the e-liquid-soaked wick, producing the flavoured vapour you inhale.

Types of Vaping Devices

Understanding the different types of vapes is crucial for choosing the right one. Here’s a breakdown of the main categories:

1. Disposable Vapes — Best for Absolute Beginners

Disposable vapes are pre-filled, pre-charged devices that require zero setup. You simply take them out of the packaging and start vaping. When the e-liquid or battery runs out, you dispose of the device.

Pros:

• No setup, no maintenance, no learning curve
• Compact and portable
• Wide range of flavours
• Perfect for trying vaping without commitment

Cons:

• Higher long-term cost than refillable devices
• Environmental impact from single-use devices
• Limited customisation

Our top picks for beginners:

• IGET Bar Pro 10000 — Excellent flavour range, 10,000 puffs
• Geek Bar Pulse X 25000 — Maximum longevity, 25,000 puffs
• HQD Cuvie — Compact and affordable

2. Pod Systems — Best Balance of Simplicity and Value

Pod systems use refillable (or replaceable) pods that you fill with your choice of e-liquid. They’re slightly more involved than disposables but offer much better long-term value and flavour variety.

Pros:

• Much cheaper long-term than disposables
• Unlimited e-liquid choices
• Better for the environment
• Still very simple to use

Cons:

• Requires purchasing e-liquid separately
• Pods/coils need periodic replacement
• Slight learning curve

Our top picks for beginners:

• Uwell Caliburn G3 Pro — Best overall pod system
• Vaporesso XROS 4 — Excellent MTL experience
• RELX Artisan Plus — Stylish and user-friendly

3. Advanced Kits — For Experienced Vapers

Advanced vape kits offer maximum customisation with adjustable wattage, temperature control, and sub-ohm capabilities. These are best suited for experienced vapers who want to fine-tune their experience.

We recommend starting with a disposable or pod system and upgrading to an advanced kit once you’re comfortable with the basics.

Understanding E-Liquids

E-liquid (also called vape juice) is the flavoured liquid that your device vaporises. Understanding the basics will help you choose the right e-liquid for your device and preferences.

VG/PG Ratio

E-liquids contain two base ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG). The ratio between them affects your vaping experience:

• 50/50 VG/PG — Balanced flavour and throat hit. Best for pod systems and MTL devices. Most nicotine salt e-liquids use this ratio.
• 70/30 VG/PG — More vapour, smoother throat hit. Best for sub-ohm devices. Most premium freebase e-liquids use this ratio.

Nicotine Types

• Freebase Nicotine — Traditional nicotine form. Available in various strengths (0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg). Best for sub-ohm devices.
• Nicotine Salts — Smoother nicotine delivery at higher strengths. Available in 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, and higher. Best for pod systems and MTL devices.

Choosing Your First E-Liquid

For beginners, we recommend:

• If using a pod system: Start with a nicotine salt e-liquid in a flavour you think you’ll enjoy. ELFLIQ and Bar Juice 5000 are excellent beginner-friendly options.
• If using a sub-ohm device: Choose a 70/30 VG/PG freebase e-liquid. Naked 100 and Juice Head are premium choices.
• Flavour: Start with popular flavours like watermelon, mango, or mixed berry. Read our complete flavour guide for more recommendations.

How to Use Your First Vape

Using a Disposable Vape

1. Remove the device from its packaging
2. Remove any silicone plugs or stickers from the mouthpiece
3. Take a slow, steady draw from the mouthpiece (most disposables are draw-activated)
4. Inhale the vapour into your mouth, then into your lungs (or just into your mouth for MTL)
5. Exhale and enjoy!

Using a Pod System

1. Charge the device fully using the included USB-C cable
2. Fill the pod with your chosen e-liquid (don’t overfill)
3. Let the pod sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the coil to saturate (this prevents dry hits)
4. Insert the pod into the device
5. Take a slow, steady draw
6. Refill the pod when the e-liquid level gets low
7. Replace the pod/coil when flavour quality decreases (typically every 1-2 weeks)

Tips for New Vapers

1. Start Slow

Take gentle, moderate puffs rather than deep, aggressive draws. This helps you get used to the sensation and prevents coughing.

2. Stay Hydrated

Vaping can cause mild dehydration. Keep a water bottle handy and drink regularly.

3. Store E-Liquids Properly

Keep e-liquids in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. This preserves flavour quality and extends shelf life.

4. Keep Your Device Clean

Regularly wipe down your device and clean the pod connection points. This ensures optimal performance and hygiene.

5. Don’t Chain Vape

Take breaks between puffs to allow the coil to re-saturate. Chain vaping can lead to dry hits and reduced coil life.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Not priming the coil — Always let a new pod/coil sit for 5-10 minutes after filling before vaping.
• Using the wrong e-liquid — Match your e-liquid’s VG/PG ratio to your device type.
• Ignoring battery safety — Only use the recommended charger and don’t leave devices charging unattended overnight.
• Buying counterfeit products — Always purchase from reputable retailers like Vapes Market Australia to ensure authenticity and safety.

Getting Started — Your First Purchase

Ready to start your vaping journey? Here’s what we recommend for your first order:

Option 1: The Simple Start (Disposable)

Pick up 2-3 disposable vapes in different flavours to find what you like. This is the easiest, zero-commitment way to try vaping.

Option 2: The Smart Start (Pod Kit)

Invest in a quality pod kit like the Uwell Caliburn G3 Pro, plus 2-3 bottles of e-liquid in different flavours. This is better value long-term and gives you more flexibility.

Shop Beginner-Friendly Vapes at Vapes Market Australia

We stock everything you need to start vaping, with fast Australia-wide shipping and expert support:

• 🆕 Starter Kits — Perfect for beginners
• 💨 Disposable Vapes — Zero setup required
• 🔋 Pod Kits — Best long-term value
• 🧪 E-Liquids — Premium flavours from top brands

Frequently Asked Questions