Updated on June 3, 2025 by Mike
Before you move
Save Money
Moving to and living in Australia is expensive. You need to have savings to cover the cost of the move and living expenses until you receive your first pay check.
You will need to budget for:
- Bond – Like a security deposit, a bond is required to be paid whenever you rent a property and is usually equal to about one month’s rent. Rent is required to be paid in advance, so you have to pay two month’s rent in advance before you move into a property.
- Living expenses – Most houses and apartments come unfurnished. So, you will need buy furniture, appliances and all other household items.
- Relocation expenses – If you are fortunate to be moving to Australia for your job, relocation costs are typically paid by your company. Otherwise, you will need to factor in airfares, shipping costs and living expenses until you start working.
Find a Job
After moving to Australia, the next consideration is finding work. The amount of time this will take, will depend on your skills and qualifications. You also need to be on a visa that comes with work rights.
Finding Accommodation
Finding a suitable place to live, can take some time. Many property owners will consider your employment status, past rental history and you may even need to provide references. If you are single, or have a partner, finding a room in a share house could be a good temporary option.
If you are a student, it might be the only affordable option. Flatmates is a good place to find shared accommodation.
Health Insurance
Until you qualify for Medicare, you will need to have adequate health insurance. Medical care is expensive in Australia and you will need to pay for any expenses. Australia has reciprocal health agreements (RHCA) with some countries, including:
- Belgium
- Finland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Malta
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
Make sure you check the requirements to ensure you are adequately covered.
First Month in Australia
Open a Bank Account
Opening a bank account in Australia is an easy and straight forward process. You may even be able to begin your application before you arrive in the country. Banks may refer to this as a “migrant account”.
You will need a bank account to get your salary paid into, to pay bills and most Australians now prefer electronic payments over cash.
Get a Mobile Phone Number
Before you start applying for jobs, make sure to get a local mobile number. You can buy SIM cards when you step off the plane at the airport, in mobile phone shops, or even in supermarkets and grocery stores. Prepaid cards are probably the easiest option, especially if you already have a phone and you can purchase packages valid for up to a year.
The main mobile phone providers in Australia include:
- Telstra
- Optus
- Vodafone
- TPG
- Boost Mobile
- Amaysim
You just need to show a form of ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to register and activate a SIM card.
Move into your House
Once you have moved into your house, be sure to update your address with banks, driver’s license details and any other government authorities. Utilities, such as electricity, gas and water, will need to be connected and registered in your name. You can check what internet service is available in your area by typing in your address at NBN’s website and registering with your preferred provider.
Start Working
Once you start working, you will need to provide your employer with your Tax File Number (TFN). You can apply for a Tax File Number directly on the ATO’s website.
Your employer will also ask for “Super” details. Super is short for superannuation and is basically saving for your retirement, which you and your employer contribute to. Most companies have a fund that they use, and if you are new to Australia, that is probably the best fund to use until you learn more about how super operates.
Bringing Your Family to Australia
Once you have found a job and a place to live, you are probably ready to bring your family to Australia. Depending on your visa, you can sponsor family members to join you in Australia. Contact local schools in your area to arrange enrollment.
Pet dogs and cats can be brought to Australia, but the import conditions are strict. See the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for further details.
Getting Around
While the larger capital cities around Australia have a public transport system and it can be adequate initially, most people, however, will want to get a driver’s license and purchase a car. Driver’s licenses and car registrations are handled at the state level.
New South Wales: Transport for NSW
Victoria: VicRoads
Queensland: Department of Transport and Main Roads
Western Australia: Department of Transport
South Australia: Department for Infrastructure and Transport
Tasmania: Transport Services
Australian Capital Territory: Road Transport Authority
Northern Territory: Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics
Your First Year in Australia
Making Friends
While Australians are known for being friendly, I have seen comments from foreigners who have mentioned that it is difficult to form genuine friendships with local people. I know from personal experience that when we moved to a new area, many of the friends we made were from other countries.
If you want to make friends outside of work and from other countries than your own, it may take a little bit of effort. Fortunately, there are many local organisations, sporting teams, charities and events you can get involved in.
Finding things to do
Australians are well known for their love of sport. Many weekend activities are based on sport, both participating in and watching.
Music, the arts and food are also the focus of many food-related events around the country. There are plenty of online guides to help you find out what is happening.
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Learn English
If English is not your first language and would like to improve your skills, there are a number of programs available to migrants.
AMES – the Adult Migrant English Program is funded by the Australian Government and provides free English language lessons as well as support for settling in Australia.
Also, check with your local library or community centre if they offer English as a second language classes.
Find a Doctor
Whether you are in good health or you have any health concerns, it is a good idea to find a doctor, or GP, that you can call on. Not all clinics will take on new patients, so you may need to try a few clinics in your area where you can register. If you need to see a specialist, you will first need to get a referral from your GP.
Settling Down
Permanent Residency
Once you have settled into life in Australia and have perhaps started developing roots to the country by starting a business or buying a house, you may wish to become a Permanent Resident. Permanent Residency, or PR, generally offers more security for your life in Australia and opens up more employment opportunities.
Citizenship
Obtaining Australian citizenship is the next logical step if you decide to make Australia your permanent home. You can get an Australian passport and participate in