4 Things You Should Do When You Arrive in Australia
Arriving in a new country as an international student can be both exciting and overwhelming. Once you arrive in Australia, a land of stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, it’s crucial to take care of certain essentials to ensure a smooth and successful start to your new life.
Let’s discuss crucial steps to take once you arrive in Australia, from setting up your banking and understanding the taxation system to taking care of your health and navigating the public transportation.
Set up your banking
Setting up bank account is one of the first things you should do upon arrival. It provides a secure and convenient way to manage your finances while in Australia.
There are several options, including Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB, and Westpac. After selecting a bank, visit a local branch to collect your Debit Mastercard. If you have chosen a bank, visit your selected branch to collect your Debit Mastercard, make sure to bring your welcome letter and your original passport for identification purposes. This will ensure you have a secure and efficient way to handle your money during your stay.
We recommend that you open your bank account with one of the main banks, as they have a strong presence throughout Australia. Withdrawing money is only free at ATMs affiliated with your bank operator (otherwise you could be charged $2 each time you withdraw from another ATM).
Tip: Your choice of bank also depends on your needs and the partnership your home bank may have with Australian ones, so make sure to check beforehand as it could save you money.
Create a Tax File Number (TFN)
Registering for a Tax File Number (TFN) is essential if you plan on working in Australia. A TFN is a unique identifier issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
As an international student in Australia, you are allowed to work part-time, up to 48 hours per fortnight. Before you start working, it is essential to apply for a TFN as it will help you avoid paying excessive taxes and ensure that your tax affairs are properly managed.
To apply for a TFN, you can visit the ATO's website or consult with a tax professional for guidance.
Tip: The form you fill out to get a TFC includes very basic questions such as your first name, surname, postal address (in Australia), passport number, nationality, phone number and so on. When you are finished filling out the form, you will receive a file number, which will act as a temporary TFN and will allow you to work until you receive your actual TFN. It usually takes about 10-28 days to receive your TFN by mail.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Before arriving in Australia, it’s important to organise Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is a requirement for those with a student visa.
A good provider should:
Be accessible
Give you the ability to make claims quickly and easily
Innovate with the times
After choosing your provider, make sure it is active and familiarise yourself with the coverage details. It is also important to register with a local General Practitioner (GP) and familiarise yourself with nearby medical facilities. Knowing where to go in case of illness or emergency is important.
Familiarise Yourself With Local Services and Transportation
Each major Australian city has its own public transport card - a Myki card in Melbourne, an Opal card in Sydney, a MetroCARD in Adelaide, or a go card in Brisbane. These cards provide easy access to the public transport system, which includes buses, trains, trams, and ferries.
You’ll be able to purchase and load money onto these cards at any train stations, and some bus and tram stops, or even, some convenience stores do offer this.
Many cities also offer student discounts on public transport, ensure to register your card with your student details to take advantage of these savings. Becoming familiar with the public transport system will make it easier to explore your new surroundings and commute to your university or college.
