LYD1A KERR

When you first arrive to Australia, I highly recommend that you get all of the admin jobs out of the way first. This is important to help you get settled in and make the most of your time here!

I’m going to list everything we done in the exact sequence to give you an idea of what’s ahead.

1. Get an Australian Sim Card
2. Set up an Australian Bank Account
3. Locate your nearest supermarket
4. Figure out the public transport system
5. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)
6. Register with Medicare
7. Enjoy!

Get an Australian Sim Card

This will allow you to use your phone as normal when you’re out and about and don’t have access to Wi-Fi.

While we tried to buy one of those pre-paid plan sims in the supermarket, we got too confused and decided to go into the Optus shop and sort out a contract from there. It was much easier getting someone else to do this for us!

Alternatives include Telsta, Vodafone, or I’ve heard that there are cheaper providers who use the same network so it’s important to shop around before you get here.

Set up an Australian Bank Account

We chose Commonwealth Bank as you could pre-apply with all of your details two weeks before you arrive. Then, when you get here, you simply go to the branch and provide your ID, and then they set up your banking app, and send a physical card in the post.

While you can use your UK bank accounts, this is important to receive payment from employers in Australia.

For some reason mine immediately flagged as having weird interactions so I was there past the closing time with a lovely man trying to figure out what was going on!

Locate your nearest supermarket

The big two supermarkets are Coles and Woolworths. It’s worth grabbing some essentials like food for breakfast and lunch so you aren’t immediately spending all your money on eating out.

I reckon the food prices here are about the same as the UK, maybe slightly more expensive. There are often good deals and discounts though.

Figure out the public transport system

In Melbourne, you need a Myki card to pay for transport on trams, buses, and trains. There is no alternative. You can buy a Myki from a 7-11 for $6 and they can top it up for you. Take note – one journey is $5.30, and the max daily spend is $10.60. Google maps is my go-to to figure out which tram or train to get.

Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)

This is necessary if you plan on working while in Australia to make sure you get taxed correctly.

Register with Medicare

Medicare is Australia’s public healthcare system. Since the UK has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia, UK citizens can apply for Medicare. There are still some costs associated.

However, there is a backlog in applications, and I still haven’t received a Medicare card after being here for a month.. I’ve seen some people say they didn’t get theirs for at least four months, so I’m not holding my breath.

Medicare doesn’t cover ambulances, though, so it’s worth getting Travel Insurance also.

Enjoy!

I hope this has helped give an overview on the admin side of moving to Australia. Once everything is sorted you can relax and enjoy your time here!

Love, Lydia x