Your first 30 days in Australia
Your first month is a chain of tasks where each one unlocks the next. A local phone number and an address come first, because almost everything else asks for them.
In 30 seconds
- Day one: get an Australian SIM. Banks, landlords and government services want a local number
- Week one: apply for your tax file number and activate your bank account. Both need an Australian address
- Then: health cover, a longer-term home, super, your driving licence and school places, each with its own deadline
The order of things
| When | Task | Why now |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Get an Australian SIM (phones and internet) | Banks, agents and myGov send codes to a local number |
| Days 1–3 | Confirm a temporary address (hotel, short let or friends) | Your TFN is posted to an Australian address, and banks ask for one |
| Days 1–7 | Show your passport at your bank branch (bank accounts) | Some banks close accounts not verified within 20–30 days |
| Days 1–7 | Apply for a TFN online (TFN and tax) | It can take up to 28 days to arrive. Without it, more tax is taken from your pay |
| Week 1–2 | Enrol in Medicare if you are eligible, or check your private cover is active (healthcare) | So you are covered if you need a doctor |
| Week 1–4 | Start looking for a home to rent (finding a home) | Rental markets are competitive and you need a payslip or bank statements to apply |
| First payday | Choose a super fund or accept your employer’s (super) | Your employer pays 12% of your pay into it each payday |
| Within your state’s deadline | Convert your UK driving licence if you need to (driving) | Permanent residents in NSW, for example, must switch within 3 months |
| As soon as you have an address | Enrol children at school (schools) | Many state schools give priority to children who live in their local area |
Why the order matters
Many tasks depend on others. A bank needs your Australian address to give you full access. The ATO posts your TFN to an Australian address. Landlords want ID, bank statements and ideally a payslip. Your employer needs your TFN, bank details and super fund to pay you properly. Doing them in order saves repeat visits.
Your driving licence
Each state sets its own rules for overseas licences, and they differ for temporary visa holders and permanent residents. In NSW, permanent residents must get a NSW licence within 3 months of arriving to keep driving. Check your own state before you drive: see Driving in Australia.
Health cover from day one
Some UK citizens can use Medicare, Australia’s public health system, under the reciprocal agreement, and permanent residents can enrol. Many temporary visa holders must keep private health cover as a visa condition. Make sure you are covered from the day you land: see Healthcare and Medicare.
What the first month costs
- Temporary accommodation while you look for a home
- Bond (usually about 4 weeks’ rent) and rent in advance for your new home
- Furniture, if you rent unfurnished or your shipment is still at sea
- A car, or public transport cards
- Phone and internet set-up
The moving fund calculator adds these up for your city and household. See also Moving money from the UK for the bond rules by state.
Look after yourselves
The first month is tiring, especially with jet lag after the long journey. Don’t try to do everything in the first few days. Book in some time to explore your new area.
What to do next
- Buy an Australian SIM on arrival
- Apply for your TFN in week one
- Check your state’s deadline for switching your driving licence
Moving fund calculatorOpen →
- Commonwealth Bank: Moving to Australia
- NAB: Moving to Australia
- ATO: Foreign passport holders, permanent migrants and temporary visitors – TFN application
- ATO: What is a tax file number?
- ATO: Super guarantee rates
- NSW Government: Visiting or moving to NSW (driver licences)
- NSW Government: Costs at the start of a residential tenancy