A comprehensive checklist for traveling to Australia

Embarking on your first journey to Australia is an exciting endeavor, and ensuring a smooth entry involves considering several vital tasks. It’s crucial to consider that requirements and procedures may undergo changes, so staying informed is essential.

To help you navigate this new chapter seamlessly, here’s a comprehensive guide for things to do before moving to Australia. From visa essentials to setting up your financial groundwork for making the transition as swift and hassle-free as possible. Get ready to embrace your adventure with confidence as we walk you through the Australia entry requirements to settle down in this vibrant and diverse land down under.

Visa and documentation:

Ensure you have the appropriate visa for your purpose of visit as a tourist, skilled worker, international student or something else. Carry all necessary documentation, including your passport and other required documents.

Customs and quarantine:

Declare any items that need to be declared at customs. Be aware of Australia’s strict quarantine regulations, especially if you are bringing in food, plants, or animal products. Otherwise, you will be fined for not reporting. Check the Australian border force to ensure about what items you cannot bring and what you have to declare.

Mobile phone and internet:

Get a local SIM card for your mobile phone and consider setting up internet services for communication and navigation. You can find SIM card at the airport or from the related shops near you. The two most popular providers are Telstra and Optus. If you are looking for a cheaper and more affordable one with strong network connectivity, visit Telsim website. 

Opening a bank account:

If you plan to stay in Australia for an extended period, consider opening a bank account. This will be useful for managing your finances. The most famous Australian banks are listed below

1. Commonwealth Bank Australia (CBA)
2. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ)
3. National Australian Bank (NAB)
4. Westpac Banking Corporation (Wespac)
5. Bank of Queensland (BOQ)

Tax file number (TFN):

If you plan to work in Australia as a skilled worker, sole trader or running a business, apply to get your Tax File Number (TFN) to ensure that you are taxed correctly. Its important to consult an accountant or a specialist to guide you with the tax regulations. You can apply for TFN through ATO website.

Transportation:

Familiarize yourself with local transportation options, whether public transport or rental car. It depends on your needs.

Buy Opal card for Sydney transportation or install Opal travel application on your phone. Buy the physical opal card from small supermarkets in the train stations. Charge it through the application or in the train stations. Don’t forget to tap on and tap off your card or your smartphone if you installed it on your smart phone. For other states like Melbourne, use MyKi. These cards can be used for bus, train, metro and ferry. Use google map to find the routes and install Trip View application to be notified about the public transportation schedules.

Opal Card for Sydney transportation:

Myki: Public transport Victoria

Trip View application:

Apply for driver’s licence:

Maybe you have international driving license and want to buy or rent a car during your stay. But depend on different states regulations, there are limitations for using your international driving license. For an extended period of stay, apply for driving licence. To get your licence, participate in Driving Knowledge Test (DKT) and then Driving Test (DT) to ensure legal and safe driving in Australia.

Health insurance:

Treatment costs in Australia can be expensive for both residents and visitors. Consider getting health insurance to cover any medical expenses during your stay. Apply for Medicare card for yourself and your family members based on your visa and entitlements. It is vital to apply for private health insurance at least for the entry level and emergencies. The costs of ambulance and private hospitals are expensive. Most private health insurances at their entry levels cover the cost of ambulance at a very cheap price. Compare Australia private health Insurances

Find a general practitioner (GP):

One of the most important tasks you shouldn’t forget when arriving in Australia for the first time is to find a general practitioner. If you have a health concern the first step for treatment process is to go to the GP. For everything related to your health from routine check-ups, medicine, injection or anything else, you need to contact with your GP. Find your preferred GP by asking from your friends or closed community or install Hotdoc application to find a GP and book an appointment online. 

Hotdoc Application:

Enrol your children in a school

If you have children from 5 – 18 years old age, one of the most important essentials to do when arriving in Australia for the first time, definitely, is looking for schools to enroll children as soon as possible. To choose a school, go to myschool.edu.au. This website lets you compare schools to find what is best for your children. Once you’ve chosen a school, contact or visit the school. It is best to follow your state or territory’s guidelines as follow. 

• Australian Capital Territory: education.act.gov.au
• New South Wales: education.nsw.gov.au
• Northern Territory: education.nt.gov.au
• Queensland: education.qld.gov.au
• South Australia: education.sa.gov.au
• Tasmania: education.tas.gov.au
• Victoria: education.vic.gov.au
• Western Australia: education.wa.edu.au

Orientation and local services:

Jump in the communities in your suburb as soon as possible and attend any orientation sessions provided by your employer or educational institution. In this way you will find new friends and become familiar with new cultures. Familiarize yourself with local services such as super markets, medical facilities, emergency contacts, and community resources. Learn about the local culture, customs, and etiquette to help you adapt with the new culture and to your new relocating to Australia.

Final words:

It’s crucial to research and plan ahead based on your specific circumstances and the purpose of your visit to Australia. Additionally, keep in mind that Australia travel checklist and travel regulations can change, so stay informed about any updates.

Share your experiences of what you did before moving to Australia and about settling in Australia. Let us know if some important tasks are missed. We are eager to hear your voices to add more value to our audiences.