Arriving in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is an exciting adventure filled with new experiences and opportunities. To ensure a smooth transition and make the most of your first week, it’s essential to have a clear plan. But you’re probably wondering about the first steps you’ll have to take after you arrive. In this article, you will find a handy checklist for each day of your first week Down Under. We recommend that you organise accommodation (youth hostel, Wwoofing, HelpX, etc) for at least the first five days of your stay. This will give you some time to explore the city and get a start on any admin you need to do. Here’s a comprehensive to-do list to help you get started.
Check in at your accommodation
In every major city, you’ll have the option of taking a train or the metro towards the city centre from the airport. This is a relatively quick mode of transport but can often end up quite expensive (around $18 a ticket in Sydney).
If you are traveling with a group, it is sometime cheaper to take a taxi and split the fare (a taxi from the airport to the centre of Sydney is about $50).
Some hostels will actually send a shuttle bus to pick you up at the airport, provided you have booked a bed with them for at least a week. Check with your hostel before you land.
Activate your SIM card
One of the first things you should do upon arrival is to get connected. Purchase an Australian SIM card from a provider like Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone. This will allow you to stay in touch with new friends, potential employers, and access essential services.
An affordable alternative is to buy a ‘prepaid card’. You can buy a SIM card from any operator for about $2 and then top it up on a monthly basis.
Which operator should I choose?
• Optus offers attractive rates on international calls and texts, depending on your plan.
• Telstra is known to have the best national coverage. Its offers are a little more expensive.
• Vodafone has average national coverage.
• If you plan to stay in a big city without travelling further afield, Felix Mobile is a very inexpensive alternative. For only $35/month, your connection is unlimited. National coverage is however very mediocre outside metropolitan areas.
💡 Tip: Compare plans and choose one that offers good data packages and coverage in the areas you plan to visit.
Read more: Phone plans in Australia.
Open a bank account
Opening an Australian bank account is crucial for receiving your salary and managing your finances. Major banks such as Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB, and Westpac offer accounts tailored for international visitors.
Which bank should I choose?
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).
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 this beforehand as it could save you money.
Documents needed
Opening a bank account in Australia tends to be easier than in Europe. For example, you won’t need a proof of address. Documents you will need include:
- Your passport
- WHV grant notification
- Proof of address (even if this is temporary, such as your hostel. However, if you change address, make sure you tell your bank!)
- Some banks may also require your tax number in your home country.
💡 Tip: Some banks allow you to set up an account online before you arrive, making the process quicker once you’re in Australia.
How long does it take?
If you have all the requested documents ready, opening your bank account should take around 30 minutes. However you won’t have your debit card straight away, as they will usually post this to your address within a week.
For more information, see our article: Open a Bank account in Australia
Transfer your money
To transfer money from your home country bank account to your Australian one, you have several options.
- You can choose to transfer from your home bank account directly. Costs can be high as both banks (from your home and host country) will charge fees.
- We recommend that you use a company specialising in international bank transfers. CurrencyFair and Wise are among the best known and least expensive.
Get your TFN – Tax File Number
A Tax File Number (TFN) is essential if you plan to work in Australia. You can apply for a TFN online through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website.
The form you fill out to get a TFN 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.
If you have any issues, you can always call 13 28 61 and give your ATO receipt ID. If you changed your address before receiving your TFN in the post, you will be able to get your TFN over the phone.
💡 Tip: Use your temporary address if you haven’t secured a permanent one yet. You can update it later with the ATO.
Open a Superannuation account
You can create your Superannuation account after you get your TFN. This is a retirement account that is frozen for the duration of your stay in Australia, so you won’t be able to withdraw money from it until you leave for good. If you are over 18, your employer is legally obliged to pay you the equivalent of 11% of your salary into your Superannuation account. When you start a job, remember to pass your account details on to your employer.
Read more: How to claim your Superannuation
Set Up Medicare (If Applicable)
If you’re from a country that has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia (such as the UK, New Zealand, or several European countries), you can access Medicare. Visit a Medicare office with your passport, visa, and proof of address to register.
💡 Tip: Check the list of eligible countries and ensure you have travel insurance if you’re not covered by Medicare.
Get your certificates
Depending on the type of job you want to do, you may need certain courses/certificates under your belt, so don’t wait too long to inquire and register.
Some examples:
• For those who want to work in an establishment that serves alcohol, you will need to pass the RSA.
• If you want to work in a café, you can also take a Barista course.
• If you plan to work in construction or in the mines, you’ll need to get the White Card.
• For those who wish to work in a casino type gaming establishment, you will have to pass the RSG.
• Anyone who plans to operate forklifts will need to pass the Forklift License.
Arrange Accommodation
If you decide to spend a few months in your city of arrival, we recommend you start looking for a flat share as soon as possible. Spend about a week in a hostel so you can get your admin done and figure out what neighbourhoods you would like to live in. Sharing a flat or house will cost you less than staying in a hostel, and will be more comfortable and private. There are many sites where you can find ads (Gumtree, Flatmates etc).
Start Job Hunting
Begin your job search by updating your resume and cover letter to fit Australian standards. Websites like Seek, Indeed, and Jora are great for finding job listings. Also, consider signing up with local recruitment agencies.
💡 Tip: Network with other travelers and locals to get job leads and advice on where to find work.
To help you put your CV together, see our article: Writing a Resume in Australia: Guide and Template
Explore Public transports options
Familiarize yourself with the public transport system in your city. Each major city in Australia has its own network of buses, trains, and trams. Get an Opal card in Sydney, a Myki card in Melbourne, or a Go card in Brisbane for convenient travel.
💡 Tip: Download transport apps like Citymapper or the local transport app for real-time updates and route planning.
