Common Mistakes New Arrivals Make in Australia

Every year, many thousands of people settle in Australia — and a great many of them make the same mistakes in their first few months. Most of these can be avoided if you know about them in advance.

Housing

Signing a lease too soon or in too much of a hurry

The pressure to find stable accommodation leads many people to sign the first acceptable lease — without properly researching the area, market prices, contract terms or the condition of the property. An extra week of research often buys a much better year of living.

Things to check before you sign: the conditions for ending a lease early (breaking the lease), who pays for utilities, your rights when repairs are needed, and a careful review of the property’s condition with the agent.

Not documenting the property’s condition when you collect the keys

In Australia, when you move in you are handed a set of documents about the property’s condition (a condition report). Many new arrivals do not read it carefully, do not take photos and do not note any pre-existing damage. The result is that when they move out, money is deducted from their bond for damage they did not cause.

The correct process: receive the condition report, inspect every room, photograph every worn or damaged spot, and return the signed copy within the required timeframe.

Not knowing your rights as a tenant

Australian tenancy law protects tenants considerably — but you need to know your rights. A landlord cannot enter the property at any time without notice; you have the right to request urgent repairs; and your bond must be held by a neutral government body, not by the landlord directly.

Each state has an authority that protects tenants (Fair Trading / Consumer Affairs / a Tenants Union) — this is a reliable, free source of information.

Finances

Sending money to Australia through a traditional bank

International transfer fees through banks are often much higher than those of specialist international money-transfer services licensed in Australia (by ASIC). Research and compare before you make a large transfer.

Not understanding how superannuation works

Superannuation (compulsory retirement savings) in Australia is a mandatory employer contribution, completely separate from your wages. If you have several employers over the years, your super can end up scattered across multiple funds, each with its own management fees. Consolidating into a single suitable fund is something worth doing early.

Lodging your tax return late

The Australian financial year ends on 30 June each year. After that, you have a period in which to lodge your tax return. Many new arrivals do not realise they may be entitled to a tax refund — especially if they did not work a full year, have valid deductions, or had tax withheld at the higher default rate by their employer.

Service contracts

Signing a long-term electricity/gas/internet contract without proper research

Many service contracts in Australia include an early-termination clause (an exit fee). If you move before the contract ends, you may have to pay a fairly high fee. It is better to choose a no-contract or short-term plan until you are certain about where you will live.

Not comparing energy providers

In many states, the electricity and gas markets are deregulated — you can choose your provider. The government’s Energy Made Easy website (energymadeeasy.gov.au) helps you compare prices. Many new arrivals default to the previous tenant’s provider and miss the chance to save.

Signing a long-term phone contract as soon as you arrive

In your first month, you do not yet know which plan you need, how much data, or whether there is coverage where you will work. Using prepaid for the first month is the smarter choice.

Mindset and expectations

Comparing everything to prices back home

This is not helpful — the price structure, taxes and cost of living in Australia are completely different. Instead, compare against Australian income levels and your spending as a proportion of your Australian income.

Ignoring community and isolating yourself

Many new arrivals focus too much on work and administrative tasks and neglect building a social network. The Vietnamese community in Australia is very large and offers a lot of practical support — from finding work and recommending services to sharing experience.

See the guide on connecting with the Vietnamese community in Australia.

Not asking for help out of shyness

Australians are generally direct and willing to help when asked the right way. At work, in your neighbourhood, or at government offices — do not guess when you can simply ask.

Next steps

If you are preparing to come to Australia, see the first 30 days checklist for new arrivals.

If you are looking for a home, see the guide on renting privately in Australia.