Your First 30 Days in Australia: A Checklist

Your first thirty days in Australia involve the most paperwork — but it is also the time when you have the most to organise. The checklist below helps you avoid missing any important step.

Week 1 — The urgent tasks

Temporary accommodation

Before you look for a long-term home, you need somewhere to stay in the first few days. If you have not arranged this in advance, common options are a hostel, Airbnb or staying with friends or relatives. Do not sign a long-term lease in your first week — you do not yet have enough information about the area, market prices and local contract terms.

Open a bank account

This is the highest priority in your first week. Most major Australian banks let you open an account online before you arrive — if you have not done this, get to a branch as soon as you can. A bank account is required to receive your salary, pay a rental bond and sign up for most services.

See the detailed guide on opening a bank account in Australia.

Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)

A TFN is your personal tax identifier — needed to work legally, lodge a tax return and access some financial services. Apply straight away through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website at ato.gov.au. You do not need to visit an office.

See the detailed guide on what a Tax File Number (TFN) is and how to apply.

Buy a phone SIM

This is essential from day one for staying in touch, using maps and booking services. The major telcos have counters right at the airport. Choose a prepaid plan for flexibility in your first month — once you are more settled you can switch to a monthly contract plan.

See also the guide on phone SIMs and internet in Australia.

Week 2 — Finding a home and basic sign-ups

Find a long-term home

Once you have a bank account and a phone, you can start looking for a rental in earnest. The most popular sites are realestate.com.au and domain.com.au. Prepare an application that includes identification, references (if you have them) and financial details.

See the guide on renting privately in Australia.

Enrol in Medicare (if eligible)

Not all visas give you access to Medicare. Check your eligibility on the Services Australia website (servicesaustralia.gov.au) — it depends on your visa type and the country you come from. If you are eligible, visit your nearest Services Australia office to enrol.

See the overview of Australia’s health system.

Connect home internet

Once you have a fixed address, ordering home internet is something to do early. The time from placing your order to having a working connection can range from a few days to a few weeks depending on the area and provider — order early to avoid being without it.

Weeks 3–4 — Settling in and preparing for the long term

Register with a GP

Find a general practitioner (GP) near your home and register as a patient. You do not need an appointment to register — you can call or drop in. Having your own GP means faster access to care and a continuous medical record.

Learn the public transport system

Each city has its own travel card system (Opal in Sydney, Myki in Melbourne, Go Card in Brisbane, and so on). Get a card and top it up early to avoid paying higher single-trip fares. Most cards can be bought at convenience stores or train stations.

Convert your driver’s licence (if you need to drive)

If you plan to drive, look into the rules in the state where you live for converting an overseas licence. Each state has different rules and usually a set time window from your arrival in Australia during which you can still use your existing licence.

See the overview of converting an overseas driver’s licence to an Australian one.

Enrol your children in school (if you have any)

If you have school-age children, contact your state’s education department or the school directly to learn the enrolment process. Public schools usually give priority based on your residential address — you need a stable rental address before you can enrol.

Set a household budget

After a few weeks, you will have enough data to build a realistic budget: rent, utilities, food, transport. This is a good time to plan your spending for the longer term.

See the guide on the cost of living in Australia and how to budget.

What does not need rushing in your first month

Some new arrivals rush to do too much at once and make mistakes. Things that do not need to be a priority right away:

• Buying a car: Research the registration, insurance and annual tax system carefully before deciding. Public transport is enough for the early period in most cities.
• Opening extra investment or superannuation accounts: Employer superannuation is set up automatically when you start working.
• Signing a long-term electricity/gas contract straight away: Research market prices and compare providers first — it only takes a few days but can save you a meaningful amount.

See also the guide on common mistakes new arrivals make in Australia.