Your First Week in Australia: What to Do, What Can Wait

Your first week in Australia can feel overwhelming — the to-do list is long, everything is new, and you do not yet know what matters more than what. This guide helps you sort it out: what to do right away, what to do in the first few weeks, and what can wait.

Do these in the first 48 hours

Confirm your accommodation

Whether you are in a hotel, staying with someone, or have already rented a place, the first thing is to make sure you have a safe place to rest and keep your belongings. If you do not yet have a fixed address, keep your booking confirmation or the contact details of your temporary place — you will need an address for many later tasks.

Buy a phone SIM

A phone SIM is the number one priority after you land — you need an Australian phone number to receive calls, book appointments, and use apps that require OTP verification. Prepaid telcos sell SIMs at the airport and in large supermarkets, with no complicated paperwork.

Get a small amount of cash

Even if you have an international bank card, it is wise to have some AUD cash for situations where a card will not work — car parks, vending machines, or anything that needs urgent payment before you open an Australian account.

Do these in your first week

Open a bank account

This is one of the most important things to do early. An Australian bank account is needed to receive your salary, sign up for utilities, and avoid foreign-currency conversion fees on every purchase. Some major banks let you open an account online before you arrive; if you have not done this, go to a branch with your passport and visa in your first week. See the detailed guide on opening a bank account in Australia.

Find a GP (family doctor)

Register with a GP clinic near your home early — many clinics have a waiting list and do not take new patients straight away. Look for a GP that accepts Medicare (if you are eligible) or one that can provide paid consultations while you wait for Medicare. Find information at healthdirect.gov.au.

Get to know your area

Walking or taking the bus around your area in the first week helps you orient yourself: where the nearest supermarket is, which bus or train stop is closest to home, where the pharmacy and nearest hospital are. This practical knowledge is far more useful than looking it up on a map.

Connect with the community online

Join a Vietnamese Facebook group in the city where you live. This is the fastest source of practical advice — from where to buy Vietnamese food, to clinic recommendations, to warnings about local scams.

No rush in your first week

Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)

A TFN is important, but you have time to apply once you are settled. You can apply online at ato.gov.au — no office visit needed. If you start working straight away, you will still be paid; tax will just be withheld at a higher rate until you have a TFN. See the full guide on what a Tax File Number (TFN) is and how to apply.

Buying a car

Unless you live in a remote area with no public transport, you do not need to buy a car right away. Use the bus or train in your first month to understand the local transport system before deciding. Rushing to buy a car in your first week easily leads to an ill-informed decision.

Converting your driver’s licence

This can be done once you are more settled — it is not urgent in your first week unless you need to drive immediately.

Enrolling in Medicare

If you are eligible, enrolling early is good — but not in your first 24 hours. Prioritise accommodation and a SIM first.

Priority order at a glance

First 48 hours: safe accommodation → phone SIM → some cash

First week: bank account → GP → get to know your area → community

No rush: TFN, a car, Medicare, converting your licence

Next steps

For the full first-30-days list broken down by week, see the first 30 days checklist for new arrivals.

For the common mistakes new arrivals make — including doing too much at once — see the guide on common mistakes new arrivals make in Australia.