For an over-planner like me, it can feel a tad overwhelming moving abroad and not instinctively knowing the daily nuances, like how to access healthcare, what you need to open a bank account, or even, what you need to pass through immigration once you arrive! I had visions of being turned away from the airport after 24+ hours travelling for forgetting something vital… awks.
Despite my ramblings below, what you need to apply for is a pretty short, straight-forward list…
*The below information is based on being a temporary resident on the working holiday visa - some advice may differ between visas.
Before you get here
Your visa: You can’t get into the country without it! If you’re coming over on a temporary resident/working holiday visa as I did, it’s pretty easy to sort it out by yourself, without the need for an agent or middle man. Read the eligibility information and follow the steps on the official website to apply here.
You’ll be asked to present your visa countless times while you’re here - basically, any time you’re asked to present your passport, unless it’s at the bottle-o - so print it out and keep it with your passport.
In your first week
Medicare card: Your Medicare card is the Aussie version of your NHS number, and will save you a lot in medical fees, should you need medical attention. Fill in the forms online here, then print out and take to your nearest Centrelink/Medicare centre (be prepared with your Oz address, passport and visa). Now, this is the home of most benefits systems, so be prepared for a little wait; go and sign in at the front desk, registering why you are there, and then sit and wait until you’re called. You can also fill out the forms I referenced above on the centre’s computers, but it means even more waiting time.
On the day, you’ll receive a Medicare number on a piece of paper, which you can use if you need the docs while you wait for your actual card to arrive in the post. When you do go to the doctors, it’ll be free if you visit a ‘bulk billing’ GP. Partial bulk build and totally private healthcare are also available, increasing in price, of course. The price fluctuations also apply when it comes to pharmacies. I opt for Chemist Warehouse (think of it like when you go to Superdrug to get your prescription).
Bank account: Now, I didn’t actually apply for a bank account in my first week, because I had a Monzo account. Monzo doesn’t charge any fees for using the card abroad, I was able to see what I was spending both in dollars and pounds. It also meant I could budget and transfer my Oz savings from my UK account bit by bit. However, if your bank charges you for foreign currency purchases, this is definitely one to apply for asap. Research the right bank for you; there are a couple that are a bit more temporary-resident-friendly. I opted to go into the branch, but some banks allow you to apply online; you’ll need proof of address, passport and visa again here.
It is worth me pointing out I did this stuff having already secured a permanent address; if you’re living in a hostel, hotel or AirBnb, you can get your Medicare card sent to a friend’s permanent address and apply for a bank account from some banks while you’re still in the UK.
Before you start working
Tax file number: Once you secure a job, one of the things you’ll be asked for is your tax file number. It is unique to you and yours for life, whether you move jobs, countries, etc, and makes sure you’re paying the right tax (without it, you’ll end up paying more). I applied before I started working, but it arrives fairly quickly, so depending on how quickly you start your role, you can even apply once you accept your job. Apply for your tax file number here. Don’t forget: you MUST file your taxes (whether you’re permanent, contract, or freelance) between 1st July and 31st October.
Super: As a temporary resident, you’re probably not thinking about retiring here, but your super is your pension, and a portion of your earnings goes into a super automatically. You can research the best super for your circumstances, or just go with the default super offered by your company once you start working.
Once you leave the country, you can apply for your super back. The stinger though, they tax you SIXTY-FIVE PERCENT. Yup. Just gotta swallow that one. 35% is better than 0% though, right?
Any other pointers?
‘Supporting yourself’ funds: Looking at the forums and blogs on moving to Australia, it is recommended you travel with proof of being able to support yourself here, and funds/ticket for a return flight. The general rule of thumb is at least $5,000 (circa £2,500).
I printed an excessive amount of proof of funds, flights, and address, ready to be scrutinised at the airport, but border control let me through with just the simple passport and visa check. Within Facebook group comments in ex-pat groups, I found this is not uncommon, however it is best to be prepared, just in case.
Glasses/contacts prescription: For fellow blind bats, come armed with a print-out of your official prescription in case you need to visit the optician or order contact lenses. Once you have that, it’s the same process to get sorted as the UK.
Honestly, everything else you can do as and when it arises. I was surprised how easy and smooth it was to set up everything.