Essential Steps to Take After Arriving in Australia on a Work Holiday Visa

Introduction

Arriving in a new country can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience. If you are traveling to Australia under a Work Holiday Visa (WHV), there are several crucial steps you need to take once you land. This guide will provide you with a clear action plan, ensuring that you settle into your new Australian life smoothly.

You finally arrived in Australia. Your Visa got granted your flight was long but succesful and now you are here. Here is your Guide on what you need to do now.

Content:

Step 1: Get a Simcard

Step2: Set Up your Bank Account

Step 3: Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)

Step 4: Open an IMMI Account

Step 5: Apply for Superannuition

Conclusion

Step 1: Get a Simcard

This is the simplest step out of the things you need to do. As in most countries, you can either get your Simcard directly upon arrival at the airport, or you can wait until you are in the city, where you will have more choices.

The most common SIM card options in Australia:

• Telstra

• Optus

• Vodafone

In Australia, it often depends on where you plan to go, which affects your choice of SIM.

I started off with Optus (I bought it at the Brisbane Airport), but I realized later in my travels that this wasn’t the best choice. When I went into the Outback QLD, I had little to no signal. When I started my work in a rural QLD roadhouse, I swapped SIM cards to Telstra, since Optus did not have any coverage in that area (for about a 4-hour drive radius in each direction).

After I had used Telstra for a while, I swapped again, this time to Aldi Mobile. It uses the same network as Telstra, but is much more reasonably priced. I’ve used it mostly in WA (city and remote) and up until now, I have not had any problems with it.

Pros and Cons of each SIM:

Telstra:

Pros:

• Best coverage across the country

• 4G & 5G Network

Cons:

• Pricier than most plans

Optus:

Pros:

• Cheaper than Telstra

• Good coverage in major cities

• No lock-in contracts

Cons:

• Not so good coverage in rural & remote QLD

2. Set Up Your Bank Account

One of the first things you need to do is set up a bank account. Having a local bank account is essential for managing your finances while living in Australia. It will simplify the process of receiving payments from employers, paying bills, and accessing funds easily.

Most major banks in Australia offer accounts specifically tailored for temporary residents. Don't forget to bring necessary identification documents, such as your passport and visa, when visiting the bank. The most common banks in Australia for WHV holders are the following: Commonwealth, NAB (National Australia Bank), ANZ, and Westpac. I would recommend setting up your bank account directly after arrival. In most cases, the easiest way is just to pop into the bank and open it with the working staff directly. I opened my account with Commonwealth, and I did it in a branch in Sydney. When I walked in, they told me I needed an appointment and that I could get one for around lunchtime. I was also advised to bring my necessary documents. With Commonwealth, if you are a non-Australian citizen, you need to open your account in person and can't do it online. The appointment itself only lasted for about 20 minutes, and I walked out with the Commonwealth app on my phone and the knowledge that my brand new bank card was on its way. For Commonwealth, you can use international or Australian mobile numbers, but Australian ones make the procedure a lot easier. Also, keep in mind that you need an address to which you can send your physical bank card. In most cases, this is a hostel, and the card takes approximately a week to arrive. But this depends on the bank and location.

What to bring:

• Passport

• Tax File Number (TFN) if you already have one; if not, that's okay, you can also add it later to your existing account.

• If you lived in previous countries, you need to provide all of your previous Tax Identification Numbers.

3. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)

Next on your list should be applying for a Tax File Number (TFN). This unique identifier is crucial for anyone who intends to work in Australia, as it ensures that the correct amount of tax is deducted from your earnings. You can conveniently apply for a TFN online through the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) website. Having this number will help you avoid unnecessary tax complications and ensure compliance with local tax laws.

After you have applied for a TFN, they will send it to you, so again you will need to provide an address to which they can send it. Attention: For each workplace you start, you will need a TFN. Each working individual in Australia should possess one TFN. After you receive your TFN, don’t forget to add it to your bank; usually you can do this via an app or by calling the branch you opened your account with.

Apply here for your TFN

4. Open an ImmiAccount

Lastly, opening an ImmiAccount is highly recommended. This online platform managed by the Department of Home Affairs allows you to manage your visa and immigration processes efficiently. With an ImmiAccount, you can easily update your personal information, check your visa status, and even apply for future visas if desired. Creating this account shortly after your arrival will aid in streamlining any necessary administrative tasks during your stay.

Step 5: Request Superannuition

What is Superannuition?

Superannuation (often called “super”) is Australia’s retirement savings system. It’s money that is set aside and invested during your working life so you have income to draw on when you retire.

For most employees, your employer pays super contributions into a super fund on top of your wages (this is called the Superannuation Guarantee). The fund invests that money (for example in shares, property, and cash), and your balance can grow over time through investment returns.

Generally, you can’t access super whenever you want—there are rules and age conditions (like reaching preservation age and retiring) that determine when you can withdraw it. Many people can also add extra to their super themselves (via salary sacrifice or personal contributions) to boost their retirement savings.

Usually this step is done when your already secured your first stop and your new employer can assist you with it.

Conclusion

Moving to Australia on a Work Holiday Visa can be a transformative experience filled with opportunities. By setting up a bank account, applying for a Tax File Number, and opening an ImmiAccount, you can ensure that your transition is smooth and hassle-free. Taking these steps after your arrival will not only enable you to navigate the financial and legal aspects of your stay but also allow you to focus on making the most of your time in this beautiful and diverse country. Welcome to Australia!