First things first; TFN, SIM and Aussie bank card.

So you've just arrived in the country. For me it was a hot and humid evening, which as a contrast from the UK in February, felt foreign and exciting. I was staying in a homestay (I'll write a blog post of that experience), and my host pulled upto the airport pick up zone in one of those huge 4x4 cars everyone seems to have over here.

I was lucky to be in a homestay as I had the asset of Aussie knowledge whenever I needed. Particually in the first week when you're jetlagged and just trying to get used to a different environment. But I'll be providing you with everything I've learnt to make your first week run smoothly.

Unlike in the UK, a lot of the things like banks are in the city, often not the little town centers. Aussies call the city the CBD (central business district). To start with, unless your accommodation is right in the CBD, you'll need to figure out public transport to get there.

I started in Queensland which have the Go Translink cards (pretty much the same as an oyster card). Transport systems differ state to state, so you'll have to figure out whats what for your state. The twist with the is Gocards, a lot of transport such as the CityCat only take Gocards, no cash or debit card, so I needed to get that first. You can get Go cards from a local newsagent.

SIM card

You need to get your Australian phone number first. Usually, if you want to open a bank account or apply for TFN, they need your Aussie number and won't accept your UK one.

You can get SIM cards from supermarkets, but they'll be limited options. I found there's a great choice at JB Hi-Fi (kinda like the Aussie version of CEX but with more new stuff), or Officeworks. You can go straight to mobile dealers but it'll often be super expensive and busy.

The smart thing to do would to be have a dual SIM phone, so you can have both your Aussie and UK SIM cards in simultaneously. You can change the settings so your phone uses the correct SIM for phone calls for example. Make sure you get one which includes text and phone calls as the internet only ones won't be very useful if an potential employer needs to call to set up a trial shift!

The best value SIM I've found is Belong 25GB per month. It uses Telstra network so its got good coverage, and any data you don't use automatically rolls over to next month. It cost $29 per month at the point I bought it, and you can get $20 referral codes.

I wish I could explain e-SIMs to you but I don't really understand that one myself haha. Have a research and see what the best option for you is!

For the next two, it doesn't really matter what order you do them in;

Bank card

The main Aussie banks are Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, Australia and New Zealand banking group (ANB) and National Australia bank (NAB). Unlike the UK these 4 main ones really dominate the market so you'd really be best to pick one of these. Comms is probably the biggest.

Some of them offer accounts that you can set up in the UK, finish opening when you get there and pick up your card in branch. This can be useful if you're moving about and need a card quicker. If you get a UK card like Monzo or Revolut with no fees to spend abroad, it takes the pressure off trying to get this sorted straight away.

If you're going in branch to set up (like I did), you'll need to bring;

• Passport

• UK National Insurance number

• Visa grant letter

• Aussie phone number

• Your address

You can get your bank card set up on your phone straight away and they'll post your bank card to you. Post is slow in Australia, but it took mine a week to arrive (which was fast apparently). You'll need to provide your bank with you TFN when you get it to avoid paying extra tax on your interest.

TFN (Tax file number)

Lots of companies will often charge you for getting a TFN. It's a bit of a scam because TFN's are easy to get and free at the official Australian Taxation office (ato) website. It's essentially Aussie equivalent of our national insurance number. Your employer will ask for this when you start a new job. You don't need to provide it straight away, but you'll be charged a crazy amount of tax if you don't get it to them quickly.

You'll need to be in the country when you apply for this, and they'll post the TFN to your registered address. It can take upto a month to arrive, but mine arrived in about 2 weeks. If you'll be moving around a lot at the start and won't be in the sane place for a month, then I suggest just putting your current hostel/accommodation address for the TFN. Then after a few days you can phone them and they will provide the number over the phone. You can't put P.O boxes as the address. Also remember to give your bank your TFN when you get it, to avoid being charged extra tax on interest.

Feel free to leave a comment below with questions or your own experiences.

Happy travelling! 🦘🐨🌿

DISCLAMER: This is a free blog based on my own experience. ​Please refer to the official Australian immigration website or an official immigration agent for current rules and restrictions.