Your First Week in Australia—Day-by-Day Checklist

Your First Week in Australia

Landing in Australia is exciting but logistically dense. You need to secure housing, access money, and register with key government agencies—all while managing jet lag. This checklist breaks your first week into manageable chunks.

Day 1: Land and Settle

Your priority: accommodation, cash, and communication.

1. Collect your luggage and clear customs. Keep your visa paperwork, passport, and any ID documents with you.

2. Pick up a SIM card at the airport. Major carriers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) operate airport kiosks. A prepaid plan lets you contact your host or landlord immediately.

3. Get cash from an ATM. Most Australian banks charge foreign cardholders a fee (AUD 2–5). International transfers arrive within 1-3 business days, but you'll need cash today.

4. Head to your temporary accommodation. An Airbnb or hostel near public transport buys you time to find permanent housing without stress.

5. Confirm your permanent address. Once you've secured a rental, you'll need it for bank account, TFN, and Medicare applications.

Days 2–3: Bank Account and Housing

Start your government registrations and lock in housing.

1. Open an Australian bank account. You'll need your passport and visa. Most Big 4 banks (CBA, NAB, Westpac, ANZ) open accounts in-branch on the day. Some let you pre-open online before arrival. An account gives you a local payment method and salary deposit option.

2. View rental properties and apply. Use websites like Domain, Realestate, or Rent.com.au. An application typically costs AUD 30–50 and includes references and identification. If you lack local references, explain this in your cover letter and offer payslips or employer verification.

3. Understand bond and rental costs. Bonds are usually 4 weeks' rent, held in trust by the rental authority. Budget for: bond, first month's rent, real estate agent fee (varies), and utility setup costs.

4. Apply for a TFN (Tax File Number). Do this immediately if you plan to work. Apply online via myGov or the ATO website. Processing takes 10-28 days depending on your method. Your employer needs it before your first day.

Days 4–5: Government Services

Complete essential registrations.

1. Set up myGov. This digital hub links all government services. You'll need it to apply for a TFN and later for Medicare. Create an account at my.gov.au using email and identity verification (driver's licence or passport).

2. Apply for Medicare. If your visa allows it, Medicare covers most medical costs. Application takes 2-4 weeks. Until your card arrives, keep proof of application to show doctors.

3. Register your address with Australia Post. This is optional but helps with mail and parcel delivery. Do it online at auspost.com.au.

Days 6–7: Utilities and Settling In

Connect your rental and finish the basics.

1. Connect electricity, gas, and internet. Contact your landlord for the property's utility provider details and account numbers. Most utilities take 1-3 business days to activate. Book appointments at least 48 hours ahead.

2. Get a mobile plan. If you grabbed a prepaid SIM at the airport, consider switching to postpaid now. Postpaid plans often include more data and better rates than prepaid for regular use.

3. Buy household essentials. Visit Bunnings, Kmart, or IKEA for basics like bedding, toilet paper, and kitchen items. Supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths, Aldi) stock groceries.

Common Pitfalls

1. Assuming bank account takes weeks. Most Big 4 banks open accounts same-day in-branch. Some let you pre-open online.

2. Skipping the TFN application. Your employer cannot pay you properly without it. Withholding applies if you delay.

3. Not budgeting for bond and fees. A rental bond is 4 weeks' rent plus agent fees (often 5–7 % of weekly rent). Save AUD 3,000–5,000 upfront for a modest rental.

4. Underestimating utility setup delays. Utilities take 1-3 business days but can be slower during busy periods. Book early.

5. Buying a phone plan without checking coverage. Telstra has the widest regional coverage. Optus and Vodafone cover cities well but patchy in outback areas.

Task Priority Matrix

| Task | Urgency | Time to Complete | When |
|------|---------|------------------|------|
| SIM card | Critical | 30 minutes | Day 1 |
| Bank account | Critical | 1 hour | Day 2–3 |
| Accommodation | Critical | 2–7 days | Day 1–7 |
| TFN application | High | 10 minutes | Day 2–3 |
| Medicare | High | 15 minutes | Day 4–5 |
| myGov setup | High | 10 minutes | Day 4–5 |
| Utilities | High | 1 hour | Day 6–7 |
| Postpaid mobile | Medium | 1 hour | Day 4–7 |
| Australian driving licence | Medium | 2–4 weeks | Week 2–3 |
| Superannuation | Medium | 10 minutes | Week 2 |

Next Steps

- Week 2: Convert your overseas driving licence, enrol in superannuation, register for any work-related insurance.
- Month 1: Review your rental agreement, set up automatic bill payments, join a local club or group to meet people.
- Month 2: Complete any visa-specific reporting if required. Check your TFN arrived and is correct.