Moving to Australia

Everything you need to know before moving to Australia, from “what do you need to have in your suitcase” to “how to be ready before going to the Land of Kangaroos”.

Moving to Australia: What do you need to have:

 

Passport

The first thing you cannot forget is obviously the passport. Without a passport, you cannot enter Australia therefore, if you own one already, you simply have to check if it’s valid for more than 6 months; if don’t have one already, make sure you get it as soon as possible.

 

The Visa

The second thing you need in your suitcase is a visa. There are several types of visas which allow international citizens to stay legally in Australia; among the most common ones, the Working Holiday Visa which is valid for a year, and renewable for a second one; the Tourist Visa which is valid for 3 months and a maximum of 12; the Student Visa which depends on the length of the course you enroll for and, finally, the Visa Sponsorship which can last from two to four years, based on the job you have.

 

Speaking English

The third thing that “should” not miss in your suitcase to move to Australia, is the English language itself. Despite the fact that a lot of people still leaves with a basic or non-existent knowledge of the language, speaking it not only will facilitate the entire process of social integration in the community, but it will also guarantee better job titles and drastically decrease the impact caused from living in a country completely different from ours.

 

Read How to Study English in Australia

  

Health insurance – Medicare

Thanks to an agreement between Australia and some countries such as Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom, every citizen entering Australia is entitled to a general health insurance provided by Medicare, the Australian public health system. Medicare covers, indeed, any injury or illness you might have to deal with during your stay in Australia.

 

Read How to get Medicare in Australia

 

How to communicate – phones and Internet

The first thing to do once you have arrived in Australia is to get an Australian SIM card. You can choose between a lot of national phone companies, such as Amaysim, Optus, Vodafone, Virgin Mobile or Telstra, and then decide whether to activate a prepaid contract or simply pay a monthly bill. Consider your needs, also depending on the amount of GB data and minutes that are offered.

 

How to pay – money and bank account

Last but not least, another thing you have to bring to Australia with you is money! The official currency there is the Australian Dollar. Please ensure you have some cash and a credit or debit card that are approved for international circuits. If you want to stay for more than a few months, we suggest you open a bank account in Australia to get a credit card from the bank you have chosen (Commonwealth, ANZ, NAB, Westpac are only some of the most important ones).

 

Is moving to Australia your dream? Contact Australia Way Agency!

Our staff is always available to answer your questions, to help you make your dreams come true.