Moving to a new country can be a thrilling adventure, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. If you’re planning to head to Australia, Martina has got you covered with her latest video, “COMPLETE Guide For Your First Month in Australia (2024).” Martina moved to Australia nine years ago to study, fell in love with the place, and decided to stay. Now a proud Australian citizen, she’s sharing her top tips to help new arrivals settle in smoothly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5w1ayAikBU
Getting Connected: The First Step
First things first, you’ll need an Australian phone number. Martina suggests grabbing an Australian SIM card or eSIM right at the airport or from a local supermarket. The big names in mobile service here are Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone.
Prices have gone up recently, so it’s worth doing a bit of research to snag a good deal. If you already have a phone, a SIM-only plan is the way to go. But if you need a new phone, consider a monthly plan that includes both the phone and SIM.
Navigating Public Transport
Australia’s public transport is super efficient and budget-friendly, but it can be a bit confusing at first. Martina breaks it down for us: depending on where you are, you’ll find buses, trains, trams, ferries, and even city bikes and scooters.
You’ll need a public transport card, which you can pick up at train stations, convenience stores, or online. Many places now accept contactless payments, so you can use your credit card or phone to tap on and off.
Accommodation Insights
Finding a place to live is a biggie. Martina recommends booking short-term accommodations like Airbnb for your first few weeks or month. This gives you time to find a more permanent spot.
Websites like flatmates.com.au are great for share houses, while realestate.com.au and domain.com.au are best for long-term rentals. Watch out for rental scams—always inspect properties in person or have someone trustworthy do it for you.
Banking and Financial Setup
Setting up a bank account is crucial. Martina loves how straightforward the banking system is here. Major banks like Commonwealth Bank, NAB, ANZ, and Westpac allow you to open accounts online even before you arrive.
You’ll need your passport, visa, tax file number (TFN), and proof of address to get started.
Employment Essentials
Finding a job in Australia, especially in hospitality and retail, is pretty straightforward. However, professional roles can be a bit more competitive. Martina highlights job search sites like SEEK, Indeed, Ethical Jobs, and LinkedIn.
If you have your eye on a specific company, check their careers section online. Be prepared with a resume, cover letter, and sometimes a key selection criteria document.
Healthcare and Insurance
Health insurance is a must. Australia has both public health insurance (Medicare) and private health insurance. To get Medicare, you need to be a permanent resident, citizen, or from a country with a reciprocal agreement.
Otherwise, you’ll need private health insurance, which often comes with extra perks. For emergencies, dial Triple Zero.
Building a Social Network
Making friends is key to feeling at home. Martina knows from experience how important it is to build a social network for your well-being. She encourages newcomers to explore their local area, join meetup groups, and take advantage of university orientation weeks to meet people and make friends.
Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Martina wraps up her video with some encouraging words: explore, enjoy the process, and make the most of this exciting adventure. Moving to a new country is a big deal, but it’s also a chance to create amazing new experiences.
For more tips and detailed advice, Martina’s YouTube channel is a goldmine of information about living, working, and studying in Australia. Her friendly, practical advice makes her an invaluable resource for anyone planning to call Australia home.
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