Guides for new arrivals in Australia

Plain-English guides to the things you need to sort out in your first three months in Australia, with the rules for every state and territory and links to the official sources.

1. Renting a home in Australia as a new arrivalHow renting works in Australia: finding a place, applying, bonds and rent in advance, and the bond rules in every state.
2. Emergency numbers in Australia: 000 and non-urgent linesWhen to call 000, and the police, SES and other non-urgent numbers in every state and territory.
3. Getting an Australian SIM card and mobile numberHow to choose a mobile network and plan in Australia, prepaid or post-paid, what ID you need, and what to check before you pay.
4. How to check your visa conditions in Australia (VEVO)What VEVO is and how to check your visa, its expiry date and your work and study conditions.
5. How to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) as a new arrivalWhat a TFN is, why you need one, and how to apply online for free once you are in Australia.
6. How to set up myGovWhat myGov is and how it connects you to Medicare, the ATO and Centrelink.
7. Enrolling in Medicare as a new arrivalWhat Medicare covers, who can enrol, and what you need to apply.
8. Private health insurance and ambulance cover in AustraliaWhat Medicare does not cover, visa health insurance conditions, and whether ambulances are free in each state.
9. How to find a GP (doctor) in AustraliaWhat a GP is, how bulk billing works, how to find and book a GP near you, and getting your children's overseas vaccinations recorded.
10. Opening a bank account in AustraliaWhy you need an Australian bank account and where to find official guidance on managing money.
11. Setting up electricity and gas in AustraliaHow to compare electricity and gas plans, and the official comparison site for each state.
12. Getting home internet (NBN) in AustraliaHow the NBN works, how to check your address, and how to choose a speed and provider.
13. How bin day works in AustraliaWhat the different wheelie bins are for, how council collection works, and how to find your bin day in every state.
14. Saving money on groceries in AustraliaWhen Coles, Woolworths and Aldi specials change, how to use unit prices, half-price specials and loyalty programs, and other money-saving tips.
15. Driving in Australia on an overseas licenceHow long you can drive on an overseas licence and when you need a local licence, state by state.
16. Renting or buying a car in AustraliaWhat to check when you hire a car, how to check a used car, registration and CTP insurance, and transfer rules in each state.
17. How to pay for public transport in Australian citiesCards, contactless payment and children's fares for buses, trains and trams in every state and territory.
18. Enrolling your child in school in AustraliaHow public school enrolment works, and school fees for temporary visa holders in each state.
19. Child car seat rules in Australia, by stateWhich car seat your child needs at each age, and front seat rules in every state and territory.
20. Family payments and waiting periods for new residentsHow Centrelink family payments work for new arrivals and how the newly arrived resident's waiting period applies.
21. Children's vaccinations for new arrivals in AustraliaHow to get your child's overseas vaccinations checked and added to the Australian Immunisation Register.
22. Settlement support for new migrants in AustraliaSettlement services, English classes and community support in every state and territory.