🥱 the boring part of Australia first
3️⃣ Things I had to settle within the first week of landing in Melbourne:
📱 Get a local number! There are many providers to choose from and they often have new sign up bonuses that span between 1-6 months.
💡 TIP: Hop around providers to get discounted rates. I’ve tried three and their coverage was good as their parent companies are Optus / Telstra.
🌟 You will need an Australian number before employers can call you up for a job, and you also need one for other administrative tasks. So get it as soon as you land, or even before moving !
💴 Opened a bank account with Commonwealth Bank 🏦
💡 CWB is fee free for first 12 months and you can do a pre-account opening online before arriving, making your trip to the bank more fuss free!
💰 Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN, they call it) online after getting your phone number and a permanent (or semi) address where you can receive the TFN. You will need a TFN when applying for a job so that your taxes will be correctly processed.
💡 See last picture for a Pro Tip regarding a semi-perm address
😌 After the above was done, I heaved a sigh of relief, but I know there’s a next mountain to climb (figuratively) before I can climb real mountains here 😅
When I first arrived in Melbourne, one of my biggest challenges was getting connected and organized quickly. Activating a local SIM card, especially with providers like Dodo, was easier than expected because many offer eSIM options that you can activate almost immediately. Switching between providers like Felix Mobile and Amaysim made it possible to enjoy better coverage and promotional deals, since many share parent networks with Optus and Telstra. Opening a bank account with Commonwealth Bank was another critical step. Their fee-free offer for the first 12 months was a great relief, and I appreciated being able to start the process online before arrival, making my first visit to a branch smooth and hassle-free. Applying for the Tax File Number (TFN) took a bit more planning — you’ll need a permanent or semi-permanent address to receive your official documents. I found the pro tip to book accommodation for at least two weeks extremely helpful, so important letters wouldn’t get lost. A heads-up to your Airbnb host can help them safely manage any mail after you leave. Overall, tackling these administrative tasks within the first week helped me focus more on adapting to life and even planning some outdoor adventures. If you’re moving to Melbourne, sorting out your SIM, bank, and TFN early is a game changer for a smooth transition.
