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First 90 Days in Australia Checklist

Essential checklist for new migrants arriving in Australia. TFN, bank account, Medicare, phone setup, accommodation and everything you need to do in the first 3 months.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute migration advice. Always consult a registered migration agent for advice specific to your situation.

Week 1: Survival Essentials

Your first week in Australia is about establishing the basics. Everything else builds on these foundations. Do them in this order — each step enables the next:

  • Day 1-2: Bank account. Visit a CBA, NAB, or Westpac branch with your passport (within 6 weeks of arrival, you only need your passport). Open an everyday account and a savings account. If you set one up online before arriving, visit a branch to verify your identity and receive your debit card. Transfer money from your Chinese account using Wise or OFX (not your bank — too expensive).
  • Day 1-2: SIM card. Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport or any Woolworths, Coles, or newsagent. Recommendation: Boost $30 prepaid (full Telstra network, 40GB data, 28-day expiry). You need an Australian phone number for almost every service registration. Keep your Chinese SIM active in a spare phone for WeChat/Alipay verification.
  • Day 1-3: Accommodation. If you don't have permanent housing arranged, temporary options: Airbnb (best for families, kitchen access), share house (cheapest, found via Flatmates.com.au or WeChat groups), serviced apartment (more expensive but convenient for first 1-4 weeks). Start searching for permanent rental immediately — the market moves fast.
  • Day 3-5: Tax File Number (TFN). Apply online at ato.gov.au. You need: passport, visa, Australian address. Processing: 10-28 days. The TFN is mailed to your address. Without it, your employer withholds tax at the highest rate (47%). Apply ASAP — you can start working before receiving it.
  • Day 5-7: Medicare. Visit a Medicare Service Centre (inside Centrelink/Services Australia offices) with your passport and visa evidence. PR holders, citizens, and NZ citizens are eligible. Your card arrives in 2-3 weeks; you get a temporary number immediately. Download the Express Plus Medicare app.

Week 2-4: Building Your Foundation

  • Driver's licence: Within the first 3-6 months (varies by state), you can drive on your Chinese licence with a certified English translation or International Driving Permit. Start the conversion process early — in some states (NSW), if you've held your Chinese licence for 3+ years, you only need a knowledge test. Get a NAATI-certified translation of your Chinese licence ($50-100).
  • Rental application: Apply for permanent rental housing. You'll need: 100 points of ID, proof of income (employment contract or 3 months of bank statements), references (previous landlord, or employer if first rental). Chinese migrants often face challenges with no rental history — some landlords accept larger rent-in-advance periods (3-6 months) to offset this. Ask your employer for a reference letter.
  • Utilities setup: Once in permanent housing: electricity (compare at energymadeeasy.gov.au), gas (if applicable), internet (compare at whistleout.com.au). Most connections are same-day for existing infrastructure. Internet takes 3-10 days for NBN activation.
  • Superannuation: Choose a super fund before your employer defaults you into their chosen fund (which may have higher fees). Low-cost funds: AustralianSuper, Sunsuper, Australian Retirement Trust. Compare at superguide.com.au. Provide your chosen fund details to your employer on your first day.
  • Health insurance: If you earn over $93,000 (single) or $186,000 (family), consider basic hospital cover to avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge. If you're over 31, buy private health before July 1 following your 31st birthday to avoid Lifetime Health Cover loading (2% premium increase for each year over 31 without cover).

Month 2-3: Integration

  • English language support: Free English classes (AMEP — Adult Migrant English Program) are available for eligible migrants. 510 hours of free tuition. Register through your nearest AMEP provider. Even if your English is good, these classes help with Australian-specific English (slang, workplace communication, accent familiarity).
  • Community connections: Join Chinese community groups — WeChat neighbourhood groups (search for your suburb + 华人群), Chinese professional associations, local Chinese churches or temples. These networks are invaluable for practical advice, job leads, and social support. Major Chinese community organisations: CASS (Sydney), CCCV (Melbourne), CCCQ (Brisbane).
  • Electoral roll: If you're an Australian citizen, you MUST enrol to vote within 8 weeks. Register at aec.gov.au. Failure to enrol and vote in elections results in fines.
  • Emergency contacts: Save these numbers: 000 (emergency — police, fire, ambulance), 131 444 (police non-emergency), 13 11 14 (Lifeline — mental health crisis, multilingual), 1800 737 732 (1800RESPECT — family violence), 131 450 (Translating and Interpreting Service — free for many government services).
  • Update address everywhere: ATO, Medicare, bank, electoral roll, driver's licence, super fund. Australian services are address-based — an incorrect address means missed mail, missed bills, and potential issues.

The First 6 Weeks Rule: The most critical deadline is opening your bank account within 6 weeks of arrival — after that, you need 100 points of Australian ID which is much harder to get as a new arrival. Everything else can be done at a more relaxed pace, but the bank account should be Day 1-2 priority. Print this checklist and tick items off as you complete them.