Australia Living Tips

Planning to immigrate to Australia, besides visas and legal documents, understanding local life details is equally important. From transportation, renting, medical care, to education, cultural differences, and family settlement, this article analyzes each aspect for you, helping you integrate smoothly into your new life.

1. Transportation and Ways of Getting Around

Australia is vast with a sparse population, all major cities have comprehensive public transportation systems, while remote areas mainly rely on self-driving.

City Transportation Cards:

• Sydney: Opal Card

• Melbourne: Myki Card

• Brisbane: Go Card

• Adelaide: MetroCard

These cards can be used for trains, buses, and trams, and support online top-up and balance inquiry.

Self-Driving Notes:

• Initially, you can use an international driver’s license (with English translation) to rent a car, but for long-term residence you need to convert to an Australian local license (regulations vary by state)

• Driving is on the left side, and speed limits and drink driving regulations are extremely strict

2. Opening Bank Accounts and Daily Finance

Bank Account Opening Process:

• You can open an account online in advance, and after arriving in Australia, go to a branch with your passport, visa, and address proof to complete identity verification

• Common banks: Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac, NAB

Finance and Tax Reminders:

• Australia is a country with global taxation, pay attention to the obligation to declare overseas assets

• It is recommended to seek a professional accountant's help for tax planning, especially for high-net-worth or business owners

3. Renting and Settlement Guide

Finding Accommodation Channels:

• Rental platforms: Domain, RealEstate.com.au

• You can choose units, apartments or independent houses, some families also prefer House with Land (with yard) type

Important Notes:

• Usually need to pay 4 weeks of deposit (Bond) and 2 weeks of rent in advance

• Check the condition of the house and take photos for record, to avoid disputes when moving out

• It is recommended to purchase home insurance or renter’s insurance

4. Medical and Insurance System

Public Medical System: Medicare

• Provides basic medical services, outpatient and partial emergency cost subsidies

• Only applies to permanent residents, citizens, and certain visas (such as some skilled migrants)

Private Health Insurance:

• It is recommended to pair with Bupa, Medibank, nib and other private health insurance, covering dental, ophthalmology, and upgraded hospitalization

• International students must purchase OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)

5. Education System and Children’s Placement

Public and Private Schools:

• In Australia, school age starts at 5 years old for primary school, then enters secondary school

• Government schools are zoned according to address, and some states such as NSW charge fees for non-permanent resident families

Childcare and Preschool Education:

• The government subsidizes childcare services (Child Care Subsidy), registration with Centrelink is required first

• Families can choose kindergarten, family day care, or long day care centers

Higher Education:

• Australian universities use a credit system, semesters are in Semester or Trimester system, and international students can apply for support services, language courses and career counseling provided by the school

6. Daily Consumption and Lifestyle

Supermarkets and Daily Shopping:

• Mainstream supermarkets: Woolworths, Coles, ALDI

• Chinese communities often have large Asian supermarkets providing rice, seasonings, Chinese frozen food

Online Shopping and Food Delivery:

• Platforms: Amazon AU, Catch, Kogan, food delivery commonly uses Uber Eats, DoorDash

Telecom Rental and Internet:

• Major telecom providers: Telstra, Optus, Vodafone

• You can choose prepaid card or monthly plan, internet speed and coverage vary slightly by region

7. Cultural Integration and Social Habits

Daily Etiquette:

• Australians value privacy and equality, and are used to greeting strangers (e.g.: “How’s it going?”)

• Communication is direct but polite, and the workplace emphasizes teamwork and clear responsibilities

Building Social Circles:

• You can join church, community activities, sports clubs, or school parent associations to meet local contacts

• Immigrant families often obtain living information and support from local Chinese associations or WeChat groups

8. Suggested Checklist for New Immigrants

• Buy SIM card: Can be purchased at the airport upon arrival, convenient for contact and receiving bank SMS verification.

• Open bank account: Recommended to choose a bank with dense branches and comprehensive services.

• Apply for tax number (TFN): Can be applied for on the Australian Tax Office (ATO) website, for tax reporting and legal work.

• Book family doctor (GP): Recommended to register a general practitioner, establish a health record, convenient for future referrals.

• Buy daily necessities: Can go to Kmart, Big W, IKEA to buy initial furniture and daily items.

• Familiarize with community and transport: Suggested to visit schools, shopping areas, medical institutions, and public transport routes in person to get familiar with the environment as early as possible.