Help & support
Open a bank account up to 14 days before you arrive in Australia. You’ll need to visit a branch when you arrive to identify yourself and provide your tax residency details before your account can be used.
You may want to get an Australian SIM card to enable you to use data more freely than using international roaming from your home country.
Many telecommunication companies in Australia allow you to get prepaid mobile plans which include international calls and texts, without the need for a contract.
Make sure you unlock your phone from it's current provider before you arrive, if you want to continue to use that phone in Australia.
Register to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) – you’ll need one if you’re planning on working. It can also save you paying too much tax if you open a bank account.
Visit your nearest roads authority office to obtain a driver licence if required.
Depending on your circumstances and visa, you may be eligible for free or subsidised healthcare
through Medicare.
The information on this website has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, you should, before acting on the information, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. Please view our Financial Services Guide (PDF). Full terms and conditions for the transaction and savings accounts (PDF) mentioned and Electronic Banking are available here or from any branch of the Commonwealth Bank.
Please view our Standard fees and charges for international payments and travel funds for more information about International money transfers.