FreshInAustralia

First 30 Days in Australia Checklist (2026 Guide)

Last updated: March 2026

Moving to Australia can feel overwhelming. There are multiple systems to set up — banking, tax, healthcare, housing — and missing something early can cost you time and money later.

This checklist breaks down exactly what you should do in your first 30 days, in the right order.

Week 1: Set the Basics

Your first week should focus on getting connected and financially functional.

✅ 1. Get an Australian SIM Card

  • Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport or supermarket
  • Major providers: Telstra, Optus, Vodafone
  • Needed for:
    • Bank verification
    • Job applications
    • Government services

✅ 2. Open a Bank Account

  • Do this immediately to avoid delays in getting paid
  • Popular banks:
    • Commonwealth Bank
    • ANZ
    • NAB
    • Westpac

What you need:

  • Passport
  • Visa
  • Australian address (temporary is fine)

👉 Check our guide Best Bank Accounts for Migrants

✅ 3. Find Temporary Accommodation

  • Book 1–4 weeks initially
  • Options:
    • Airbnb
    • Hostels
    • Short-term rentals

👉 Don’t rush into long-term leases

✅ 4. Get a Transport Card

Depends on your city:

  • Sydney: Opal
  • Melbourne: Myki
  • Brisbane: Go Card
  • Perth: SmartRider

Week 2: Legal & Work Setup

Now you make yourself legally ready to work and earn.

✅ 5. Apply for a TFN (Tax File Number)

This is mandatory to work in Australia.

Where to apply:

  • Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website

Processing time:

  • Usually 1–2 weeks

👉 Check our guide Apply for a TFN

✅ 6. Understand Your Superannuation

  • Super = retirement savings (paid by employer)
  • You can choose your fund or use a default one

👉 You don’t need to set this up immediately, but understand it early

✅ 7. Update Your Resume (Australian Format)

  • 2–3 pages
  • No photo
  • Focus on achievements, not responsibilities

✅ 8. Start Job Applications

  • Use:
    • Seek
    • Indeed
    • LinkedIn

👉 Apply broadly — response rates can be slow initially

Week 3: Settle In Properly

Now focus on stability — housing, healthcare, daily life.

✅ 9. Find Long-Term Accommodation

Options:

  • Shared housing (most common for newcomers)
  • Studio/1-bedroom apartments

Where to search:

  • Flatmates
  • Domain
  • Realestate.com.au

👉 Be careful of scams — never pay before inspection

✅ 10. Set Up Utilities (If Renting)

  • Electricity
  • Gas
  • Internet

Often not needed if you’re in shared housing

✅ 11. Get Overseas Student Health Cover (If Student)

  • Mandatory for student visa holders

👉 Check our guide Student Health Insurance

✅ 12. Register with a GP (Doctor)

  • Find a local clinic
  • Many offer bulk billing (free under Medicare)

Week 4: Optimise & Organise

Now you move from “surviving” to being efficient and settled.

✅ 13. Link Your Bank Account to Employer

  • Provide:
    • BSB
    • Account number

✅ 14. Create a Budget

Use your salary after tax to plan realistically. Your main expenses:

  • Rent (largest cost)
  • Groceries
  • Transport
  • Utilities

👉 Check our Salary Calculator

👉 Check our Cost of Living Calculator

✅ 15. Set Up MyGov Account

  • Connect services like:
    • ATO
    • Medicare
    • Centrelink (if applicable)

✅ 16. Understand Your Payslip

Check for:

  • Tax withheld
  • Super contributions
  • Hourly rate accuracy

✅ 17. Build a Routine

  • Commute
  • Grocery shopping
  • Gym / social activities

👉 This is key for mental stability after relocation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Not applying for TFN early
❌ Overpaying for rent in the first month
❌ Accepting the first job without comparison
❌ Ignoring superannuation
❌ Falling for rental scams

Quick Summary Checklist

Week 1

  • SIM card
  • Bank account
  • Temporary housing
  • Transport card

Week 2

  • TFN application
  • Resume update
  • Start job search

Week 3

  • Long-term accommodation
  • Utilities
  • Healthcare setup

Week 4

  • Budget
  • MyGov account
  • Payslip check
  • Routine

Final Thoughts

Your first 30 days in Australia are about momentum, not perfection.

Focus on:

  • Getting legal and financial systems in place
  • Avoiding rushed decisions (especially housing)
  • Building a stable routine

Once these basics are sorted, everything else becomes significantly easier.

If you're new to Australia, also check out:

These will help you make smarter financial decisions from day one.