How much cash do I need to rent a place in Australia as a newcomer?
Usually the bond plus rent in advance. Bond limits are set by each state: NSW and Queensland cap it at 4 weeks’ rent, Victoria at one month where rent is $900 a week or less, Western Australia at 4 weeks up to $1,200 a week, and South Australia at 4 weeks up to $800 a week (6 weeks above that). In NSW and Western Australia, rent in advance is capped at 2 weeks. On an $800-a-week Sydney rental that is a $3,200 bond plus $1,600 in advance, so $4,800 before you move in.
Can I open an Australian bank account before I arrive?
Yes. The Victorian Government’s Study Melbourne guide says you can set up a bank account before you arrive or after you get here. If you apply online you still need to visit a branch with your passport to verify your ID before you can access the money. Timing rules differ by bank, so ask when you apply.
How long does an Australian tax file number take?
It is free to apply. If you are in Australia with a work-rights visa you apply online, you do not need to send documents, and the ATO says you should receive your TFN within 28 days of a completed application, posted to the Australian address you gave.
Will Medicare cover me when I move from the UK or India?
It depends on your visa, so check your eligibility with Services Australia before relying on it. Australia has reciprocal health care agreements with 11 countries. The UK is one, but it is built for UK visitors who are ordinarily resident in the UK and covers medically necessary care. India is not on the list.
What happens to my UK State Pension if I live in Australia?
The UK State Pension only gets yearly increases if you live in the EEA, Switzerland or a country with a qualifying social security agreement. Australia is not on gov.uk’s list of countries where an annual increase is paid, so your State Pension will not rise each year while you live here.
How does superannuation work for new arrivals?
Employers pay super on top of your wages. The Super Guarantee rate is 12% for both 2025–26 and 2026–27. If you later leave Australia on a temporary visa you can claim it as a departing Australia superannuation payment (DASP), taxed at 35% on the taxed element, 45% on the untaxed element and 65% for working holiday makers.
How do I set up electricity, gas and internet when I move to Australia?
Once you have an address, compare plans on your state’s official site: Energy Made Easy for NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT, and Victorian Energy Compare in Victoria. Most Perth households are supplied by Synergy at government-regulated prices. For internet, check your address on nbn’s address checker and then order a plan from a provider, because nbn doesn’t sell plans directly.
Do I need contents insurance if I rent in Australia?
Moneysmart says renters still need their own contents cover, because the landlord’s policy covers the building and not your belongings. Get quotes from more than one insurer and check the exclusions and limits.
What is Lifetime Health Cover loading for new migrants?
If you take out private hospital cover after turning 31, the loading is 2% for every year you are over 30, up to a maximum of 70%. The ATO says migrants aged 31 or over are exempt if they had hospital cover within 12 months of being registered for full Medicare benefits.