Get Ready for Australia!

Getting an Australian Mobile Phone Contact

Tip: You will need this for your Bank Account, Health Cover, Tax File Registration and for your Employer Contact details.  Do it within 14 days of your Arrival date to kick off your Onshoring Process.

• When you get to Australia, you will want immediate phone contact for your new Aussie friends, family and work requirements. Your mobile phone will also serve as important personal ID and contact point when you sign up for various Australian services.  With a recommended plan, you will also have unlimited calls to and from your home country.
• You will need a mobile phone contact (and email) to set up your bank account, Overseas Health Cover, your tax file registration and for your employer activation.
• We recommend you get your mobile number and plan set up within 14 days of arriving in Australia to help with your onshoring process, and to save you the time and stress when you arrive.
• We also recommend you use an eSim card, so you can set up your new Australian mobile and data phone from your existing smart phone device you already own. 

To get started quickly on a low cost plan, we recommend an Amaysim low cost phone plan that you can easily change later, but you will have secured your portable Australian Mobile number.

1. Head to Mobile Plans to sign up, or you can download the amaysim mobile app to sign up
2. When signing up, you'll be asked whether you'd prefer an eSIM or a physical SIM. As long as you have a compatible device, go ahead and order an eSIM. Once your order is completed, you’ll receive instructions on how to download it.  If you chose to sign up with an eSIM, you can activate it right away!

• By doing this, you will receive your new mobile phone number right away, and you are able to choose which number you want from options provided.  You can then use this number for your various new Australian registration processes.
• If you do not yet have Australian payment facilities, like a debit or credit card, Landas can help make your initial payments for the first month, and then assign to you once your new Australian bank account is set up.
• If you need a new phone, you can always wait to buy a phone plan in Australia, that can include a new phone device.  However, these phone packages can be a much more expensive option.

Set up an Australian Bank Account

• Your Australian bank account will allow you to receive your new wages, access money and pay bills.  You will be provided an Account Number (unique to you) and a BSB (to identify your bank), and that will be used for paying bills and provided to your Employer for your wages.

Important note: You should start this process within 14 days of arriving in Australia, and complete a branch visit within 20 days of registering.

• We recommend the Commonwealth Bank, one of the Big 4 Banks in Australia.
• Getting your Australian bank account is an easy 2 Step Process:
• First Get Started, by Registering for a Commonwealth Every Day Bank Account online, within 14 days of your Arrival Date.

Tip: Make sure you have your passport with you, and know where you will be staying initially.

• Once you arrive in Australia, and within 20 days of Registering for your Account, you must visit a Commonwealth Bank Branch to activate your account and collect a debit Mastercard.  You will need to identify yourself by showing your passport, and confirm your home country tax residency.
• Find a Commonwealth Bank Branch near where you will be staying:
• After your identification check, you will be able to start banking straight away. Download the CommBank app or log on to NetBank to manage your money securely. Withdraw cash from any Australian ATM instantly.

Get your Overseas Health Cover

• Before you travel to Australia, you must confirm your OVHC.  This is a mandatory condition of your Working Visa, and also offers you protection in the event of ill health injury.
• Landas can help you arrange cover through one of Australia’s leading and most trusted health insurers. We can source a full range of quality overseas visitors covers that meet visa requirements.
• Once you have decided on the cover that suits you best, balancing cover with budget; your Landas Concierge will arrange the initial policy set up.
• Landas can also help you pay for the initial first month premium to get you started, if you do not yet have an Australian payment method set up.

Budget and Transition Funding

Tip: When you first arrive in Australia you will have added expenses, so it's critical to forge a disciplined budget to create a savings buffer. This will give you more flexibility and less stress, so you can establish strong credit and propel your Australian Pathway.

• You have now secured your new Australian career path, providing you and your family an income level much higher than what you have likely earned in the past.
• However, Australia is also a more expensive place to live.  Further, you may have some existing domestic debts and transition costs to address upfront.  Relax, we can help.
• Your Landas Concierge will help you navigate and prepare for this in 3 Easy steps, so you can focus on your new career path and new life in Australia.

1. Prepare a simple monthly personal budget.  Tracking your expected expenses and recurring obligations against your after-tax income
2. Review your Transition Costs that may need to be funded before or around your departure date. This could even include funding your family for a period of time until you get established.  It may also include Agent costs, travel, new equipment and even training costs
3. Transition Loan.  If you need an upfront amount that you would prefer to repay in Australian Dollars, Landas can refer you to our funding partner for affordable loans paid back over 12-24 months

• Once you have confirmed your Australian budget and have upfront Transition Costs, Landas can help you arrange an affordable AUD based loan with our funding partner, generally repaid over 12-24 months with flexible terms.
• Your Landas Concierge will discuss your options, and if you wish to consider a Cash Direct loan, they can prioritise your Application to confirm that you qualify, and incorporate this into your Personal Budget.

Register for your Australian Tax File Number (TFN)

Tip: this is an easy online process, but you must be in Australia and have your Australian mobile and address to complete this step.  So it will be done as soon as you get a chance on Arrival.

• Every person in Australia who has a job or applies for government benefits needs a Tax File Number.  You will need yours before you commence working for your new Australian employer.
• If you don’t get set with your Australian tax file number, you will likely be charged at the highest tax rate.
• Your tax file number is a 9-digit personal reference number that identifies people within the Australian taxation and superannuation system.  Once you have your TFN, it stays with you for life, even if you change your name or marital status, or move.

To register, it’s a simple online system that starts here.

• When? Once you Arrive in Australia, and have your mobile contact,
• Register for your TFN  

• This is a short process of less than 15 minutes.  To register online, you must be in Australia and have a valid:

  1. Permanent migrant visa
  2. Visa with working rights
  3. Overseas student visa
  4. Visa allowing you to stay in Australia.

• The online process has 4 Easy Steps:

  1. Identification - Travel Documentation and Personal Details
  2. Tax File Number - VISA details
  3. Address - Address in Australia
  4. Contact - Australian Mobile number