Useful Tips for Moving to Australia for Work

Australia map

Moving to a new country can be both exciting and daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. With the right preparations and mindset, you’ll have a successful move that will allow you to enjoy all of the benefits Australia has to offer. Here’s what you should know before making your big move!

Check out virtual offices in your area

This advice isn’t one that is often mentioned but however, it is really important if you are a business that is moving to Australia. One of the first things you should do when you get there is to look for agencies that offer virtual office services. This will allow you to have a home office that you can use at any time for anything. Many virtual agencies offer mail forwarding services which are great if you still want to receive post while you’re starting out. These services are usually really affordable and they also provide meeting rooms, photography studios, and even the ability to work from there from time to time.

The benefits of using services like this can also include:

  • 24/7 access to your office space
  • Ability to work from anywhere in the world
  • Improved productivity
  • Reduced stress levels

Keep in mind that some virtual office agencies focus mainly on call answering services, such as those provided by Virtual Receptionists. They provide operators who answer calls on behalf of your company and offer a full range of services, from speaking on your behalf to scheduling appointments.

Others focus mainly on administrative tasks such as helping you with bookkeeping, invoicing, etc. This type of virtual agency is usually better for businesses that are still in their early days and don’t have a lot of extra work.

All these services use world-class technology which means calls get routed directly to you no matter where you are in the world and everything is cloud-based, meaning it automatically updates everywhere there’s an internet connection! It really doesn’t get any easier than this! 

Check your visa status before you arrive

Moving abroad can be stressful enough, but the added stress of not knowing if you are technically allowed to enter the country isn’t fun! Make sure to check with your local embassy before making travel plans about whether or not your passport shows the correct Australian visa. This is especially important if you are coming from one of more than 60 different countries because many of them have visa agreements with Australia that allow their citizens to live and work in the country.

If your visa expires while you’re still living in Australia, you’ll need to apply for a new one before your old one runs out – otherwise, you could be deported from the country.

If you’ve been given an Australian Work Visa, make sure that you keep a note of it when traveling outside of Australia because some countries require they see this when entering their borders. 

Get a Tax File Number and Bank Account

Once you’ve arrived in Australia, you’ll need to get a Tax File Number (TFN). This number is used by the government to track your tax payments and it’s important that you have one as soon as possible. You can apply for a TFN online or by visiting an Australian Taxation Office.

In order to open a bank account, you’ll also need proof of residency. This can be a driver’s license, passport, or even utility bills with your name and address on them. Once you’ve got this information together, getting a bank account is relatively easy.

Australia’s banking industry is highly regulated which means that you’ll have to meet additional requirements if you’re working for yourself or if you are an international student. 

Make Sure You Get Accommodation

There are plenty of accommodation options available in Australia but they do tend to fill up fast. Getting your accommodation all sorted before arrival will make your transition much easier and will also make it less likely that you’ll need to stress over finding somewhere to live. There are lots of affordable apartment rental services online so be sure to check those out first, as well as asking around at work and using social media groups – there’s bound to be someone in your industry who’s got a place available. 

If you’re still struggling to find something, consider renting a room from an Australian family. This is a great option for anyone who wants the security of a house while they’re getting settled into their new job and surroundings.

Save Money Before You Arrive

Whether you’re moving to Australia with a company or you’re going it alone, saving money before arrival is really important. Many people use an Australian bank account when saving because access is easier but upon arrival in the country, taking out enough money to cover all of your living expenses for at least four months – six months would be better.

If you are moving there with a company, make sure that you get paid on time and in full. Many companies will withhold a certain percentage of your pay until you’ve been in the country for a set period of time, usually around three months. This is to cover any visa or tax-related costs that they may need to pay on your behalf.

Make sure you have a plan and that you’re as prepared as possible before making the big move! Australia is an amazing place to live and work and with the right planning, you’ll be able to make the most of it.

Learn about the local cultural habits 

Even though Australia might seem familiar to anyone speaking English, there are still a number of differences that you’ll need to get used to. Being aware of these differences before you arrive can make it easier for you when you do settle into your new home and workplace.

It’s usual for people here to keep their personal lives quite private which means that while we may ask how someone is doing, we won’t expect them to give us too much detail and the same goes for our own lives – don’t be surprised if your Australian colleagues don’t want to talk about their personal life very often! Public displays of affection are also quite rare so save the hugging for when you get home.

australian flag

Moving to Australia and starting a new life can seem daunting, but it’s worth the effort. The country is beautiful and has many opportunities for both work and leisure. It pays to plan ahead before you arrive in order to make your transition as smooth as possible; we’ve covered some of the most important points here so be sure not to miss them!