Settling in Australia — A Complete Practical Guide for Indian Newcomers (2026)

Moving to Australia is one of life's biggest decisions. The first few weeks are exciting but also overwhelming — there are dozens of administrative tasks to complete before you can truly settle in. Getting them right early saves significant stress, money and time later.

This guide covers everything Indian newcomers need to do in their first 30 days in Australia, in the right order, with exactly what you need at each step.

Before You Arrive — Prepare in India

Some things are easier to arrange before you leave India:

Get an International Driving Permit (IDP): If you plan to drive in Australia, get an IDP from your local RTO in India before you leave. It is accepted in all Australian states alongside your Indian licence and is easier than getting a NAATI-certified translation in Australia.

Gather important documents: Make certified copies and digital scans of:

• Passport and visa grant letter
• Educational certificates and transcripts
• Professional qualifications and registrations
• Employment records and reference letters
• Medical records and prescription details
• Indian driving licence
• Police clearance certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Store documents digitally: Upload scans to Google Drive or Dropbox. You will need these repeatedly.

Notify your Indian bank: Tell your bank you are moving to Australia. Update your address and check that your cards work internationally. Consider NRE/NRO account conversion with your Indian bank.

Arrange travel insurance: Your Australian health cover does not begin on Day 1 for most visa types. Travel insurance covers the gap.

Find Indian community businesses in your new city: Before you arrive, browse AustraliaWasi to find Indian grocery stores, doctors and community services near where you will live → Browse the Directory

Day 1–3: Essentials on Arrival

Get an Australian SIM Card

This is genuinely the first thing to do — you need a working Australian mobile number for almost every other task (bank account, myGov, Medicare, rental applications).

Best options for Indian newcomers:

• Telstra: Best coverage across Australia including regional areas. Prepaid plans from $30/month.
• Optus: Good coverage in cities. Often cheaper than Telstra.
• Vodafone/TPG: Most affordable. Good in major cities.
• Aldi Mobile (uses Telstra network): Excellent value. $35/month for good data.

You can buy a SIM at the airport on arrival or at any supermarket (Woolworths, Coles, Kmart) on Day 1. You only need your passport.

Arrange Short-Term Accommodation

If you have not already arranged accommodation from India, short-term options include:

• Airbnb: Flexible, furnished, good for 2–4 weeks while you look for a rental
• Serviced apartments: Good if you are coming with family and need a kitchen
• Indian community contacts: Many Indian communities have Facebook groups where people offer short-term rooms to new arrivals
• University accommodation: If you are a student, apply well in advance

Facebook groups to join immediately:

• Indians in Sydney (or Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth)
• Indian students in [your city]
• [Your city] Indian Community

Open an Australian Bank Account

Most banks have priority processing for new arrivals. Mention you are a new migrant to skip lines.

You can open a bank account in Australia with just your passport. You do not need a TFN, Australian address, or job to open an account — though you will provide these later.

The four major banks (Big 4):

• Commonwealth Bank (CBA): Largest network, excellent app, good for new migrants
• Westpac: Strong online banking, migrant services available
• ANZ: Can open account online before arriving
• NAB: Competitive fees, good international transfer options

What you need:

• Passport
• Visa grant letter or ImmiCard
• Australian address (even a friend's address or hotel works initially)
• Australian mobile number

What to open: Start with a basic everyday/transaction account. Ask for a debit card immediately — most branches issue cards on the spot.

Tip: CBA and ANZ allow you to open an account online before you arrive in Australia. You then activate it in-branch. This saves time in your first days.

Days 3–7: Government Registrations

Apply for Your Tax File Number (TFN)

Your TFN is your personal tax identifier — the most important number in Australia after your visa. Apply as early as possible because your employer needs it within 28 days of starting work.

How to apply:

1. Go to ato.gov.au/iar (Individual Auto Registration)
2. Select "Foreign passport holders, permanent migrants and temporary visitors"
3. Enter your passport details, visa information, and Australian address
4. Submit — takes 15 minutes
5. Receive TFN by post within 7–28 days

Important: The application is 100% free. Never pay a third-party website to apply for your TFN. Only use ato.gov.au.

Without a TFN, your employer withholds 45% tax on every dollar you earn. Apply immediately.

See our full TFN guide: Step-by-step instructions including what to do if it does not arrive → How to Get a TFN in Australia

Create a myGov Account

myGov is the Australian government's online portal. You need it to access Medicare, the ATO, Centrelink, and other government services.

How to set up myGov:

1. Go to my.gov.au
2. Click "Create a myGov account"
3. Enter your email address and create a password
4. Verify your email
5. Link services as you become eligible:
   • ATO → link once you have your TFN
   • Medicare → link when you enrol
   • Centrelink → if applicable

Why myGov matters:

• Lodge your tax return through myTax (in myGov)
• View your Medicare claims and records
• Access your immunisation history
• Download your income statements from employers

Enrol in Medicare (If Eligible)

Medicare is Australia's free public health insurance for eligible residents. If you have permanent residency, enrol immediately — it is free and covers most medical costs.

Eligible for Medicare:

• Australian permanent residents
• Australian citizens
• Applicants for permanent residency (in some cases)
• Some specific temporary visa holders under Ministerial Orders

Not eligible: Student visa, tourist visa, working holiday visa, most temporary work visas (need OSHC or OVHC instead).

How to enrol:

1. Sign in to myGov
2. Select "View and link services"
3. Choose Medicare → Link → Enrol in Medicare
4. Upload your passport and PR visa grant letter
5. Receive temporary Medicare number immediately
6. Physical card arrives by post in 2–4 weeks

Or visit a Services Australia centre in person with your passport and visa grant letter. You receive an interim card immediately.

Find an Indian bulk-billing GP near you: Many Indian GPs across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane bulk bill Medicare — meaning you pay nothing for your visit → Find Indian Doctors

Week 2: Employment and Finance Setup

Set Up Superannuation

Superannuation (super) is Australia's compulsory retirement savings system. Your employer must pay 11.5% of your salary into a super fund on your behalf (2026 Superannuation Guarantee rate).

What to do:

1. Choose a super fund before your first day of work. Your employer will ask which fund to pay into. If you do not nominate a fund, your employer assigns you their default.

   Popular super funds for Indian migrants:

   • AustralianSuper: Largest fund, strong returns, low fees
   • Rest Super: Large, reliable, good for hospitality and retail workers
   • Hostplus: Popular with hospitality workers
   • HESTA: Strong for healthcare workers
   • Industry Super: Compare funds at industrysuper.com

2. Provide your TFN to your super fund. Without it, contributions are taxed at 47% instead of 15%. This is one of the most important financial steps in your first month.

3. Check for lost super. If you have worked in Australia before, you may have super in an old account. Check at ato.gov.au/mysuper.

IMPORTANT for temporary visa holders: When you permanently leave Australia, you can apply for the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) to withdraw your super. Tax applies but it is better than leaving money behind.

Understand Your Payslip

Your first Australian payslip may look unfamiliar. Key items:

• Gross income: Total earnings before tax
• PAYG withholding: Tax withheld by your employer (Pay As You Go)
• Net income: What is deposited into your bank account
• Super: Shown separately — your employer pays this in addition to your salary, not from it
• Medicare Levy: 2% of taxable income for Medicare-eligible residents

Provide Tax Details to Your Employer

Give your employer:

• Your TFN (as soon as you receive it — within 28 days of starting work)
• Your bank account BSB and account number (for salary payments)
• Your super fund name, ABN, and member number
• Your tax scale declaration (your employer will give you this form — confirm you are an Australian resident for tax purposes)

Week 2–3: Practical Settling In

Find Long-Term Accommodation (Renting)

Renting in Australia works differently from India:

How to find rental properties:

• realestate.com.au — largest property search site
• domain.com.au — second largest
• Facebook Marketplace — many informal listings
• Indian community Facebook groups — often have rooms available in Indian households

What you need to apply:

• Passport and visa
• References (employment or character references from India are acceptable for new arrivals)
• Proof of income (employment contract or bank statements showing funds)
• 100 points of ID

Typical rental costs (2026 approximate):

City	1-bed apartment	2-bed apartment	3-bed house
Sydney (inner)	$2,200–$3,000/month	$3,000–$4,500/month	$4,500–$7,000/month
Melbourne (inner)	$1,800–$2,600/month	$2,500–$3,800/month	$3,500–$5,500/month
Brisbane	$1,600–$2,400/month	$2,200–$3,200/month	$2,800–$4,200/month
Perth	$1,600–$2,200/month	$2,200–$3,000/month	$2,800–$4,000/month

Suburbs with large Indian communities are typically 20–30% cheaper than inner-city equivalents. Harris Park (Sydney), Point Cook (Melbourne), Sunnybank (Brisbane) and Canning Vale (Perth) are popular starting points.

Bond (security deposit): Usually 4 weeks rent, paid upfront. Returned at end of tenancy if no damage.

Convert Your Indian Driving Licence

You can drive on your valid Indian licence in Australia while you hold a temporary visa. However, India is not on Australia's recognised country list, meaning you will eventually need to sit both a knowledge test and a practical driving test.

Conversion deadlines:

• Permanent residents: 3 months (NSW, QLD, WA) or 6 months (VIC) after getting PR
• Temporary visa holders: Can drive for duration of visa in most states

What you need:

• Valid Indian driving licence
• NAATI-certified English translation (if your licence has non-English text)
• Passport and visa
• Australian residential address

See our complete state-by-state driving guide: Including test requirements, costs and tips for Indian drivers → Convert Indian Driving Licence

Set Up Utilities

When you move into a rental:

Electricity and gas: Australia has a competitive retail energy market. Compare plans at:

• energymadeeasy.gov.au (government comparison tool — free)
• canstar.com.au (private comparison)

Major providers: AGL, Origin Energy, EnergyAustralia. Many offer direct debit discounts.

Internet: Australia's NBN (National Broadband Network) is the main internet infrastructure. Typical home internet costs $60–$100/month for 50–1000 Mbps.

Major providers: Aussie Broadband (recommended), Superloop, TPG, Telstra.

Week 3–4: Healthcare and Schooling

Register with a GP

Find a regular GP (General Practitioner) near your home. In Australia, you need a GP referral to see specialists, so your GP is the foundation of your healthcare.

For Indian newcomers: Find an Indian GP who understands your background, may speak Hindi or another Indian language, and understands health conditions more common in Indian patients (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Vitamin D deficiency).

Find an Indian GP near you: AustraliaWasi lists 676+ Indian doctors across Australia → Find Indian Doctors

Private Health Insurance (Optional but Consider)

Medicare covers the basics but not dental, optical, physiotherapy or private hospital rooms. If you are a PR holder earning over $93,000/year, you pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge (1–1.5% of income) without private health cover.

For single PR holders earning over $93,000: Basic private hospital cover (~$100–150/month) is often cheaper than the MLS you would pay without it.

Where to compare:

• iselect.com.au — comparison site
• privatehealth.gov.au — government tool

Enrol Children in School

Australian public schools are free for PR holders and citizens. Each state has a separate enrolment process.

Documents needed:

• Proof of address (rental agreement)
• Child's passport and visa
• Previous school reports and records
• Immunisation records

School ages: Compulsory from age 6 (Foundation/Prep) to 17. Many states offer Kindergarten from age 4–5.

Enrol directly at your local public school or through your state education department's website.

Essential Apps and Resources

Must-Have Apps

• myGov — government services
• ATO app — tax and super
• Medicare (Express Plus Medicare) — claims and card
• Opal/Myki/Go Card — public transport (city-specific)
• CommBank/ANZ/NAB/Westpac — your bank's app
• AustraliaWasi — find Indian businesses, doctors, events near you
• Seek — jobs
• Domain or realestate.com.au — housing

Indian Community Resources

Australia has a large, well-organised Indian community with resources to help newcomers:

Federation of Indian Associations (State specific):

• FIANS (NSW) — fians.org.au
• Federation of Indian Australians (VIC)
• Indian Association of Queensland

Religious centres: Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras, and mosques exist in most major Australian cities and suburbs with large Indian populations. These are often the best way to connect with the local Indian community.

Facebook communities: Search "Indians in [your city]" — these groups are invaluable for finding housing, jobs, secondhand goods, and local advice.

Explore the Indian community in your city: AustraliaWasi lists Indian restaurants, grocery stores, temples, community events and professional services in every major Australian city → Browse AustraliaWasi

Your 30-Day Checklist

Week 1

• Get Australian SIM card
• Open bank account (CBA, Westpac, ANZ or NAB)
• Apply for TFN at ato.gov.au/iar
• Create myGov account at my.gov.au
• Enrol in Medicare (if eligible)
• Join Indian community Facebook groups

Week 2

• Choose super fund and provide details to employer
• Provide TFN to employer and bank
• Begin house hunting at realestate.com.au
• Get NAATI translation of Indian driving licence
• Register with a local GP

Week 3

• Sign lease and set up utilities (electricity, gas, internet)
• Link ATO and Medicare to myGov (once TFN received)
• Enrol children in school if applicable
• Consider private health insurance
• Compare money transfer providers for sending money home

Week 4

• Update all accounts with permanent Australian address
• Set up automatic bill payments
• Explore your suburb — Indian grocery stores, temples, community groups
• File change of address with all Indian accounts and contacts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in Australia immediately after arriving?

You can work from the day you arrive if your visa permits work rights. Check your visa grant letter for work conditions. Student visas permit limited hours (40 hours per fortnight during term time, unlimited during breaks). Skilled work visas and PR have no work restrictions.

How do I send money back to India from Australia?

Using a specialist provider like Wise or OFX rather than your Australian bank can save $200 on a single $5,000 transfer. Compare rates on AustraliaWasi's AUD to INR page before every transfer.

When do I need to lodge my first Australian tax return?

The Australian tax year runs 1 July to 30 June. If you arrive in Australia during the year and earn income, you lodge a tax return by 31 October for that year. If you arrive after 30 June, you have until 31 October the following year. See our tax return guide for details.

Can my parents visit me in Australia?

Yes, on a tourist visa (Subclass 600). Indian parents can apply for a 3, 6 or 12 month visitor visa. Note that they are not eligible for Medicare, so purchase travel health insurance before they depart India.

How do I find Indian food in Australia?

Every major Australian city has well-established Indian grocery stores, restaurants and tiffin services. AustraliaWasi lists Indian grocery stores, restaurants, and food services in every suburb of every major city → Find Indian Grocery Stores