THE SAVVY YOU
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
POST ARRIVAL IN AUSTRALIA
Things to consider when arriving in Australia (if applicable)
I arrived in Australia (chose Sydney as my IED) back in June 2016 and these are my
TOP 10 IMPORTANT TO DO LIST even added applicable Misc stuff to consider later on.
1. Tax File Number (TFN) Application
2 Reasons:
a. to receive your first income in australia , you need a tax file number (TFN)
b. For banking purposes (TFN Exemption). You don’t have to provide your TFN, but if you don’t AU banks are legally required to deduct tax from any interest earned on the account above a certain threshold
Link:
https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Tax-file-number/Apply-for-a-TFN/
2. Centrelink Registration
Centrelink is a government agency which delivers a range of services to the community.
Customer Reference Number (CRN) application is also needed when applying for Medicare.
Make sure to Check your eligibility
Link:
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/forms/claim_index.htm
“For you to have a Centrelink online account you need a CRN . Note that staff may initially assume you’re claiming for an allowance, and inform them that you’re only after your Customer Reference Number (CRN)”
3. Medicare Card/ Registration
The Australian Government provides help with basic medical expenses through a scheme called Medicare.
“trust me, helped me during winter time and during episodes of homesickness”
Links & PDF:
https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/enablers/how-enrol-or-re-enrol-medicare
https://www.humanservices.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/3101-1306en.pdf
4. Open a bank account
In Australia, most income including salary or wages and government benefits are paid directly into a bank account. In most cases as well as when you bid on an apartment or rent application, bank account statements forms your 100 point ID.
4 big banks (commonwealth bank, nab, anz & westpac) offers competitive transaction and savings interest rates.
Pls. do check their designated websites regarding account application or contact them accordingly.
*10-30 min Actual account set up when at the branch (requires 100 point ID passport/VEVO/driverse license)
“did mine online but still ended up visiting the desired branch to present my 100 point ID and took me less than 5 mins.”
*For those who are still in search for a part-time or full time job, highly recommend NAB as zero maintaining charges on their transaction account.
*Commbank offers better savings interest rates just make sure to have at least 2000 monthly in the account.
5. Apply for a Driver’s Licence or Photo Card/ convert existing to an Australian DL (if applicable)
Information on gaining a driver’s licence via below link.
http://www.australia.gov.au/information-and-services/transport-and-regional/drivers-licence-application
6. Health Insurance &/Miscellaneous Stuff (if applicable)
Why do I need a private health insurance when I have a medicare? “this requires an in depth explanation/debate which I will discuss further in another blog.
a.7 Register for English Classes
Communicating in English is very important and the key to your successful settlement.
Eligibility:
You may be able to learn English with the AMEP if you hold a permanent visa, have little or no English, and:
are an adult (18 years or older)
are under 18 years of age and are not attending school. These clients may be eligible within their first 12 months of arrival to Australia)
Access to the AMEP is extended to some temporary visa holders as specified in the legislative instrument for ‘English Courses for Holders of Certain Temporary Visas’.
You can study English with the AMEP for up to 510 hours or until you reach functional English, whichever comes first.
You should register for classes within six months of the date your visa commences and start classes within one year. You will have five years to complete classes. These timeframes may be extended in particular circumstances.
b.8 Enroll Your Children in School (if applicable)
Under Australian law, children must attend school until they are 15 years old.
c.9 Look for ways to boost your bank account and maximize daily needs
(coupons, memberships, credit cards etc.)
d.10 Join the Global Pinoy AU community both here and in Facebook.
“I only have $150 AUD when I arrived in Sydney and was fortunate enough to locate an established citizen via PinoyAU – Sydney on Facebook. Through their “Bayanihan Spirit” as I ecstatically termed it that time, I managed to find a part -time work (private nurse), temporary accommodation, and eventually found my ground then on.
TO SUM IT UP:
1. Tax File Number (TFN) Application
2. Centrelink Registration
3. Medicare Card/ Registration
4. Open a bank account
5. Apply for a Driver’s Licence or Photo Card/ convert existing to an Australian Drivers License
6. Health Insurance &/Miscellaneous Stuff (if applicable)
a.7 Register for English Classes (if applicable)
b.8 Enroll Your Children in School (if applicable)
c.9 Look for ways to boost your bank account and maximize daily needs
d.10 Join the Global Pinoy AU community both here and in Facebook. (Highly recommended)
Youtube Link:
Twitter:
Blog Post:
http://blogs.pinoyau.info/2017/11/21/savvy-way-before…val-in-australia/
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This is very informative and useful. Thanks for this!