How to Prepare for an Australian Working Holiday Visa: What to Do Before You Arrive and After You Land

travelwithmil
Sep 22, 2024
5 min read

Updated: Nov 26, 2024

Australia is a dream destination for many travelers looking for a mixture of adventure, job opportunities, and new experiences. The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) allows you to stay in Australia for up to a year (or longer with extensions) while funding your travels through temporary work.

I have compiled a list of actions you should take to prepare you for a working holiday in Australia including establishing a bank account, acquiring a SIM card, and setting up a superannuation account.

Before You Arrive: Essential Preparations

Apply for Your Working Holiday Visa (WHV)

You can apply for a working holiday visa by visiting your government’s website and locating the relevant link which will direct you to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website for online application via the ImmiAccount. Due to varying processing times, I would recommend applying as soon as possible.

Before purchasing the visa, ensure that you are eligible. Requirements include:

Being between the ages of 18-30 (or 18-35 in some countries)
Holding a passport from a qualifying country with more than 6 months before expiry. I would recommend that if you plan to stay in Australia for 12 months, the expiration date is at least 18 months from the date of arrival
A minimum of AUD $5,000 to sustain yourself when you first arrive.

Book Your Flights

Once your visa has been approved, book your travel to Australia. For more affordable options, compare prices on sites such as Skyscanner or Google Flights. Keep in mind that travelling during peak seasons, such as Christmas and New Year's, might be more expensive.

Prepare Your Finances

The currency for Australia is Australian dollars (AUD). You can withdraw cash using a travel card such as Revolut, Monzo or Wise which allow you to pay by card and use the ATMs internationally, with no or low fees.

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential to cover any unexpected medical expenses, accidents, or lost belongings. Make sure your policy covers the duration of your trip, working abroad, and activities such as surfing, hiking, or diving. World Nomads and Allianz are popular choices among travelers.

Organise Key Documents

Make sure to prepare the following documents:

A valid passport, valid for the duration of your trip
A printed or digital copy of your Working Holiday Visa grant notification
Multiple printed copies of your resume or CV including job references
Travel insurance details
Your international Drivers License if you intend to drive in Australia.

Plan Your Accommodation

Book your initial accommodation for when you first arrive in Australia. Popular options include hostels (book via Hostel world), Airbnb, or budget hotels. Many people choose to start in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth, but Australia’s smaller cities and regional areas can also be great starting points. There are multiple hostels I can recommend for your east coast trip, I will link the blog post here

To get extra money off your booking on booking.com, sign up to Top Cashback today. If you're looking to host your entire place or private room, list your space on airbnb!

Open a Bank Account

Within two weeks of your arrival date, open an Australian bank account. Choose a branch closest to your accommodation to complete the process and receive your bank card. Major bank options include; Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac, and NAB. Many banks offer fee-free accounts for the first year, ideal for Working Holiday Visa holders.

Stay Connected - eSIM

Physical sim cards can be bought once in the country however, I would recommend purchasing a 3 day e-sim so that you have connection as soon as you land to access maps, transport apps and any other necessary information.

After You Arrive: Setting Up in Australia

Once you’ve landed in Australia, there are several things you’ll need to take care of to make your stay comfortable and legal. Here’s a checklist of the most important steps to take.

Get a SIM Card

Having a local SIM card is essential for opening your bank account, contacting employers or landlords and setting up government accounts. Australia’s major phone providers are Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. Telstra has the best coverage, especially in rural areas, while Optus and Vodafone offer competitive prices and good coverage in cities.

How to Get a SIM Card:

Purchase a prepaid SIM card from the airport, a local convenience store, or directly from a provider’s retail shop.
Plans are typically pay-as-you-go and vary in data, calling, and texting options. Make sure to pick a plan that suits your data needs, especially if you’ll be using maps and social media frequently.

Open a Bank Account

Opening an Australian bank account is crucial for getting paid while working. Most Australian employers require you to have a local account to deposit your wages.

How to Open an Account:

When you arrive in Australia, you can go to your chosen branch to complete the process.
You'll need an Australian mobile number, your passport, your visa, and proof of your Australian address (your current accommodation e.g. hostel or hotel).

Get a Tax File Number (TFN)

To work legally in Australia, you’ll need a Tax File Number (TFN). This is a unique identifier that allows the Australian Tax Office (ATO) to track your income and ensure you’re taxed at the correct rate.

How to Apply:

Apply for your TFN online via the Australian Tax Office (ATO) website after you arrive in the country. It’s free to apply
It can take up to 28 days for your TFN to arrive, so apply as soon as you can. In the meantime, you can still work using your passport number, but you’ll be taxed at a higher rate until your TFN is issued.

Set Up a Superannuation Account

In Australia, employers are required to contribute to your superannuation (retirement fund) if you earn more than AUD $450 per month. This money is saved in a superannuation account, which you can access when you leave Australia (though taxes will apply).

How to Set It Up:

You can choose your own superannuation fund or have your employer set it up for you. Some popular super funds include AustralianSuper and Hostplus.
Once you’ve opened your account, provide your employer with your superannuation account details to ensure contributions are made.

Find Accommodation

After your initial accommodation (hostel or Airbnb), you’ll likely want to find more permanent housing. Flatmates, Gumtree, and Facebook groups are great resources for finding share houses or apartments. Be cautious of scams and always inspect a property in person before agreeing to a lease or making any payments.

Start Job Hunting

Now that you’re set up with a bank account, TFN, and local SIM card, you’re ready to start job hunting. Popular industries for Working Holiday Visa holders include hospitality, retail, construction, and seasonal farm work. Check out these resources:

Seek and Indeed for job listings.
Backpacker Job Board and Harvest Trail for casual and farm work opportunities.
Visit cafes, restaurants, and shops in person with your résumé to inquire about openings or contact them via socials.

Explore Public Transport

Australia has an extensive public transport system in most major cities. Get a Myki card in Melbourne, Opal card in Sydney, or equivalent in other cities to travel via train, tram, and bus. Familiarize yourself with transport apps like Google Maps or Citymapper to navigate easily.

Tips

Know Your Work Rights: As a Working Holiday Visa holder, you have the same workplace rights as any other employee in Australia.
Make sure you’re aware of minimum wage rates and the Fair Work Ombudsman’s guidelines.
Health Coverage: Australia has a reciprocal health agreement with certain countries, but you may still want to consider Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for additional peace of mind.