First Month in Australia: Complete Checklist for Nepali New Arrivals 2026

Arriving in Australia from Nepal is exciting, but the first few weeks can be overwhelming. There is a lot to set up — bank accounts, tax numbers, health insurance, housing, transport — and the order matters. Get the first things wrong and everything else becomes harder. This checklist walks you through exactly what to do, week by week, in your first 30 days in Australia.

Week 1: The Essentials

Tackle these in order — getting your SIM and bank account sorted first makes everything else easier.

1. Get an Australian SIM Card

You need an Australian mobile number for almost every administrative task — bank verification, Medicare, TFN, rental applications, job applications. Get a prepaid SIM immediately from the airport or any supermarket/phone shop.

• Providers: Optus, Telstra, Vodafone, plus cheaper MVNOs like Amaysim, Kogan, Lebara
• Cost: AUD 10–30/month for prepaid plans with data and calls
• Tip: Lebara and Amaysim offer cheap international calls to Nepal
• What you need: Your passport and an Australian address (hotel/hostel is fine initially)

2. Open a Bank Account

Do this in your first week. If you open an account within 6 weeks of arriving, you only need your passport as ID. After 6 weeks, you need 100 points of ID (much harder as a new arrival).

• Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) — largest branch network, excellent app. Smart Access account is fee-free for under-30s.
• NAB — Classic Banking account, no monthly fee.
• ANZ — Access Advantage, fee waivable. Good for international transfers.
• Westpac — solid all-rounder with new migrant packages.

What you need: Passport, visa grant letter, Australian address (temporary is fine). Your TFN is not required to open the account but provide it later to avoid extra tax on interest.

Tip: You can open an account online before you arrive in Australia, then activate it in person within 30 days.

3. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)

Your TFN is essential for working legally in Australia. Without it, your employer must withhold tax at the highest rate (47%).

• Apply online at ato.gov.au — it is free
• What you need: Passport, visa details, Australian address
• Processing time: 2–4 weeks by mail
• Tip: You can start working before your TFN arrives — just give it to your employer within 28 days

4. Enrol in Medicare (If Eligible)

Medicare is Australia's public healthcare system. If you hold a permanent visa or certain temporary visas, you are eligible.

• How to enrol: Visit a Services Australia office with your passport and visa documents
• What you get: Free or subsidised GP visits, free public hospital treatment, subsidised prescription medications (PBS)
• Processing: You receive a temporary Medicare number immediately; your card arrives in 2–3 weeks

If you are on a student visa: You are not eligible for Medicare. You must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) instead, which is mandatory for your visa.

5. Get a Transport Card

Every Australian city has a public transport smart card:

• Sydney: Opal card
• Melbourne: Myki card
• Brisbane: Go Card
• Adelaide: metroCARD
• Perth: SmartRider

Get one at a convenience store or transport hub. Download the local transport app for tibles and trip planning.

Week 2: Housing and Setup

6. Find Long-Term Accommodation

Start house hunting in your second week. Be prepared — the Australian rental market is competitive, especially in Sydney and Melbourne.

• Where to look: realestate.com.au, domain.com.au, flatmates.com.au (for share houses), Facebook groups (search "Nepali rent [city]")
• What you need: 100 points of ID (passport, bank statement, utility bill), references (if possible), proof of income or enrolment
• Bond: Usually 4 weeks rent as a security deposit, lodged with the state tenancy authority
• Typical rent: AUD 150–350/week for a room in a share house, AUD 350–600/week for a 1-bedroom apartment

Tip: Many Nepalis start in share houses with other Nepalis — check Facebook groups for your city. It is cheaper and provides instant community.

7. Understand Your Driving Licence Status

You can drive in Australia on your Nepal licence for 3 months after arriving (you also need an International Driving Permit). After that, you must convert to an Australian licence.

Nepal is not on Australia's "recognised country" list, so you cannot do a direct swap. You will need to:

1. Pass a knowledge test (road rules)
2. Complete a hazard perception test
3. Pass a practical driving test

For a full guide, see our Nepali driving licence conversion page.

8. Apply for a Concession Card (If Eligible)

If you are a student, you may be eligible for a concession card that gives discounted public transport, medicines, and some services. Check with your state transport authority and your university.

Week 3: Work and Community

9. Start Job Hunting

If you have work rights on your visa, start looking for part-time or full-time work:

• Job platforms: Seek, Indeed, Jora, Gumtree
• Common first jobs: Hospitality, retail, delivery, cleaning, admin
• Resume: Australian-style resume (2–3 pages, no photo, no personal details like age/marital status)
• TFN: Provide to employer once received
• Superannuation: Your employer must pay 11.5% (2026 rate) into a retirement fund on top of your wages

For a detailed guide, read our part-time jobs guide for Nepali students.

10. Connect with the Nepali Community

Finding your community is one of the most important things you can do in your first month:

• Join Nepali community organisations in your city
• Find Nepali restaurants and grocery stores near you
• Join Facebook groups for Nepalis in your city
• Attend community events — check our events calendar
• Connect with Nepali/Hindu temples for cultural and spiritual connection

Week 4: Settling In

11. Set Up Utilities (If Renting)

If you are renting a place that does not include utilities, you need to set up:

• Electricity: Compare providers at energymadeeasy.gov.au
• Gas: (if applicable) Same comparison site
• Internet: NBN plans from AUD 60–90/month. Compare at whistleout.com.au
• Water: Usually included in rent or billed by the property owner

12. Register with a GP

Find a local General Practitioner (GP) for your healthcare needs:

• Search for "bulk billing" GPs (no out-of-pocket cost with Medicare)
• Some GPs in areas with large Nepali communities may speak Nepali or have Nepali staff
• Register with a GP before you get sick — it is easier when you are well

13. Understand Your Workplace Rights

Australia has strong workplace protections. Know your rights:

• Minimum wage: AUD 24.22/hour (2026 national minimum wage)
• Casual loading: Casual workers get 25% extra on top of rate
• Superannuation: 11.5% paid by employer on top of wages
• Fair Work: fairwork.gov.au for all workplace questions and complaints
• Union: Consider joining a union if you are working — they provide free advice and support

Essential Apps to Download

• Google Maps — navigation and public transport
• City transport app — TripView (Sydney), PTV (Melbourne), etc.
• Banking app — from your bank
• myGov — government services (Medicare, ATO, Centrelink)
• Seek / Indeed — job hunting
• Realestate.com.au / Domain — house hunting
• WhatsApp — most Nepali community communication happens here
• Hamro Patro — Nepali calendar and dates

Important Numbers

• Emergency (police, fire, ambulance): 000
• Police assistance (non-emergency): 131 444
• Nurse on Call: 1300 606 024 (health advice)
• Lifeline (crisis support): 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue (mental health): 1300 22 4636
• Nepali Embassy Canberra: +61 2 6286 0188

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon do I need to open a bank account in Australia?

Open it within your first 6 weeks. During this period, you only need your passport as ID. After 6 weeks, you need 100 points of ID, which is much harder as a new arrival. You can even open an account online before you arrive.

Can I drive in Australia with a Nepal licence?

Yes, for 3 months after arriving (you also need an International Driving Permit). After that, you must convert to an Australian licence. Nepal is not on the recognised country list, so you will need to pass knowledge, hazard perception, and practical driving tests.

Do I need Medicare if I have OSHC?

No. If you are on a student visa, you are not eligible for Medicare. Your OSHC covers your healthcare needs. If you are on a PR visa or certain temporary visas with work rights, you may be eligible for Medicare.

How much money do I need for my first month in Australia?

Budget approximately AUD 2,000–4,000 for your first month, covering: temporary accommodation (AUD 300–600/week), food (AUD 80–120/week), transport (AUD 30–60/week), SIM card (AUD 20–30), bond for rental (AUD 600–1,400), and initial setup costs.

Related Res

• Convert Your Nepal Driving Licence to Australian
• Study in Australia from Nepal: Complete Guide
• How to Find Part-Time Jobs in Australia
• Cost of Living in Australia for Nepali Students
• Nepali Community Organisations
• Nepali Restaurants in Australia
• Nepali Grocery Stores in Australia
• Send Money to Nepal — Compare Providers

s: Australian Taxation Office, Services Australia, Fair Work Ombudsman, Department of Home Affairs, Hamro Find, Migratio, SyncSkills. Last updated August 2026.