Mobile Phone PAYG SIM Card(s)

eg Telstra Prepaid SIM Starter kit & Telstra Freedom PAYG package

Take unlocked mobile phone(s)

International Phone Card

eg gotalk

Mobile Wireless Broadband Internet Access

eg Bigpond NextG, 3 Mobile Broadband

Post Office Box

Print online application form
ID required: Photo id or 2 forms of written id (name, address & signature)

Melways

Metropolitian Melbourne road map

Tax File Number (TFN)

Apply online

Ambulance Cover

Apply online. There is a 60 day qualifying period for all New Members requiring non-emergency ambulance transport or services.

Can be arranged prior to move with an Australian address

Bank Accounts

Arrange or activate within 6 weeks of arrival.
ID required: passport, proof of Australian address (for each account holder)

Can be arranged prior to move

Credit Card

Arrange or activate within 6 weeks of arrival

Can be arranged prior to move (recommended if you do not have a job on arrival)

Transfer Remaining Funds

Tax must be paid on any profit made resulting from transferring funds after migration

Victorian Driving Licence

Must apply within 3 months if on permanent visa (12 months for temporary visa). Make an appointment to change over licence.
ID required: current driving licence, passport, bank statement with Victorian address.

If current licence is not in English, bring International Licence

Car Rental

Medicare

Apply at Medicare Office (wait approx. 10 days after arrival).
ID required: passport with visa, 2 residency docs.

Centrelink

Register online for Family Tax Benefit, Parenting Payment, Child Care Benefit, Baby Bonus etc

Schools/University

Consider catchment areas and waiting lists

House Rental/Purchase Research

Find the right location

Private Health Insurance

Arrange with "Lifetime Cover"

Is this provided by employer?

Dental Insurance

Arrange as separate insurance or as part of Private Health Insurance

Home Contents Insurance

Arrange for current possessions and for contents of container when it arrives

Doctor/Medical Centre

If possible one that "Bulk Bills"

Take medical records

Dentist

Take latest X-ray

Inland Revenue P85

Complete for each adult and send to UK within a couple of weeks

Take P85 form(s)

Tax Agent & Financial Advice

30% of Australians complete their own returns, many use a Tax Agent, the cost of which is tax deductible. The agent is liable for any errors. Approx. $120

Take information related to non-Australian finances eg pension, endowment, property

Last Will & Testament

It's recommend to have an Australian Will prepared

Take copy of latest will

Cat/Dog Registration

Every dog and cat 3 months of age and over must be registered with their local Council. This must be done by 10 April each year.

New Resident Kit

Request handy kit from local council