Oz Onboarding

Post date: Aug 24, 2014 10:11:55 AM

New to Australia? Here is some useful information that could help you with the process.

Australia offers a lifestyle which is the envy of people all over the world. Once you arrive, with your Australian visa in hand you will immediately notice the beauty that attracts so many to our shores. Whether you are landing in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or any other Australian airport, the majestic beauty visible from your window will amaze you.

Australia, ‘The Lucky Country’, offers a safe and prosperous place to settle for yourself and your family. With abundant employment opportunities, a multi-cultural society and our laid back lifestyle, making the move to Australia is a decision you will not regret. Australia offers the very highest in standards in education, from its child care centres to its universities. Primary and secondary schools are run by State Governments, private or religious organizations, though they are all regulated by the Department of Education of each State. Australia is at the forefront of providing medical services to its residents. Our system ensures access to a health care professional for every resident regardless of their financial status.

1. Before you move

• Bank Account

Many banks now provide you an option to create an account even before moving to Australia, so that you can transfer money and everything would be ready to start when you arrive. These accounts can be opened online. Only restriction is that you cannot withdraw money until you go to the bank in person and get your ID documents verified. But you can transfer money to it from anywhere in the world. You have to declare to customs if you bring more than AUD 10,000 per adult in cash.

There are primarily two types for banking accounts for indivduals (vs say Savings Account in India)

• Everyday/Checking/Transaction Account
  • for everyday transactions such as shopping, paying bills and depositing salary. You get a cheque book, but minimal interest. You can transfer money out only from this account. The ATM/debit card would be linked to this.
• Savings Account
  • for saving money for future use. You get more interest (some banks offer more interest if you don't withdraw in a given period, like 30 days), but you cannot transfer money directly out (move to everyday account first). You can deposit directly though.

More info:

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/managing-your-money/banking

http://www.nab.com.au/personal/accounts/compare-accounts

NAB (National Australia Bank) is one of the four largest financial institutions in Australia (Big 4) and offer no-fee Everyday/Checking and Savings accounts. Do note that some banks may charge you around $5 monthly for accounts, if you don't make a minimum $2000 monthly deposited (like a Salary Account), eg: ANZ.

http://www.nab.com.au/personal/help-and-guidance/moving-to-australia

• License

You can drive with your Indian License if you are coming on a Visitor/Work visa. If you are migrating you can drive with Indian License for 3/6 months (depends on the state) and then have to get an Australian license. If you have an Indian License since 3 years, you will get a full Australian License when you pass the test here. Else you have transition through multiple stages (L -> P1 -> P2 -> Full License).

More info: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/licensing/newtonsw/international_drivers.html

2. Moving

Moving is one of the most difficult things you'll ever do, with most feeling the stress build from the moment the decision is made. Find out how to cope with the move, with tips and suggestions for the whole family

http://www.wikihow.com/Cope-With-the-Stress-of-Moving

http://moving.about.com/od/youremovingnowwhat/tp/coping_with_a_move.htm

• Travelling by Air

Malaysian and Singapore Airlines are the choice of many as they offer good value, quality and shorter travel time. There are no direct flights to Australia from Kerala, so you have to make a transit in between. Air Asia is a cheaper option worth considering, as other airlines usually would have very high fares if you book closer to the travel date. But for Air Asia you have to pay extra for luggage, food, seat selection etc. I would recommend booking tickets directly with airline website if possible. Agents usually charge a lot if you want to make any changes or cancel later. Also make sure to sign up for reward/loyalty programs offered by Airlines (eg: Enrich/KrisFlyer/BIG), to get miles/points which you can redeem later.

3. After you move

• Getting Around

Most of the Australian cities offer very good public transport facilities (buses, metro etc). You can also rent a car from companies like Hertz, Budget etc

• Paperwork

Make sure you register for Medicare Card (Medical Insurance from the Government) and TFN (Tax File Number) at the earliest. Centrelink is the government agency which manages social security and you may be eligible to receive some payments depending on your status (eg: Family Tax Benefit, ChildCare Rebate etc). Everything is now integrated thru one online portal - https://my.gov.au

If you have children, make sure you have the vaccination record and register it online by visiting a health nurse or immunization clinic/office after you get Medicare Card. Daycare/Schools etc will ask for this information. Children born here have this info recorded in something called 'Blue Book'. You may be able to request one by contacting your state's agency.

• Where to Live

Apartments (high-rises) and Units (2-3 levels, no lift) are typical and cost-effective choice if you live closer to the City (eg: 15Km radius). Houses are generally costlier. Properties are usually managed by property management companies likes LJHooker, Elders etc. You may contact them directly for available listings for rent (usually called lease here) or check real estate websites like

http://www.domain.com.au/?mode=rent

http://www.realestate.com.au/rent

• Mobile

You can most likely use the same mobile from India if it supports Quad band or the bands/frequencies used here. It is cheaper to buy the phone outright than getting with a locked plan (eg: 2 years). The plan cost includes phone cost too and you end paying much more than the original cost of the phone. For outright purchase of phone, you have two options, locked (cheaper, but can be used with only that network) or unlocked (like in India, can use with any provider.

For mobile plan, start with something cheap. Lyca (cheap for calling India, but expensive for local calls) and Vaya are good options and is only ~$20 per month! Optus, Vodafone and Telstra (owned by govt, like BSNL) are the network carriers, others are just re-sellers. Lyca uses Telstra and Vaya uses Optus network.

For calling India use a VOIP service like Rebtel or Skype. Calling cards are available too. If you have a smart phone, Rebtel app is very convenient! You can make calls via WiFi or your mobile network (makes a local call to their server).

• Shopping

The big super market networks are Woolworths, Coles and Aldi for groceries and Kmart, Target etc for everything else. Electrical/Hardware items are available in Bunnings or Masters. For office stationary (and printing or photostats) go to officeworks. Westfield provides some of the nicest shopping malls. You can buy most items online, including home appliances. There are options to rent appliances and furniture too. Vinnies/Salvos sell donated used furniture for cheap. You may also try garage sales in your locality.

• Car

You can buy new car from your local dealership or via a car broker. Don't forget to negotiate up to 10% discount. Used cars are usually cheaper online, when bought directly from a private party (inspect yourself or via a mechanic).

• Insurance

Medicare provides you basic health insurance (government deducts 2% tax for it). It doesn't cover everything, eg; Ambulance, Dental etc. So most often you would need additional private insurance too (eg: Bupa). There are websites to compare and buy insurance.

You need minimum CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance to drive a car. But most people go for a comprehensive insurance.

• Language

Australian English is slightly different, very close to British. Aussies use a lot of slang, usually much efficient short versions for common long words and you can find the exhaustive list here. People usually smile and wish you at public places with something like 'Hi, How are ya" and you can respond with something like "Good, How are ya" with a pleasant smile. Talking loud in public places, burping, spitting etc are considered rude and indecent. Racism isn't an issue at all, unless you try consciously to stand out and ridicule others! Have respect and care for others and you will get the same back!