Guides for Sydney

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ArrivalLocal guide Your first 30 days in SydneyA step-by-step checklist for your first month in Sydney: getting around with Opal, your tax file number, bank account and myGov, Medicare, checking your visa conditions, finding a home and lodging your bond, a GP, school enrolment, local council services and free English classes.Spread over your first four weeks; most steps take under an hour
MovingMoving to Australia – an overviewThe big picture for a move to Australia: how the federal and state systems divide the work, who needs a visa, what to prepare before you leave, the first registrations after arrival (TFN, bank, myGov, Medicare) and the longer path to permanent residence and citizenship.Usually several months of planning before the move, and about a month of set-up after arrival
Residence and visasVisas for living and working in AustraliaAn overview of the main ways to move to Australia: employer-sponsored and points-tested skilled visas, working holiday visas, student and family visas, what New Zealand citizens get on arrival, and what to do once your visa is granted.From a few weeks to many months, depending on the visa and your circumstances
HousingLocal guide Finding a home to rent in SydneyWhat renting in Sydney costs in 2026, how the search and application process works, what you can be asked to pay, how to compare areas and avoid rental scams, and what to do between arrival and signing your first lease.Often several weeks of inspections and applications
HousingTenant rights in New South WalesYour rights as a renter in NSW in 2026: what you can and cannot be charged when you apply, the bond held by NSW Fair Trading, the condition report, once-a-year rent increases, the end of no-grounds evictions, pets, repairs, and where to get free help.About 30 minutes to read; keep it at hand when you sign a lease
JobsLooking for work in AustraliaHow to look for a job in Australia as a newcomer: checking your work rights, getting overseas qualifications recognised, using Workforce Australia and other job boards, understanding pay before you accept, and avoiding job scams.Often several weeks to months, depending on your field and your visa
EmploymentYour rights at work in AustraliaThe minimum pay and conditions every employee in Australia is entitled to in 2026, including the National Minimum Wage, awards, the National Employment Standards, leave, payslips and super, the protections that apply whatever your visa, and where to get free help.About 20 minutes to read; the Fair Work pay tools take a few minutes
MoneySuperannuation (super) in AustraliaHow compulsory employer superannuation works in 2026: the 12% super guarantee paid with every payday, choosing a fund or using a stapled fund, keeping track of your accounts, and claiming your super (DASP) if you leave Australia on a temporary visa.About 20 minutes when you start a job; a few minutes a year to check your account
TaxesGetting a tax file number (TFN) in AustraliaWhat a tax file number is, why you need one before you start work, how visa holders apply online for free, how long it takes to arrive, and how to keep it safe.About 15 minutes online; the TFN usually arrives by post within 28 days
TaxesTaxes in Australia for newcomersHow income tax works in Australia: the 1 July to 30 June financial year, PAYG withholding, the 2026–27 resident tax rates, the Medicare levy and surcharge, working holiday maker and foreign resident rates, and how to lodge your tax return with myTax by 31 October.Usually 1 to 2 hours a year to lodge a simple return online
BankingOpening a bank account in AustraliaHow to open an everyday bank account as a newcomer, including starting an application before you arrive, the identity check in a branch, choosing an account with low fees, giving the bank your TFN, and sending money overseas.About 15 minutes online, plus a short branch visit to verify your identity
HealthcareMedicare and health care in AustraliaHow Medicare works, who can enrol (including permanent visa applicants, New Zealanders and visitors from reciprocal health care agreement countries), how to enrol through myGov, bulk billing and GPs, and what temporary visa holders without Medicare need instead.About 20 minutes to enrol online; the card arrives by post
FamilySchools, preschools and childcare in NSWHow children start school in NSW, how to enrol in your local public school, what temporary visa holders need to know about fees, fee-free public preschools, the Child Care Subsidy rates for 2026–27 and the immunisation documents you will be asked for.A few hours to research and complete applications; allow several weeks for temporary resident approvals
TransportLocal guide Public transport in Sydney (Opal) and driving with an overseas licenceHow to pay for Sydney's trains, metro, buses, ferries and light rail with an Opal card or a contactless bank card, the 2026 daily and weekly caps, off-peak and transfer discounts, and when you need a NSW driver licence.A few minutes to get started; you can tap on with a contactless card on day one
EmergenciesEmergency and helpline numbers in Australia and SydneyThe numbers to save on your first day: Triple Zero (000) for police, fire and ambulance, 112 from mobiles, non-urgent police and storm help in NSW, poisons advice, a 24-hour nurse line, crisis support and interpreters.5 minutes to save the numbers in your phone