Arrivals Guide

Arrivals Guide A comprehensive guide to settling in Australia

Australia States  ACT (Australian Capital Territory) - Canberra  NSW (New South Wales) – Sydney  NT (Northern Territory) - Darwin  QLD (Queensland) – Brisbane  SA (South Australia) - Adelaide  TAS (Tasmania) – Hobart  VIC (Victoria) - Melbourne  WA (Western Australia) – Perth Reminder: State laws do vary somewhat. Therefore, please do let your consultant know if you have any questions about the process in your state. Healthcare The Australian healthcare is of very high standards. The main language is English. In cases where an alternative language is required, The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is an Australian Government interpreting service for people who do not speak English and for organizations (including medical and health practitioners, and emergency services) that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients or service users. Public Health Care (Medicare) is available to citizens, permanent residents and people on the following visas. If your visa is not listed below, Private Health Insurance will be required:  Subclass 491 and 494 Visa Holders  Permanent Visa  Citizens Private Insurance If you are covered by private health insurance, consider the following points before signing up with a local GP or for any additional treatment facilities:  Does the GP you are enrolling with recognize your private health insurance provider?  Does your private health insurance provider have a list of affiliated centers for treatment?  If so, utilize this list to maximize your insurance coverage and reduce additional costs.  Does your private insurance include ambulance coverage? If not, it is worth looking into this. The cost of coverage will likely be minimal and in the event an ambulance call is required, you will not be required to cover the cost of the ambulance call-out and any treatment required. ©2022 SIRVA BGRS Worldwide, Inc. Confidential and Proprietary.

Medicare Health Medicare is Australia’s health insurance scheme and allows access to a wide range of health and hospital services at low or no cost, including:  Medical services by doctors, specialists and other health professionals  Hospital treatment  Diagnostic imaging services such as ultrasound, CT scans, X-rays and MRI scans  Prescription medicines The Australian government pays for Medicare through the Medicare levy. Working Australians pay the Medicare levy as part of their income tax. Medicare – Additional Information How to Apply for Medicare 1. Complete the Medicare enrolment application form (MS004) 2. Provide identity documents including current passport or Immicard 3. Provide proof of your visa status including:  Visa grant notification  VEVO print out  Proof from the Department of Home Affairs that you’ve applied for permanent residency, such as an ‘Acknowledgement of application received’ letter  Provide proof of your Australian citizen or Permanent Resident parent, spouse or child, including:  Birth certificate  Marriage certificate  Joint bank, gas, water or electricity account statement  Proof you own a home together 4. Bring your completed application form and supporting documents to a Medicare Service Centre. Reciprocal Health Care Agreements If you are a citizen from the following countries that have a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia, you may be eligible for Medicare while in Australia:  Belgium  Finland  Italy  Malta or the Maltese Islands ©2022 SIRVA BGRS Worldwide, Inc. Confidential and Proprietary.

 The Netherlands  New Zealand  Norway  Republic of Ireland  Slovenia  Sweden  United Kingdom Tax File Number What is a TFN? A TFN is a unique number issued to a person by the Tax Office. While you do not need to have a TFN, it is to your advantage to have one. If you do not have a TFN, you may:  pay more tax than necessary, or  not be able to get government benefits you are entitled to receive. Only one TFN is issued to you for your lifetime. Once a TFN has been issued to you, there is no need to re- apply for one if your circumstances change – for example, if you move interstate, change jobs, change your name, have investments, or claim government benefits. How to apply for a TFN online The online TFN registration system will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, via the Tax Office website (www.ato.gov.au). Where technical difficulties are experienced, such as computer down time, you will be advised to try again later. Alternatively, you will also have the option to download a paper version of the application to complete and submit by post, or in person. A Tax File Number is a 9-digit number that identifies you in Australia. Please check with your local HR before applying online. They may have already started this process. ©2022 SIRVA BGRS Worldwide, Inc. Confidential and Proprietary.

Why will you need a TFN? A TFN will assist you when you:  work in Australia  lodge a tax return  ask about your personal affairs  apply for certain income assistance or support payments (such as pensions or benefits from either Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs)  make or receive payments under the Pay As You Go system  have savings accounts or investments that earn income – for example, interest or dividends. If you are authorized to work in Australia, it is to your advantage to have a TFN. The online registration system can be used by people from overseas who have visas that allow work rights in Australia. These include working holiday makers, New Zealanders (who get a visa upon arrival), permanent migrants, overseas students who have had their visa amended to allow them to work, and people with a business class visa. Applying online means you will not need to provide physical documentation as proof of identity. Your privacy The Tax Office is authorized by the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to ask for information on the TFN application. The Tax Office needs this information to help administer laws relating to taxation, Commonwealth benefits, and superannuation. They may give this information to other government agencies authorized by law to receive it. For example, Commonwealth agencies which administer laws relevant to your situation. Depending on your situation these agencies could include Centrelink, the Australian Federal Police, the Child Support Agency, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, the Department of Family and Community Services, and the Department of Education, Science and Training. Banking Account applications can be completed online with any one of the major banks. Accounts will be available for deposits only; in order to make a withdrawal, you need to present yourself at the relevant bank branch with identification. Within six weeks of your arrival, you will usually only need your passport as identification. After six weeks you will need additional identification to open an account, and you may have difficulty if you do not have many documents to identify yourself. Banking may vary from state to state. Please check with your local consultant for specifics. Most banks are open from 9:00/9:30 am – 4:00/5:00 pm on weekdays. ©2022 SIRVA BGRS Worldwide, Inc. Confidential and Proprietary.

A limited number of banks are open on Saturdays. The 4 largest banks in Australia, that allow setup prior to arrival, include:  National Australia Bank  Commonwealth Bank  Australia and New Zealand Banking Group  Westpac ATMs  Local ATMs accept most major credit cards and debit cards.  ATMs with a Plus or Cirrus sign displayed will accept your own home country ATM card.  Whenever possible, try to use an ATM owned by your bank, or owned by a company with which your bank has a partnership, to avoid ATM fees.  Daily limit for cash withdrawals varies, depending on the bank and type of account Credit/Debit Cards  Local credit and debit cards are generally accepted city wide.  Foreign credit cards have limited acceptance throughout the city.  Visa, MasterCard, American Express and other cards are usually accepted at larger establishments, foreign brand stores, and at ATMs where their logos are clearly displayed. Opening of Bank Account You can open an Australian bank account prior to arrival. You will need a Tax File Number (details on this are provided in this document). You can arrange for this as soon as you arrive. A TFN will avoid higher rates of taxation on interest earned. Requirements Foreign residents will need to show/upload some or all of the following documents to open a bank account in Australia:  Copy of passport  Tax File Number  Formal letter of employment, issued by your employer  Your passport number, email address and Visa information  The date and city you’ll arrive in. Notes:  Please ensure all documents are in English. ©2022 SIRVA BGRS Worldwide, Inc. Confidential and Proprietary.

 The above banking information is based on latest observations and may be subject to any updates/changes as deemed fit by the bank(s) Joint Accounts Opening of joint accounts can be done when both parties hold a valid AU visa. Bank Account Opening Check List Particulars Documents Required Original or Copy Remarks Required Applicant must attend in- Australian with British Estimated at $25,000 - Class sizes are smaller. If person and provide original influences $40,000/annum for tuition there is no space in the year ID only. the child will either go on a wait list or the application For international expats rejected. there is usually an international fee in addition to base tuition Australian Tax ID Australian Estimated at $4,500 - $20,000/annum for tuition. May be an international fee for expatriates. Residence proof Australian Rough estimation at Long-term lease/home $1,500/annum. purchase required within the catchment zone of the school to apply. Varies by school. Low fees in comparison. Employment reference Employer’s reference letter Original in company’s May be required letterhead Applicant must attend in- Passport or Driver’s license Original Account can be set up person and provide original with validated employment online ahead of arrival ID visa Please note: Guidelines for opening of bank accounts in Australia may vary across different banks and subjected to changes without prior notice. ©2022 SIRVA BGRS Worldwide, Inc. Confidential and Proprietary.

Driving in Australia In many states, if you are on a temporary visa, you can drive on the same type of vehicle as your current license allows, but you must drive according to any conditions on your overseas license. You will need either one of these:  A current license issued in another country that is written in English.  A current license with an English translation if necessary or an international driver’s license. Drivers must keep their license documents with them at all times when driving and produce these and their passports to police upon request. To ensure you are following the correct state’s protocol, please follow the steps in the relevant link below, and check with your local consultant for more information.  Australian Capital Territory  New South Wales  Northern Territory  Queensland  South Australian  Victoria  Western Australia Mobile Phones Prepaid Card Requirements: No requirement, simply purchase a Mobile Prepaid SIM card that which suit your needs. Where: Available to purchase at all mobile phone stores, airports, and convenience stores (e.g.: 7Eleven). Mobile Plan Requirements:  Full name  Primary contact number  Email address  Date of birth  Residential address – If you have lived at that address for less than 3 years, your previous address will be needed as well. ©2022 SIRVA BGRS Worldwide, Inc. Confidential and Proprietary.

 Delivery address – No delivery to PO boxes, locked bag addresses or parcel lockers as an ID and signature are required upon delivery.  Proof of employment, study or pension benefits – You can provide a phone number for your employer, a student card if you're studying in Australia, or a pension card if you are receiving a government benefit.  Direct debit – A direct debit from your Australian bank account or credit card is required when you first sign up. Cable TV/Broadband Connections Subscription Requirements:  100 points of ID needed, and that must include at least one form of primary ID. To make up 100 points, you can use:  One primary ID plus one or two forms of secondary ID, or two primary IDs Main Providers in AU:  Telstra  Optus Note: High-speed internet service mainly available in new developments and residential districts. ©2022 SIRVA BGRS Worldwide, Inc. Confidential and Proprietary.

Helpful Apps & Sites Meetup Uber Eats Gum Tree In-person and virtual events for Food Delivery Classified Ads people with similar interests AUS Map Yelp Uber Mobile version of www.street- Crowd-sourced review and directory.com.au reservations Ride share Woolworths Coles Foodland Woolworths Coles Foodland IGA Organic Angels Indo-Asian Grocery Store IGA Organic Angels Indo-Asian Grocery Store ©2022 SIRVA BGRS Worldwide, Inc. Confidential and Proprietary.

Leisure Activities and Events Australians and expats like to take the time to enjoy all that Australia has to offer. Throughout the year there are many events that take place, as well as museums, wonderful hikes and beaches you can explore each weekend! Time Out http://www.au.timeout.com is a great way to find out what is happening in your city. There are many options in each state. Please see below for some examples in addition to the site above. Australian Capital Territory Australian War Memorial - The Australian war memorial serves both as a memorial to Australians who served their country and as a military museum. The building, roughly shaped like a Byzantine church, is a revered national shrine. Old Parliament House - Built in 1927, the old parliament house served as the seat of government until 1988, and is now open for tours through the chambers and corridors of power. The lovely Rose Gardens on either side of this national heritage site are a visual delight. New South Wales The Sydney Opera House - Beautiful against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, the World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House is a thriving hub of art, culture and of human creativity, not only the 20th Century but in the history of humankind, according to a World Heritage report, it attracts millions of visitors from all over the world each year. Experience all that the Sydney Opera House has to offer by taking a guided tour, watching a show, and enjoying a cocktail at Opera Bar at sunset or delicious food in the widely acclaimed Bennelong Restaurant. BridgeClimb - One of the most exciting ways to experience the Sydney Harbour Bridge is to climb to the top of it. Exhilarating and utterly unforgettable, BridgeClimb gives you the opportunity to walk to the summit of the bridge and enjoy one of the world's most spectacular views, 134 metres (440ft) above the water. Standing above Sydney Harbor - on the world's largest (but not longest) steel arch bridge - gives an incredible panoramic vantage point of the city, its harbor and waterways, and the dynamic lifestyle it affords locals and visitors alike. Northern Territory Mindil Beach Sunset Market - Epitomizing outdoor living, this is a very popular rendezvous spot for families. There are usually 200 stalls selling aboriginal arts and crafts along with musicians and entertainers. It is also a great place to sample a wide range of food from 60 different food stalls including Thai, Malay, Indonesian, Chinese, Indian, and Greek. Katherine Gorge - World-famous Katherine Gorge is located in Nitmiluk National Park, just to the south of Kakadu. The 12-kilometre length of the gorge surrounded by its 70-metre tall cliffs on either side, is an ©2022 SIRVA BGRS Worldwide, Inc. Confidential and Proprietary.

impressive sight, best enjoyed in a rented kayak from water-level. Queensland Tangalooma Island Resort - Tangalooma Island Resort has a wide array of excursions on offer, and a few of them are for free. This is the few places in the world where it is still possible to hand-feed dolphins in the wild. They come swimming up alongside the jetty at dusk for their nightly feed. Lamington National Park - Lamington National Park is World Heritage-listed and about a 2-hour drive away from Brisbane. The park’s walks take in pristine waterfalls, sections of the ancient Gondwana Rainforests and over 120 bird species that live there. South Australia Wine Cellars - Some of the most famous wine regions in the world are dotted across South Australia: from Shiraz in the Barossa and Riesling in the Clare Valley to the big reds of the Coonawarra, your wine holiday will be as rich and seamless as the wines themselves. You will find more than 200 cellar doors open for you within an hour drive away from Adelaide. Glenelg - Glenelg is Adelaide’s most popular beach destination, always buzzing with people browsing through shops, dining at sidewalk cafés and enjoying the beach. The port is also well worth a visit, as well as the many events going on there all year. Tasmania Mona, Museum of Old and New Art - Mona is a three-level subterranean art space dug into a sandstone cliff face underneath an ambient vineyard – its lawns dotted with pink bean bags. Australia's largest private museum - its unconventional and challenging curatorial approach - makes Mona a must-see for any visitor to Australia. Devils@Cradle - It doesn’t get much more Tasmanian than Cradle Mountain and Tassie devils. Keep an eye on the clock because the Devils@Cradle feeding tour happens at 5.30pm sharp – or the devils get mad. This is a rare chance to observe these unique animals in the company of some fellow carnivorous marsupials – the eastern and spotted-tail quoll. Victoria Federation Square - This futuristic plaza is one of the most complex and ambitious construction projects ever undertaken in Australia, serving as Melbourne’s civic center with cafés, restaurants, an amphitheater and several museums such as the Ian Potter center with Australian art. There’s also a farmers market every Friday and a book market on Saturdays. Royal Botanic Gardens - Arguably one of most beautiful botanic gardens in the world and the perfect place for a relaxing and picturesque picnic. It displays more than 50,000 plants and is undisputedly one of Melbourne's most popular tourist attractions. Definitely worth a visit on a sunny day in Melbourne. ©2022 SIRVA BGRS Worldwide, Inc. Confidential and Proprietary.

Western Australia Art Gallery of Western Australia- The Art Gallery of Western Australia was founded in 1895 and contains a mix of indigenous, historical and contemporary works of art. This is your chance to experience historic and contemporary Australian art through stimulating exhibitions. Rottnest Island - An island paradise with superb snorkeling only 25 minutes from Perth. The island is 11 kilometers long and has been a popular holiday destination for the last 50 years. Clubs & Familiarization Below are some ways to familiarize yourself and make new friends and to form new social circles. Ethnic and community organizations In Australia, there are many ethnic and community organizations that serve and represent the of people from diverse cultural, linguistic, and religious backgrounds. These organizations may be able to help you or direct you to those who can help you.  Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Council of Australia (FECCA)  Settlement Council of Australia Most state and territory governments also have offices dealing with multicultural and migrant issues that may be able to provide you with assistance. These details have been listed below. Australian Capital Territory:  ACT Community Services Directorate  ACT Office of Multicultural Affairs New South Wales:  NSW Community Relations Commission  NSW Community Organizations Queensland:  QLD Multicultural Affairs  QLD Multicultural Resource Directory South Australia:  SA Multicultural  SA Multicultural Communities Council Victoria:  VIC Multicultural Commission ©2022 SIRVA BGRS Worldwide, Inc. Confidential and Proprietary.

Western Australia:  WA Office of Multicultural Interests Join an Association There are a range of social network opportunities. They’re not exclusive and they welcome membership from all, regardless of citizenship. They usually charge a free or low-cost membership fee and offer events to understand your city better, including:  www.meetup.com.au  www.newcomersnetwork.com Some simple internet searches will also locate gyms, cinemas, theatres, eateries, etc. that best suit your location, needs and lifestyle. Public Transportation Public transport is owned or operated by government authorities, and you pay to use it for a set journey. There are several forms of public transport in Australia including buses, trains, trams and ferries. You will need to pay a fare or buy a ticket to use most services. Concessions are generally available for students, seniors, and Health Care Card holders. Brochures and timetables are available from many local government councils and visitor centers, railway stations and public information centers. For information about government operated transport in your state or territory, including ticketing, timetables, and concessions, go to the following websites:  Australian Capital Territory  New South Wales  Northern Territory  Queensland  South Australia  Victoria  Western Australia ©2022 SIRVA BGRS Worldwide, Inc. Confidential and Proprietary.