The biggest mistake people make when moving to Australia is underestimating how many parallel processes need to run simultaneously. Everything connects in a specific order. This checklist is the sequence used with Cipher Concierge members.
90 Days Before Departure
- Confirm visa conditions — work rights, health cover requirements, state commitments
- Research Australian health insurance (OVHC for most temporary visas)
- Collect certified documents: birth certificate, marriage certificate, degrees, professional registrations
- Start overseas bank account pre-application (ANZ, CBA, Westpac, NAB all offer this)
- Research schools if relocating with children — private schools have 2-3 year waitlists
30 Days Before Departure
- Complete Australian bank pre-application
- Book serviced apartment for first 4-6 weeks — do not sign a long-term lease before arriving
- Obtain International Driving Permit from your home country
- Arrange shipping of personal effects — sea freight takes 6-10 weeks
- Download apps: myGov, ATO, Service NSW, Medicare, your bank
Week 1 After Arrival
- Day 1: Get an Australian SIM card (Telstra has best coverage)
- Day 1: Activate or open your Australian bank account
- Day 2: Apply for Tax File Number (TFN) online at ato.gov.au — takes 10 minutes
- Day 3: Register for Medicare at a Service Centre — bring passport, visa grant, address proof
- Day 4: Set up myGov account and link Medicare and ATO
Weeks 2-4
- Begin active rental search on Domain.com.au and Realestate.com.au
- Arrange private health insurance (Medibank, Bupa, HCF)
- Arrange vehicle — purchase, rental, or car subscription
- Convert driving licence at Service NSW (varies by country — many don't require a test)
Months 2-3
- TFN arrives — provide to employer and banks
- Set up superannuation account — employer must contribute 11%
- Register vehicle if purchased
- Enrol children in school
- Lodge first Australian tax return if applicable
Let someone else manage this list
Cipher Concierge members hand us this entire checklist. We coordinate every step so they can focus on their new life in Australia.
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