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Showing posts from May, 2025

Public Transport in Australia: Myki, Opal & Go Card Explained

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Public Transport in Australia: Myki, Opal & Go Card Explained Getting around in Australia is easy with the country’s efficient public transport system. Each state has its own travel card system, and knowing which one to use will save you time and money. Here's a breakdown of the main travel cards in Australia. 1. Myki – Victoria (Melbourne) Where it works: Trams, trains, and buses in Melbourne and surrounding areas. How to use: Tap on and tap off using your Myki card. Purchase at stations, convenience stores, or online. Discounts: Available for international students on eligible courses. 2. Opal – New South Wales (Sydney) Where it works: Trains, buses, ferries, and light rail in Sydney and surrounding areas. How to use: Tap on and off at readers. Get cards from retailers, stations, or online. Discounts: Capped weekly fares and half-price after 8 journeys. 3. Go Card – Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast) Where it works: Trains, buses, and ferries in South E...

How to Get a Tax File Number (TFN) in Australia

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How to Get a Tax File Number (TFN) in Australia If you plan to work in Australia—whether part-time as a student or full-time—you’ll need a Tax File Number (TFN). It’s a unique identifier issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) that ensures you pay the correct amount of tax and access benefits like superannuation. 1. What is a TFN? A Tax File Number (TFN) is a 9-digit number that is linked to your income records. You’ll need it for: Working legally in Australia Filing your tax return Opening a superannuation account Preventing unnecessary withholding taxes 2. Who Can Apply? Anyone legally in Australia with a valid visa can apply for a TFN. This includes: International students (Subclass 500) Working holiday makers (Subclass 417 or 462) Skilled workers and professionals Permanent residents and citizens 3. How to Apply Visit the official ATO website at ato.gov.au Fill in the online TFN application form Provide your passport, visa det...

Cost of Living in Australia for International Students (2025)

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Cost of Living in Australia for International Students (2025) Studying in Australia can be a life-changing experience—but it also comes with financial responsibilities. As an international student, it’s important to understand the average cost of living so you can plan your budget and avoid surprises. 1. Average Monthly Expenses (AUD) Category Estimated Cost (AUD) Rent (shared apartment) $600–$1,200 Groceries $300–$500 Public Transport $100–$200 Mobile & Internet $40–$80 Utilities (if not included) $100–$150 Leisure & Eating Out $100–$250 2. City-by-City Breakdown Sydney: Highest cost of living. Budget at least $2,000/month Melbourne: Slightly cheaper than Sydney, around $1,800/month Brisbane / Adelaide: More affordable – around $1,500–$1,700/month Perth: Balanced cost wit...

Start Here

Start Here – Your Guide to Moving and Living in Australia Welcome to Move to AU – a practical guide for newcomers planning to move to Australia. Whether you're a student, skilled worker, or relocating with your family, this site is designed to help you every step of the way. Who This Blog Is For International students preparing to study in Australia Skilled migrants applying for visas or jobs Families relocating and seeking housing and education info Anyone curious about life in Australia Where to Begin We recommend starting with these core topics: Visa Information – Understand the types of visas, how to apply, and what to expect Housing – Tips on finding rental properties, student accommodations, and cost of living Jobs – Learn about working rights, part-time jobs, and applying for positions Cost of Living – Budgeting tips, expenses, banking, and financial survival in Australia Travel – Domestic travel tips, booking tools, and travel apps...

Disclaimer

Disclaimer for Move to AU If you require any more information or have any questions about our site's disclaimer, please feel free to contact us via the Contact page. 1. General Information All the information on this website – https://movetoau.blogspot.com/ – is published in good faith and for general informational purposes only. Move to AU does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own discretion. 2. External Links This website may contain links to other websites. While we strive to provide quality and relevant links, we have no control over the content and nature of those sites. The presence of external links does not imply endorsement of the content or the views expressed therein. 3. Consent By using our website, you hereby consent to our disclaimer and agree to its terms. 4. Updates Should we update or amend this document, those changes will be pro...

Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for Move to AU At Move to AU , accessible from https://movetoau.blogspot.com/, one of our main priorities is the privacy of our visitors. This Privacy Policy document outlines the types of information that is collected and recorded by Move to AU and how we use it. 1. Log Files Like many other websites, Move to AU makes use of log files. These files log visitors when they visit the site. The information collected may include internet protocol (IP) addresses, browser type, Internet Service Provider (ISP), date and time stamp, referring/exit pages, and possibly the number of clicks. This data is not linked to any information that is personally identifiable and is used for analyzing trends, administering the site, and tracking user movement. 2. Cookies and Web Beacons Move to AU uses cookies to store information about visitors’ preferences and to record user-specific information on which pages the site visitor accesses. This helps to optimize the user experience by c...
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What to Pack Before Moving to Australia – The Ultimate Checklist Getting ready to move to Australia? Packing the right things can save you time, money, and stress when you arrive. From important documents to daily essentials, here’s a comprehensive checklist of what to pack before your big move. 1. Essential Documents Passport + Visa grant letter Printed copies of university/job offer letters Certified academic transcripts (for students) International driver’s license (if applicable) Travel insurance details 2. Clothing Australia has different climates depending on the city, but in general: Light summer wear (T-shirts, shorts) Warm layers (hoodies, jackets for Melbourne/Sydney winters) Raincoat or umbrella Comfortable walking shoes 3. Electronics & Adapters Unlocked phone + charger Power adapters (Australia uses Type I plug) Laptop + accessories External hard drive or USBs 4. Personal Items Prescription medications (with ...

How to Open a Bank Account in Australia as a Foreigner (Step-by-Step)

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If you’re moving to Australia, one of the first things you’ll need is a local bank account. It will help you receive salary, pay rent, shop online, and avoid expensive international fees. The good news? Opening a bank account in Australia is surprisingly easy—even before you arrive. 1. Choose the Right Bank Australia has several major banks that are foreigner-friendly. The “Big Four” banks include: Commonwealth Bank Westpac ANZ (Australia and New Zealand Banking Group) NAB (National Australia Bank) All of them offer online account opening for international students, workers, and new migrants. 2. Decide When to Open You can apply for a bank account up to 3 months before arriving in Australia . Simply go to the bank’s website and fill out the online application form. Your debit card will be waiting for you at a local branch upon arrival. 3. Required Documents To open a bank account, you’ll need: Your passport Visa grant notice Australian address (can be...

How to Find a Rental Apartment in Sydney as a Newcomer

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How to Find a Rental Apartment in Sydney as a Newcomer Finding a rental apartment in Sydney can be a real challenge—especially if you’re new to Australia. With rising demand, limited supply, and fast-moving listings, it’s important to know where to look, what to prepare, and how to act quickly. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know as a newcomer renting in Sydney. 1. Understand the Market Sydney has one of the most competitive rental markets in Australia. Suburbs close to the CBD, universities, and beaches are in high demand. Popular areas for newcomers include Parramatta, Newtown, Ashfield, and Kensington. 2. Start with Trusted Rental Sites Use reliable websites to find up-to-date listings: domain.com.au realestate.com.au flatmates.com.au (for shared housing) 3. Prepare Your Documents Landlords expect strong applications. Prepare these documents: Passport and visa Proof of income or bank statements Letter of enrollment or employm...

Top 5 Cities in Australia for International Students

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Top 5 Cities in Australia for International Students Choosing the right city to live and study in is just as important as choosing the right university. Australia offers a range of cities that are not only home to world-class universities but also offer vibrant cultures, student-friendly environments, and excellent job opportunities. Here are the top 5 cities in Australia for international students. 1. Melbourne – The Cultural Capital Known for its art, music, coffee culture, and diversity, Melbourne is a top choice among international students. It’s home to the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and RMIT. The city offers excellent public transport, vibrant neighborhoods, and plenty of student accommodation options. 2. Sydney – Big City Life & Global Networking Australia’s largest city, Sydney, is a global hub. It’s home to the University of Sydney, UNSW, and UTS. With iconic views, beautiful beaches, and a strong job market, it's ideal for those seeking big c...

How to Apply for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)

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How to Apply for an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) Moving to Australia for education is a dream for many students around the world. With its world-class universities and multicultural society, Australia is one of the top destinations for international students. If you're planning to study in Australia, you'll likely need to apply for the Student Visa Subclass 500 . What is Subclass 500? Subclass 500 is the student visa that allows you to stay in Australia for the duration of your studies, along with limited work rights. You can apply for this visa if you are enrolled in a full-time course registered with CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Get a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) After receiving your letter of offer from an Australian institution, you need to accept it and pay the tuition fee. Then the school will send you a CoE which is required for the visa application. Create...