australia

accommodation

Australia boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and finding the right accommodation can be difficult to choose. There are many ways in which you can find accommodation in Australia and there are also different housing options. In order to make the right decision, you need to think about a) your budget, b) your preferred location, c) services close by like public transport and shops, d) whether the property is furnished and e) the conditions of the place.

Monthly rent varies from $600 - 1,200 per month
You will be asked to put a month's rent down as a deposit in most cases, which will be returned once you leave depending on the condition of the property
Inhabitants must pay utilities bills such as gas and electricity in addition to rent and deposit
The most common lease terms are for 6 months or 1-2 years, with the opportunity of a notice period (usually one rental month) written into the contract

If you are intending to stay in one city for a long period of time, it is more cost effective to rent a flat/house. The best place to find information on renting properties is in the local newspaper or on real estate websites for example:

Local newspapers

Sydney Morning Herald - Sydney
The Age - Melbourne
The Courier Mail - Brisbane
The West Australian - Perth
The Adelaide Advertiser - Adelaide

If you would like further assistance in finding suitable accommodation in Australia, we recommend you contact individual real estate agents to discuss your needs and requirements.

recommended websites

Doctors and health

Australia has a state healthcare scheme called Medicare.

The Commonwealth Government has signed reciprocal healthcare agreements with Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland
This reciprocal agreement ensures that working travellers are entitled to free emergency medical treatment through Medicare
Ensure you apply for a Medicare card on arrival - for information on the Medicare scheme please visit www.hic.gov.au
If you require dental work while residing in Australia you will be required to pay for the treatment personally

Residents of the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Malta and Italy who visit Australia are entitled to:

Free treatment at a public hospital in-patient or out-patient department
Selected medicines subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Medicare benefits for out of hospital medical treatment provided by doctors through private surgeries and Government Health Centres

Opening a bank account

Opening a bank account is straight forward in Australia. You'll need as much ID as possible, including your passport, proof of address (bills, rent receipts or a lease), a letter from your employer/Robert Walters, bank statements and a letter/reference from your bank at home - ensure you get this from your bank before you go. You can also set up a bank account in the UK before you go, by contacting your bank at home. This is sometimes the easiest option, so it is a good idea to research it before you leave home.

Major retail banks in Australia include - Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and ANZ
Your salary will usually be paid directly into your bank account by your employer and your regular salary statement will be sent to your home address

Mobile phones

Ensure that you obtain an Australian mobile number as soon as you arrive in Australia - this is the best way to keep in touch with your consultant and for us to keep you updated with job opportunities
The main mobile phone providers in Australia are Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and Virgin Mobile

Tax and superannuation

If you are planning to work in Australia you must obtain a tax file number from the tax office in Australia. Further details on the Australian tax system can be found at www.ato.gov.au

Superannuation in Australia is compulsory and operates like a pension scheme. Nine per cent of your salary is paid into a superannuation fund by your employer and is redeemable in your home country upon return from Australia.

Insurance

You should obtain adequate travel insurance before arriving in Australia.
Ensure that it covers loss of passport, baggage and money.

Useful telephone numbers

Emergency Services
Directory Assistance
International Enquiries
Yellow Pages

000
12455
1225
12451

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