Australia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It plays host to different types of tourists, from adventure lovers to the young and old. If you want to visit the country for a working holiday there are some things you need to know before you go.
Of course, you might have some questions about what to do and what not to do when you are on a working holiday in Australia. I’ve got you covered with this extensive guide that explains all you need to have in mind as you pack your bags for an awesome holiday in Australia.
1. Get Your Entry Requirements
First things first – you must have your entry requirements ready because, without them, it won’t be easy for you to get into Australia.
You must secure your working holiday visa. The importance of the working holiday visa is that it allows you to stay for a lengthy time in the country. Ideally, you need to create an account with the Australian Department of Affairs and proceed to fill out an online application form.
Remember to confirm the type of working holiday visa that you qualify for according to the country you’re from. The common ones are WHV Subclass 417 and WHV Subclass 462.
Aside from that, other important requirements must be met:
- You must be within the age bracket of 18 and 30.
- Ensure that your country is listed in the Australian Working Holiday Visa Program. Some of the supported countries are Sweden, the United Kingdom, Malta, Italy, the Republic of Ireland, Hong Kong, the Republic of Korea, Denmark, Canada, France, and the Republic of Cyprus.
- You must have a valid passport that has at least 6 months left in it.
2. Get Your Proof of Finance Ready
Not having enough money can be the reason why your application for a working holiday in Australia will be declined.
You need to provide a:
- Bank statement that confirms you have up to $4,000
- Proof that you have booked a departure flight back to your home country
- Credit card that has the limit of $5,000
As a rule of thumb, ensure you print out the above as proof that your finances are well sorted out before you leave for Australia.
3. Find Somewhere Affordable to Stay
You don’t have all the money in the world to spend so you need to find somewhere affordable to stay. But more than that you want to meet other backpackers so you have people to explore the country with and to socialise with. One of the easiest things to do is to book into a hostel when you first arrive. Not only is this the best way to meet other backpackers travelling on a working holiday visa, but you’re more likely to find out about vacancies and jobs for backpackers and the accommodation is nice and affordable with all the facilities you need.
Make it easier on yourself by booking a Work & Travel Package which means your arrival is easy and you get all the help you need to find a job and ensure you have everything you need to work, like a Tax number and bank account. Nomads will even give you breakfast!
Check out these Australian Work & Travel Packages for arrivals into Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
4. Get a Phone Plan
You need a new SIM card that you will use for telephone calls and surfing the Internet.
You have many mobile networks to use their services. Some of them are:
- Vodafone
- Telstra and
- Optus
5. Open a Bank Account
You need to open an Australian bank account where you can save some of your money. It also becomes the payment option if you succeeded in getting a job during your stay, as the bank account is where your employers will pay your wages.
6. Get Your TFN
It is pertinent that you apply for and get your Tax File Number (TFN), as that is a veritable way of paying your tax for wages you receive in Australia.
7. Get A Job
You have many opportunities during your working holiday in Australia. You are allowed to study for 4 months maximum if that’s what you want. Otherwise, consider applying for jobs to earn a living while you tour Australia.
Some of the job opportunities you want to consider include:
- Fundraising/Sales
- Restaurants and Bars
- Seasonal/Farm Work
- Providing housekeeping services at hostels
8. Exploring Australia
It is now time to visit those locations you already figured out before you packed your bags to embark on a working holiday in Australia.
The ideal ways of exploring Australia include:
- Booking on a backpacker bus – they’re affordable and you’ll see all the best places as well as meet lots of new people.
- Buy a car, many backpackers sell their cars, just be aware that Australia is big, so you need a reliable car. Travel with others to keep your fuel costs down.
- The alternative is to rent a car or campervan.
It’s time to take a trip and enjoy your working holiday in Australia to the fullest. It will benefit you more if your employer places you on a shifting rotation so you can have the time to explore the country.
Don’t forget to claim your tax back when you leave Australia. If you booked a Work & Travel package, they can help you with this, or there are lots of companies that provide taxback services.
Australia presents many opportunities for people looking for a working holiday. Provided you played your cards well and you followed the advice above, you will be on your way to having a swell time.
Author: Steven Brian is a content writer, he has been in this area since for over seven years. He loves traveling very much, and has visited Thailand, Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand and more. When he does not work, he likes fishing, coffee and DIY. He also writes a lot of articles about healthy life and well being on his blog healthyarea.