If you are considering moving to Australia on a Working Holiday visa, here are some helpful tips and things to consider. As someone who recently made Australia my new home base, I want to share valuable information to assist you in your decision-making process. Although I am uncertain about the duration of my stay in Australia, I hope these insights will be beneficial to you.
The Visa
If you are interested in doing a working holiday in Australia, the Working Holiday Visa program is a highly sought-after opportunity. This program not only allows you to experience working life in Australia but also provides you with ample time for travel.
To obtain the visa, you will need to pay approximately $420 AUD. The application process involves completing an online questionnaire. Eligibility criteria include being between 18-30 years old, having no children, and having a passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned return to your home country.
If you need assistance and advice when applying for a visa online, travel agencies like S.T.A Travel offer their services to help you with the process. They can arrange the visa for you at a cost of approximately $670 AUD.
According to the Australian Government, it is recommended to have $5000 AUD to financially support yourself during the initial period before settling in and finding a job. Booking a return flight is not a requirement.
It is not common for individuals to have their bank statements checked as proof of funds by Australian immigration. However, it is important to note that Australian immigration authorities have the authority to deny entry to individuals who refuse to provide their bank statements when requested.
The Working Holiday visa is a 12-month permit that enables individuals to work in various job capacities, including full-time, part-time, casual, and voluntary positions. Moreover, this visa allows for multiple entries and exits to and from Australia within the 12-month period. Therefore, while staying in Australia, you have the opportunity to save money and explore neighbouring countries like New Zealand, Indonesia, Fiji, and more, if desired.
Travel Insurance
When moving abroad and travelling, it is crucial to consider travel insurance. World Nomads is a reliable option that provides comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, lost belongings, damaged luggage, trip cancellations, and more. With their insurance, you can have peace of mind not just for Australia, but for any destination worldwide. It’s no wonder they are called World Nomads.
Online purchasing is a convenient option available worldwide, allowing you to make purchases from anywhere, regardless of your location. With a 24-hour helpline and an online chat service, assistance is readily accessible. Additionally, making claims can also be done conveniently through the online platform.
Getting to Australia
Australia is located quite a distance away from other countries, particularly Europe and the U.S.A. These two nationalities are highly sought after by those wanting to live and work in Australia. It may be a challenge to find affordable flights, but it is worth exploring low-cost carriers like Jetstar or Air Asia, as they offer connections through Asia.
On a recent trip from Istanbul to Melbourne, I had the pleasure of flying with China Southern Airlines. The journey included an overnight stopover in Guangzhou, China, which is located near Hong Kong.
If you’re looking for affordable flights, check out these useful websites for finding cheap airfare:
Accommodation
After successfully obtaining your visa and booking your flight, you may be unsure of what steps to take next. If your destination is Sydney or Melbourne and you plan on staying there, it is recommended to search for hostels on hostelworld.com. However, if you are arriving during high season or at a time when a major event is taking place in your arrival city, it is highly advisable to pre-book your hostel accommodations before arriving in Australia.
After reaching your destination, you have the opportunity to plan your next steps at the hostel. Many cities have multiple hostels that provide work exchange programs in exchange for accommodation. To explore this option, it is advisable to contact the hostel directly upon your arrival.
Rent
If you have developed an affinity for the city you are currently in and have decided to make it your home, it is time to begin your search for suitable accommodations. If you have established connections with fellow travellers who are also seeking long-term stays, it might be worth exploring rental listings on GumTree.com.au.
If you are in search of a private room, you can find numerous rental options available on websites like Gum Tree. These rooms are often advertised by backpackers, travellers, and young locals.
GumTree offers a variety of privately advertised rentals, including share houses and rooms. One advantage of using GumTree and private rentals is that you can rent without a contract, allowing you to avoid the commitment of a full-year lease.
If you’re looking for share house and room rental websites in Australia, here are some others worth checking out.
If you are interested in learning more about the process of renting in Australia, there are various resources available to provide you with detailed information.
Mobile Sim card
Having a phone number is essential for job applications and staying in touch with fellow backpackers you meet at hostels.
Prepaid
When you arrive at your destination, obtaining a prepaid SIM card is a straightforward process. These cards are readily available at supermarkets, mobile stores, and various other retail establishments. The best part is that you don’t need to provide any identification or documents to make the purchase. However, when activating the SIM card, you will be asked to provide your personal information such as your name and address, which is typically done online.
When it comes to prepaid plans, there is a wide selection available. Here are a few examples to consider:
- Vodafone For just $30, you can enjoy unlimited national calls and texts for a whole month. On top of that, you’ll also get 1.5 GB of data to use.
- Optus For just $40, you get a 28-day plan that includes unlimited national calls and text, as well as 10GB of data.
- Telstra For just $30, you get a prepaid plan that lasts for 28 days. This plan includes $700 worth of call credit, unlimited national texts, and 2.6GB of data.
In rural areas, it is worth noting that Telstra and Optus are the primary phone service providers. If you want to learn more about the variety of phone companies, plans, and pre-paid options available, you can visit whistleout.com.au/Compare-Prepaid-Mobile-Phone-Plans.
Tax file number
When working in Australia, it is necessary to obtain an Australian Tax File Number. Prior to commencing employment, employers will typically ask for this number. Fortunately, acquiring this number is a simple process.
If you are looking to apply for a Tax File Number in Australia, you can access the application form through this link.
https://secure.taxfilenumberaustralia.com.au/apply
Bank account
To receive payment for your work in Australia, it is necessary to have an Australian bank account. To open a bank account, you will need to provide identification documents such as your passport, driver’s license, credit card, utility bill, or rental receipt. If you anticipate working in the capital city, you will have a broader selection of bank companies to consider.
If you are considering residing in smaller or rural areas, selecting one of the Big 4 banks would be beneficial as it guarantees the presence of an ATM from your chosen bank. This would help you avoid any A.T.M. charges. Additionally, it is worth noting that most retail and trade stores provide EPTOS services.
The ‘Big 4′ banks are:
- A.N.Z (Australia and New Zealand Banking Corporation)
- Westpac (Westpac Banking Corporation)
- N.A.B (National Australia Bank)
- Commonwealth (Commonwealth Bank of Australia)
If you’re interested in comparing bank accounts and companies in Australia, you can find more information at infochoice.com.au/banking/bank-account/comparison/.
Jobs
If you find yourself in a hostel or share house in Australia, equipped with a sim card, bank account, and tax file number, you may be eager to start working and fully immerse yourself in the Aussie experience. If you prefer to begin working before embarking on your travels, it’s time to start searching for job opportunities. You can search for jobs online, network with fellow travellers at hostels, and explore in-person job opportunities.
Farm Work
Many backpackers who work in Australia often choose to spend a portion of their time in rural areas. This provides them with a valuable opportunity to explore parts of the country that they may not typically visit.
To be eligible for a second-year Working Holiday Visa in Australia, which allows you to stay in the country for 2 years, it is required that you have worked for a specific period of time (88 days) in a rural location.
There are a variety of rural jobs available for backpackers. These jobs offer opportunities for work in rural areas.
- Fruit picking, packing
- Harvest work
- Fishing or pearling
Fruit picking and farm handwork are the most popular activities in the agricultural industry, involving assisting on a farm with tasks related to crops or livestock.
Hospitality
RSA
If you are considering employment at a venue where alcohol is served or sold, it is important to note that you will be required to obtain a Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate (RSA). It is worth mentioning that the requirements for obtaining an RSA may vary across different states. For instance, if you obtain an RSA certificate for Victoria but later decide to relocate to Queensland, you will need to acquire a separate RSA certificate that is valid in Queensland. It is worth noting that Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, and the Northern Territory all share the same certification, while New South Wales and Victoria have their own individual requirements.
Completing these courses is straightforward and can be done either in person at a training organization, typically in a group class that lasts a few hours, or online.
RSG
If you are interested in working in venues that have gaming machines and casinos, it is important to note that you will need to obtain a Provide Responsible Gambling Services certificate. This certification is necessary to ensure that you are equipped with the knowledge and skills to promote responsible gambling practices in these settings.
Complete online
I successfully completed an RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) and RSG (Responsible Service of Gambling) course through Galaxy Training’s online platform. The course is designed to be user-friendly, with a simple website interface that allows you to log in and log out as needed, enabling you to complete the course at your own pace.
The combined RSA & RSG course can be completed in less than one hour, making it a convenient option for those looking to quickly obtain their certificates. By registering for the course, completing it, and paying a fee of $35, participants will receive their certificates promptly via email.
Where to find jobs
When looking for a job, there are a couple of approaches you can take. One option is to personally approach businesses by presenting your resume and cover letter, introducing yourself, and expressing your interest and availability. Another option is to explore job search websites, where you can find various job opportunities and apply online. Below are some recommended job search websites to help you get started.
- Gumtree – www.gumtree.com.au
- Seek – www.seek.com.au
- Australian Backpacker Jobs Board – www.backpackerjobboard.com.au
- Indeed – http://au.indeed.com/
- Fruit Picking Jobs Australia – www.fruitpickingjobs.com.au/
- Harvest Trail Job Search – jobsearch.gov.au/harvesttrail
- Job-A-Roo – www.jobaroo.com
Travelling around Australia – Transport
Long Distance Coach Companies
If you are planning to explore Australia’s east coast or visit Uluru, the most cost-effective choice for transportation is the Greyhound coach company. Their popular hop-on-hop-off pass offers great flexibility, allowing you to select your starting and ending points and make as many stops as you wish along the route, all for one flat rate.
Flights
When it comes to travel to and from capital cities, flying can be a cost-effective option. Low-cost carriers like TigerAir and Jetstar provide flights to both capital and regional cities. Qantas is the national carrier of Australia, but their fares tend to be higher in comparison.
In Australia, there are several airlines to choose from. Virgin Australia, Sky West (based in Perth), Rex (offering regional flights), and Air North (located in Darwin) are some of the options available. However, for the best combination of affordability and flight availability, Tiger Air and Jetstar are highly recommended.
Camper Van Hires
Travelling around Australia can be made more affordable by renting a camper van. This option provides you with the flexibility to explore at your own pace and also helps save money on accommodation, as you can sleep in the camper van. Australia is well-equipped for this kind of travel, offering amenities such as toilet blocks, public showers, and rest stops specifically designed for camper vans, caravans, and long-distance truck drivers.
If you are a backpacker travelling in Australia, Wicked Campers vans are a highly regarded and budget-friendly choice. To learn more about ways to save money while embarking on road trips across Australia, you can click here.
Travel tips and Attractions in Australia
If you’re interested in embarking on a road trip in Australia, specifically in a hire camper van, there’s plenty of information available to help you plan your adventure. Road Trips In Australia – $1 Rentals, Food, Equipment and Budget Saving Tips.
