Settling in Australia — A Practical Guide for Indian Newcomers 2026

Your First Two Weeks in Australia

The first two weeks after arriving in Australia are about getting the foundations right. Once these basics are in place, everything else becomes much easier.

Tax File Number (TFN)

Apply for a Tax File Number through the ATO website (ato.gov.au) as soon as you arrive. Your TFN is required for employment and for opening a bank account. The application is free and takes about 28 days to arrive by mail. You can work without it for the first month, but your employer will withhold tax at the highest rate until you provide it.

Medicare

If you're on a permanent visa or certain temporary visas (including student visas from countries with reciprocal health agreements), you're eligible for Medicare — Australia's public health insurance. Register at a Medicare Service Centre with your passport and visa. The Medicare card gives you access to subsidised GP visits, hospital treatment and prescription medications under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Bank Account

Open an Australian bank account early. The big four banks (Commonwealth, ANZ, Westpac, NAB) all offer accounts for new arrivals, as do smaller banks and credit unions. Many allow you to open an account before you arrive from India. You'll need your passport, visa and address. Most banks issue a debit card immediately or within a few days.

SIM Card

Australian mobile numbers are cheap and competitive. Telstra, Optus and Vodafone are the main network operators; smaller companies like Aldi Mobile and Boost use the same networks at lower prices. Prepaid SIMs start from $10 and plans with generous data start from $10–15/month.

Driver's Licence

If you hold an Indian driver's licence, you can drive in most Australian states for three to six months (varies by state) before needing to convert to an Australian licence. Each state has different requirements — some require a driving test, others don't. Check with your state's road authority early.

Finding a Place to Live

The Australian rental market has been tight in recent years. Most landlords require references, proof of income and three to four weeks' rent as a bond. Useful rental websites include Domain.com.au and Realestate.com.au.

Indian newcomers often choose to live near existing Indian communities initially — Parramatta and surrounding suburbs in Sydney, Dandenong and Clayton in Melbourne, Eight Mile Plains in Brisbane, Balga and Mirrabooka in Perth. These areas make everyday life easier while you're finding your feet.

Schools for Children

Australian public schools are free for permanent residents and some visa holders. Each state has its own education department — enrol your child at the local public school or apply for a selective school (for academically high-achieving students). Private schools are available but often have long waitlists and substantial fees. Note that Indian academic qualifications are generally well-regarded in the Australian school system.

Healthcare

Once you have Medicare, register with a GP near your home. Having a regular doctor who knows your medical history is important for ongoing healthcare. Use AustraliaWasi to find Indian-background GPs in your suburb who may speak your language and understand the health concerns common in the Indian community.

Shopping and Daily Life

Major supermarkets are Woolworths, Coles and ALDI. For Indian groceries, find your nearest Indian grocery store using AustraliaWasi — these stock atta, dal, spices, Indian vegetables and everything else you need. Farmers' markets are excellent for fresh produce and run on weekends across most suburbs.

Finding Your Indian Community

Australia's Indian community is large, welcoming and well-organised. Ways to connect:

• Local Hindu temples and gurdwaras — excellent community hubs
• Indian community associations — state-based and regional
• WhatsApp groups — search for Indian community groups in your city
• Facebook groups — "Indians in Sydney", "Indians in Melbourne" etc have tens of thousands of members
• Indian community events — use AustraliaWasi's events section

Australian Culture — What to Expect

Australians value directness, informality and punctuality. First names are used immediately in most contexts, even with seniors or supervisors. Workplace culture is generally flat compared to Indian corporate culture. Australians tend to respect queues, value personal space and are direct in disagreements — this takes some getting used to but is not meant as rudeness.

Use AustraliaWasi to Find Indian Businesses Near You

AustraliaWasi is Australia's largest Indian business directory — find Indian restaurants, grocery stores, doctors, migration agents, accountants and everything else the Indian community needs, in every major Australian city and suburb.