Tips on moving to Australia
Thinking of a move to Australia? Or just arrived? Make the transition less stressful with helpful advice for every step of the way.
Before moving to Australia
Your visa
You’ll need to ensure you have the correct visa if you plan to live, work, or study in Australia.
Your finances
Get organised. Cancel any direct payments and ask your bank how to manage your accounts while overseas.
Your ID
Ensure your passport is valid and keep ID documents like a birth certificate or driver's licence handy.
Spend $50 and you could get $50 cashback
Open a new Westpac Choice everyday account by 31 March 2026. Then, add your debit card to your mobile wallet and make one or more in-person, contactless payments that total at least $50. T&Cs apply.
Banking in Australia
Common bank accounts
- Everyday or transaction account: Sometimes known overseas as a current or checking account. It’s a day-to-day account that comes with a debit card.
- Savings accounts: Sometimes known overseas as a checking account. Generally, it allows you to earn interest on your balance each month.
- Term deposit account: Sometimes known overseas as a fixed or time deposit account. Term Deposits offer a fixed interest rate on amounts set aside for a fixed time.
Setting up a bank account
- Your identity documents
You may need to visit a branch if we can’t verify you online.
For acceptable ID: Download an ID checklist (PDF 657KB)
- A mobile phone
A secure code will be sent to your mobile to verify your phone number.
Need an Australian SIM card? See our special Optus offer.
Overseas money transfers
$39 Prepaid eSIM: just $13 for the first 28 days
Sort your mobile with Optus. Enjoy up to 400 minutes of standard international calls to 36 countries, plus 300 minutes of bonus standard international calls to select countries. Get started with 65GB of data (includes 20GB bonus) on your first 3 recharges. After that, you’ll get 25GB.
Activate by 10/03/2026. T&Cs apply. Exclusive to Westpac customers.
We speak your language
If English is not your first language, we offer:
- Language help and translation services
- ATMs with 9 languages other than English
- Easy English Guides for banking and other services.
Setting up your Australian services
Finding a home, utilities, and transport
Choosing where to live
Setting up your household services
Getting around in Australia
Visit these government sites for:
Working, studying or setting up a business
Westpac has all your banking needs covered
Banking and credit cards
Things you should know
Before making a decision about any of our products or services, please read all the terms and conditions and consider whether the product or service is right for you. Fees and charges apply and may change.
The information and links on this page are for your information and convenience only. This information is not advice, a recommendation, or an opinion. It is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal situation. We don’t have any direct relationship or gain from the third parties linked here. Their information may not be accurate or relevant to you.
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Westpac's retail deposit taking banking operations do not extend to other countries except where licenced to do so. This information is intended for individuals planning to migrate to Australia and Westpac is not soliciting retail deposits under foreign schemes. Deposits will be taken after you move to Australia and under the supervision of Australian regulators, not those of your current country of residence.