Helping South African expats and Australian families navigate financial complexity. I provide practical advice to help you build the life you really want.
A curated guide to your first 14 days, from a Financial Planner who has done the move himself.
Moving countries is one of the biggest life transitions you’ll make. While the financial side, including tax residency, asset repatriation and superannuation, can be complex, it’s often the small logistical hurdles that cause the most friction in those first few weeks.
I moved from South Africa to Melbourne myself, so I know the drill. To help you settle in smoother, I’ve curated this practical checklist of the ‘non-financial’ essentials you need to sort out in your first 14 days.
Part 1: The Immediate Essentials (Day 1 & 2)
These are the things you should try to sort out within 48 hours of landing.
1. Getting Connected (Mobile Plans)
Don’t lock yourself into a contract immediately. Prepaid or month-to-month SIMs are the best bridge while you settle. You can buy these at the airport, but you will often find better deals at a local supermarket (Woolworths/Coles) or newsagent.
- Telstra: Generally has the best coverage, which is important if you plan to travel regionally.
- Optus: Offers strong metro coverage and often has good value data packages.
- Vodafone: Often the most affordable option for city living.
2. Public Transport (Myki Card)
Myki is the “tap-on” card used for trains, trams, and buses in Melbourne.
- Android Users: You don’t need a physical card. You can load a “Mobile Myki” directly into your Google Wallet and tap your phone to ride.
- iPhone Users: Unfortunately, Myki is not yet available on Apple Wallet. You will need to buy a physical Myki card. However, you can download the PTV App on your iPhone to instantly top up your physical card by holding it to the back of your phone.
- For Students: If you have children starting university, they are likely eligible for 50% cheaper fares. Important: They cannot travel on a concession ticket using just their University Student ID. They must apply for an official PTV Concession Card first. Until that is approved and in their hand, they should use a standard Full Fare Myki to avoid a fine.
- Guide: Public Transport Victoria (PTV) Myki Guide
3. Getting Around Without a Car
It may take a few weeks to buy a car. (Or, like me, you might find you don’t actually need one for a few years). In the meantime:
- Rideshare: Download DiDi (often 10–15% cheaper than Uber in Melbourne) and Uber as your standard options.
- Taxi: Download 13Cabs as a backup. Taxis can use bus lanes (rideshares cannot), which is helpful in peak hour traffic.
4. Food & Groceries
Setting up a new kitchen takes time.
- Delivery: Woolworths Delivery Unlimited offers a subscription (often with a 30-day free trial) that gives you free delivery on orders over $100. This is excellent value for your first big pantry shop when you don’t have a car to carry heavy bags.
Part 2: The Admin (Week 1)
Once you have slept off the jet lag, tackle these administrative tasks.
5. Apply for Your Tax File Number (TFN)
Your TFN is your personal reference number in the tax system. You need it for work, banking, and superannuation.
- Important: You can only apply once you are physically in Australia.
- Link: Apply online via the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
- Timing: It usually arrives in the post within 28 days.
6. Enrol in Medicare
If your visa grants you access to the public health system (e.g., Permanent Residency or countries with Reciprocal Health Care Agreements), enrol as soon as possible.
- Link: Medicare Enrolment Guide
- Bring: Your passports, visa grant notice, and proof of your Melbourne address.
7. Banking Identity Check
Most South Africans set up their accounts online before flying. If you haven’t yet, both CBA and ANZ are very expat-friendly.
Next Steps upon arrival: If you opened your account from overseas, it is likely “frozen” (deposit only) until you identify yourself.
- Action: Visit a local branch with your passport.
- Tax Tip: Once your TFN arrives in the mail, be sure to log in to your banking app and add it to your profile. If you don’t, the bank is required to withhold tax on any interest earned at the highest marginal rate.
8. Converting Your South African Driver Licence
You are required to convert your overseas licence to a Victorian licence within six months of becoming a resident.
- Good News: Most South African licence holders do not need to redo the practical driving test. You generally only need to book an appointment and pass an eyesight test.
- Link: VicRoads: Convert Overseas Licence
9. Finding a GP (Doctor)
Australian clinics rarely take bookings over the phone anymore.
- App: Download HotDoc.
- How to use it: Enter your postcode to find clinics nearby. You can filter by “Bulk Billing” (no out-of-pocket cost) if eligible, or find clinics with availability today.
10. Housing & Utilities
- Rentals: The two major platforms are Realestate.com.au and Domain. I recommend downloading both apps to ensure you don’t miss listings.
- Utilities: When you find a home, use a comparison service to ensure you aren’t overpaying for energy or internet. I have a Tribeca Bill Comparison Guide that can help you compare providers easily.
Part 3: Beyond the Logistics
Sorting out your SIM card and driver’s licence is just the first step. The next is getting your financial house in order.
Australia’s financial system is vastly different from South Africa’s, and the learning curve can be steep. From tax residency to repatriating assets, the choices you make early on will shape your financial future for years to come.
As a Certified Financial Planner® who has made this move myself, I work with individuals and families to make sure those decisions are intentional, not accidental.
If you’re looking for clear, strategic advice on how to structure your wealth here, please feel free to reach out.