If you’re planning to work and travel whilst in Australia, there a number of things you’ll need to consider before you arrive. Here’s a quick check list to consider.

Working Holiday Visa

To work in Australia you'll need to obtain a Working Holiday Visa. There are a range of countries this program is open to. If you hold a passport for one of these countries, you may be eligible to apply for this visa.

To find out more on about obtaining a Working Holiday Visa visit the Department of Immigration & Citizenship.

Tax File Number

In order to work you must have a Tax File Number otherwise you could be taxed 49% of your total wages. Ouch.

Once you find employment your employer will ask you to fill in what is known as a Tax File Number Declaration Form. This registers you and your employer with the Australian Taxation Office and ensures you can reclaim your tax when you leave Australia.

It normally takes between 10-28 days for your Tax File Number to arrive. You can apply online at the Australian Tax Office.

Working in Australia you will pay between 15-29% tax on your income. You must declare any income you earn to the Australian Tax Office at the end of the tax year in the form of a tax return. The good news is that most temporary workers overpay tax and are due a tax refund. You can apply for your tax refund as soon as the tax year ends, the 30th of June or before you leave Australia permanently.

For assistance with applying for a tax refund, you can try taxback.com. They specialise in income tax returns for working holiday makers and students in Australia.

Banks

There are a number of banks to set up an Australian account with. Ask your current bank if they have any arrangements with an Australian bank. Once you arrive you will need passport and identification, as well as an Australian residential address. The bank can then issue you with a bank car.

The four major banks in Australia are ANZ, Commonwealth, National Australia Bank, and Westpac.

Telephone

You’ll need a number for potential employers (and family and friends back home) to contact you. Greenhouse Backpacker and Northern Greenhouse stock Vodaphone SIM cards which you can purchase for just AUD$2!

Simply purchase a cheap mobile phone when you’re here (prices start from AUD$59) and you’re ready to go!

Job Search

Each of our hostels have Jobs Boards where we display jobs in your specific industry, including Hospitality, Office Work and Trades. Each hostel also has a  Jobs Guide that is available to our guests.

It lists numerous agencies in all industries, including the best p

laces to look for jobs and general advice about working in Australia.

We also have a number of local businesses, pubs, cafes and work sites that offer work to our guests in hospitality and labour industries. These jobs are announced regularly and placed on the Jobs Board daily.

You can also try cvisiting the online job website we have listed in our Helpful Links Page