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Starter guideMedium content riskReviewed 17 June 2026
India to Australia Starter Kit
A starter guide for Indian skilled migrants, PR holders, students, and families moving to Australia.
Use this as a practical planning guide. Costs, rents, school fees, rules, and service availability change. Verify current information directly with official sources, providers, and qualified professionals.
Who this guide is for
Indian families, skilled migrants, PR holders, and students moving to Australia who need first-month practical guidance.
PR holdersSkilled migrantsStudents and families
Real move story placeholder
The Australia move is often planned for long-term settlement, but early friction can come from rent, transport, school zones, Medicare eligibility, job timelines, and city selection.
Before accepting the offer
- Clarify visa route, city, family timeline, healthcare eligibility, and settlement budget.
- Compare rent, transport, childcare, and job search timelines.
- Do not assume PR-style guidance applies to every temporary visa holder.
Documents checklist
- Passports
- Visa grant documents
- Education and work records
- Marriage and birth certificates
- Driving documents
- Medical and vaccination records
Day 1 to 7
First 7 days
- Arrange local SIM and transport basics.
- Keep Indian OTP access active.
- Understand bank, tax file number, and service setup sequence from official sources.
- Confirm temporary accommodation and suburb shortlist.
Day 8 to 30
First 30 days
- Start bank, rental, school, utilities, and healthcare steps.
- Understand suburb commute and school implications.
- Track all application reference numbers.
Day 31 to 90
First 90 days
- Stabilise job, housing, school, community, healthcare, and monthly costs.
- Review Indian NRI banking and tax questions with qualified professionals.
Daily living context
Weather, food, culture, transport, safety, and community
Weather and clothing
- • Check destination climate, office expectations, winter or rain needs, and footwear before packing.
- • Buy some items after arrival once you understand actual local weather and work culture.
Food and groceries
- • Research supermarkets, Indian groceries, vegetarian options, and online shopping before choosing an area.
- • Check food and customs rules before packing spices, grains, snacks, or medicines.
Culture and etiquette
- • Learn local public behaviour, transport etiquette, fines, appointment culture, and workplace norms.
- • Use official sources for rules and community advice only as practical context.
Transport and commute
- • Check office commute, school route, airport transfer, public transport, taxi apps, and car needs.
- • Driving licence and rental car requirements should be verified directly before use.
Safety and neighbourhood comfort
- • Check commute comfort, family access, nearby clinics, late-night transport, and local emergency contacts.
- • Visit the neighbourhood if possible before committing to rent.
Community and support
- • Research Indian stores, temples, regional groups, workplace groups, language support, and kids playgroups.
- • Treat community tips as starting points, not guarantees.
Indian family tips
- City choice matters strongly for rent, jobs, and community.
- Keep Indian SIM active for bank and investment OTPs.
- Carry documents in digital and printed form.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating job search time.
- Choosing a suburb without commute and school research.
- Assuming healthcare eligibility without checking official sources.
- Not budgeting for initial setup costs.