Things to consider on your arrival

Setting up a bank account in Australia

You’ll need to provide the bank of your choice (eg NAB (National Australia Bank), Westpac, ANZ, or Commonwealth Bank) with a photo ID (eg passport or driver’s licence), proof of University enrolment, and proof of Australian address (eg lease agreement). You can set-up an Australian bank account while you are still offshore with NAB (see how to open a bank account with NAB).

Setting up an Australian phone number

When you first arrive in Sydney, it’s essential you set-up an Australian contact number. When purchasing a SIM card, make sure your mobile phone isn’t locked to your current phone provider and is unlocked for international use. If your phone is unlocked, you can choose either a prepaid or plan option from one of Australia’s phone providers. Some examples of major providers are: Telstra, Vodafone, and Optus.

The table below shows some of the main differences between the two options:

  • Pay in advance for the phone use
  • Uses a SIM card and a prepaid voucher that can be purchased from any supermarket
  • Activation usually requires accessing the service provider’s website
  • Handset is usually not included
  • No exit cost
  • Fixed price per month (plus excess charges)
  • Requires purchasing a SIM card and phone (optional) by signing a contract at a mobile   phone retailer
  • Long-term contract with the service provider for 12 to 24 months
  • Offers flexible plans and mobile phones
  • Auto-activation
  • Excess charges may apply
  • There is an exit cost (early exit fees do apply)

With either option, you’ll need to do your research online or visit retail outlets at the Macquarie Shopping Centre (located near our North Ryde campus) to find the best deal. Refer to NSW Fair Trading and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for further advice on purchasing a mobile.

Transportation

The Macquarie University campus is a short 5-minute walk from the Metro station. Buses from all parts of Sydney also stop on or just outside campus. You’ll need an Opal card to travel; otherwise, you can use other methods of contactless payment such as a debit or credit card, or mobile wallet. Only international students whose study is fully funded by specified scholarships or schemes are eligible for travel concessions.

The Transport NSW’s Trip Planner and other transport apps are useful tools to help you with your travel plans around Sydney.

Emergency number

In Australia, you must call Triple Zero (000) for emergency assistance, such as police, fire, or ambulance. Save this number in your contacts.

Where to shop in Sydney

Living in Sydney can be expensive. It is important to manage your resources by creating a budget and shopping smartly. The MQ Wellbeing App can help you organise your budget. Macquarie Centre has supermarkets, such as Coles, Woolworths and Aldi, for your grocery needs, and stores such as Kmart and Big W for your household and clothing needs. Insider Guides are also a great source of advice for international students living in Australia.

Top places to visit in Sydney

Sydney is home to some of the most famous attractions in the world. Do take some time to explore Sydney’s famous beaches, annual festivals, cultural and heritage sites, and many more.

Employment

International students can work up to 20 hours weekly during the study term and full-time hours during term breaks. Check the Australian Government Fair Work website to understand the Australian workplace rights.

If you earn money while in Australia, you are considered Australian residents for tax purposes. That means you must declare your income on a tax return. To declare your taxes, you must obtain a Tax File Number.

If you are an employee in Australia, you are entitled to receive 9.5% of your earnings from superannuation from your employer. The superannuation is a financial contribution towards a fund that you use when you retire, or you can also claim your super balance when you leave Australia. This contribution is in addition to your ordinary wage. Check the Australian Taxation Office website to learn about superannuation.