You’ve landed. The jet lag is real, the sun is strong and there’s a list of boring-but-important jobs to get through before you can enjoy it. Our groups have helped thousands of Irish people through their first few weeks, and it’s always the same handful of things that cause stress if you leave them too late.
Here’s the checklist we wish someone had handed us at the airport. Work through it in order and you’ll be set up properly within a week. ☘️
Not moved yet? Start with our Working Holiday Visa guide and the complete guide to moving to Australia from Ireland. Wondering what it all costs? Read our cost of living in Australia 2026 guide.
Day 1–2
1. Get connected (eSIM first, then a local SIM)
You’ll need an Australian number for job applications, your bank and your landlord. Prepaid SIMs from Telstra, Optus and Vodafone (or cheaper brands that run on their networks) are sold at the airport, supermarkets and newsagents. Bring your passport, because SIMs have to be ID-checked.
Tip: land with data already working. If your phone supports eSIM, buy an Airalo Australia eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land. You can then order an Uber, message home and find your hostel straight away, and pick up a local SIM once you’ve settled in.
2. Make sure your travel insurance is sorted
Ireland’s reciprocal health care agreement with Australia covers medically necessary treatment in public hospitals and some prescription medicines, but not GP visits, ambulances or getting you home if something serious happens. You also don’t need a Medicare card for it. That’s why most of us travel with proper insurance as well.
👉 We recommend True Traveller for Irish working holiday makers. You can buy it even if you’ve already left home. Read more in our travel insurance guide for Australia.
3. Open a bank account
The big four are CommBank, ANZ, Westpac and NAB. Most let you apply online before or just after you arrive, then confirm your ID in a branch with your passport. You’ll get a debit card you can tap almost everywhere.
4. Move your money over (cheaply)
Don’t use your Irish bank to send money. The exchange rate margins add up fast.
- 👉 Wise for everyday transfers. Your first one is free.
- 👉 TorFX for bigger amounts (over $5,000, like a car or a bond). No transfer fees, and you get your own account manager.
Full comparison: cheapest way to transfer money from Ireland to Australia.
Day 2–4
5. Apply for your Tax File Number (TFN)
Apply online with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It’s free, and your TFN is posted to you, usually within 28 days. Apply as soon as you have an address. Give it to your employer when you start work; without it, they have to take tax at the highest rate. Working holiday makers pay 15% on the first $45,000 when working for a registered employer.
6. Understand your super
Your employer pays superannuation (currently 12% of your wages) into a super fund for you. Stick to one fund so it doesn’t get split across several. When you leave Australia for good you can claim it back. Here’s how: claiming your super back.
7. Get a transport card
Each city has its own system: Opal in Sydney, myki in Melbourne, go card in Brisbane and SmartRider in Perth. In Sydney you can just tap your bank card.
8. Find somewhere to live
Most people do a week or two in a hostel, then look for a room on Flatmates.com.au, Facebook groups or Gumtree.
- Always see the room (or video call) before paying anything.
- A bond is usually up to four weeks’ rent. Ask for a receipt and a written agreement.
- If someone pushes you to transfer money “to hold the room”, walk away. It’s the most common scam we see.
Day 4–7
9. Get your work tickets
- RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol): you need this for bar and restaurant work. It’s state-based, so get the one for the state you’re working in.
- White Card: you need this for any construction site work. It’s recognised nationally.
10. Start applying for jobs
Update your CV with your Australian number and address. Then check the Irish Around Oz job board and the job posts in our Facebook groups, where employers specifically want Irish workers.
11. Thinking about a second year? Plan your regional work early
If you want a second or third Working Holiday Visa, you’ll need regional work, and the rules changed in 2026. Read the regional work guide and what the 2026 ballot changes mean. Thinking of staying longer? See our visa options page.
12. Find your people
Join your city’s Irish group, your local GAA club or a trad session. It’s the fastest way to find work, rooms and friends: Irish groups in Australia.
Keep in mind
- Emergency number: 000.
- The sun is no joke: SPF 50+, a hat, and swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Tax time: the tax year runs 1 July to 30 June. When you leave, or at the end of the year, you may be owed a refund. Working Holiday Tax can do it for you. Here’s our tax refund guide.
- Bringing more stuff over? SendMyBag is usually cheaper than excess baggage. For bigger moves, see our shipping guide.
Your first week checklist
- eSIM for landing, then an Australian SIM ✅
- Travel insurance sorted ✅
- Bank account opened ✅
- Money transferred cheaply ✅
- TFN applied for ✅
- Super fund chosen ✅
- Transport card ✅
- Room found (no bond scams!) ✅
- RSA / White Card ✅
- CV updated and job hunt started ✅
- Regional work plan (if you want a second year) ✅
- Joined your local Irish group ✅
Got a question we didn’t cover? Ask in the group. There’s always someone who’s been through it. Welcome to Australia! ☘️
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