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Moving to a new country can be exciting and daunting, especially if you are not familiar with the culture and customs of the new place. This is particularly true for those planning to live or stay in Australia for the first time. As a newbie in Australia, you may face a few challenges when it comes to finding a place to stay, opening a bank account, setting up your phone, and making new friends. However, with the help of some online resources and platforms, your settling process can be made much easier!

Finding a Place to Stay

One of the first things you need to do when you arrive in Australia is to find a place to stay. There are several online platforms that can help you find the right accommodation for your needs. Some of the popular ones are:

• Domain: This website has a vast collection of rental properties, including apartments, houses, and shared accommodations.
• Gumtree: Gumtree is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell items, including renting out rooms or properties in Australia.
• Flatmates: If you are looking for a shared accommodation, this website is the go-to platform.

Another highly recommended way of finding accommodation is through Facebook Groups, where people share apartments, houses, and rooms. You can find groups with individuals from your native country or those attending the same university, or even those in the same profession as you. These groups are an excellent way to connect with like-minded people and find suitable accommodation options that meet your specific needs.

Organizing Your Finances

Once you have found a place to stay, the next step is to organize your finances. This includes opening a bank account, which is essential for many activities, such as paying rent and bills, receiving a salary, and making purchases. 

Some of the popular banks in Australia that offer online account opening are:

• Commonwealth Bank: This bank offers a straightforward online account opening process and has a vast network of branches and ATMs across the country. You can open an account on this bank 3 months before arriving in Australia!
• ANZ: This bank also has a simple online account opening process and offers several banking services, such as savings accounts, credit cards, and home loans.
• Westpac: This bank provides an easy online account opening process and offers a range of banking services, including personal loans and insurance.

Setting Up Your Phone

A mobile phone is an essential tool for communication, especially when you are settling in a new country. To set up your phone in Australia, you can purchase a SIM card from any of the local telecommunication companies.

You can find them in many different locations such as a 7-eleven and a Woolworths.

Some of the popular ones are:

• Telstra: This company has the most extensive network coverage in Australia and offers a range of mobile plans.
• Optus: This company also has a broad network coverage and provides affordable mobile plans.
• Vodafone: This company offers competitive mobile plans and has a reliable network coverage.

Making Some Friends

One of the best ways to settle into a new place is to make some friends. There are several online platforms that can help you connect with like-minded people and make new friends. Some of them are:

• Meetup: This platform offers groups for people with shared interests, such as language exchange, hiking, and foodie groups.
• InterNations: This is a community of expatriates and global minds that provides opportunities for socializing, networking, and cultural experiences.
• Facebook Groups: You can find many communities of people living in Australia on Facebook, and you can also search for groups based on specific interests.

Join Facebook Groups 

Facebook groups are a versatile tool for settling in Australia as you can connect with people who are in the same situation as you or those who have already gone through the experience and can offer valuable tips. Take the time to search for groups that align with your interests and join a few that can benefit you. By doing so, you’ll have access to a wealth of information and support from a community of like-minded individuals. It will help you a lot to settle in Australia.