Documents
- Visa grant letter, printed and saved digitally
- Passport with at least 6 months' validity remaining
- Proof of funds, in case you're asked at the border
- Travel insurance policy details
- Any accommodation booking confirmations
- A digital and printed copy of your itinerary
Bookings
- First 1 to 2 weeks of accommodation confirmed, see the first accommodation guide
- Travel insurance purchased, see the travel insurance guide
- Airport transfer or pickup arranged if using a soft landing package
Have your first roof sorted before you land, not after.
Money & banking
- Confirm your card works overseas and check foreign transaction fees
- Start an Australian bank account application online if your bank allows it, see the bank account guide
- Carry a small amount of AUD cash for your first day
- Know how much you need overall, see the funds guide
Phone & connectivity
- Check your current phone is unlocked
- Decide between an eSIM for day one or a physical SIM on arrival, see the phone & SIM guide
- Download offline maps for your arrival city
Health
- Any medication packed in original packaging with a prescription letter, see the medication guide
- Routine check-ups done if you're not confident about access once you land
- Vaccination records, if relevant to your circumstances
Packing
See the full what to pack guide for a season-by-season breakdown.
Tell people back home
- Share your itinerary and accommodation with a family member or friend
- Set up a way to stay in touch, WhatsApp or similar works across most countries
- Let your bank know you're travelling, to avoid a card freeze
The night before. Charge everything, print your grant letter one more time, and confirm your airport transfer time. A calm departure beats a rushed one.