If you are arriving in Australia from overseas you may find it quite a daunting experience to arrive in such a big country. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

You would be wise to invest in, and carry with you a small comprehensive street directory, pertaining to the geographical state you are in, to help you reach your destination.

You will need to be on the end of a telephone, but you will want to be sightseeing.

• Most mobile telephone providers will ensure connection within a day of purchase.
• Most local and city post offices can supply handsets with the appropriate plan or phone card system.

• Overseas visitors tend to gravitate towards the beach areas. If you are visiting Sydney, New South Wales, the popular social choice seems to be Bondi Beach.
• If you are working in the city of Sydney, you will need to carefully consider the convenience of location in regard to the availability of employment.

Access

• General access to parts of the eastern suburbs, central business district, north shore areas, western and southern suburbs by public transport will require more than one connection, this could be quite challenging and take a long time to reach your destination.

Style

• Hostel accommodation is not bound by a lease and is appropriate for very short term. A.B.Dental can offer you an up-to-date list of hostels.
• Most people find a room in a flat/house share, either through friends or an advertisement in the newspaper (i.e., Sydney Morning Herald or Daily Telegraph).

Payment

• Many places require a deposit (bond) AND one month's rent in advance, so be prepared for the cost to secure the place you want.
• Prices vary considerably depending on the area and the standard you require - try not to go for the first place you see, survey the market and find what you really want!
• Roughly speaking, a room of your own, with share bathroom, kitchen and laundry will cost you between au$120 and au$150 per week.

• For daily use in all capital cities in Australia, there is quite a large network of public transport. Train, bus, light rail, monorail and trams, in some cities are run independently and you can purchase daily, weekly monthly or annual tickets for most services.
• Transport info line 131 500 is a very efficient service for a detailed travel plan and well worth utilising. (website http://www.131500.com.au).
• Don't forget to collect travel receipts for work assignments, these are tax deductible for those people submitting a taxation return prior to departing Australia.

Taxis

• You may choose to use a taxi occasionally, these can be hailed from the street or at a designated taxi stand or can be contacted by phone in advance. This can be a very expensive service, if you are going long distance, it would be desirable to ask for a quote before committing to the booking.

• It would be desirable to open an account via a bank in your own country that has a reciprocal agree with the country of your destination, before you leave your own country. Once you are employed in Australia, it is possible to open an account and a reference from your previous bank or a letter from your employer/pay slip makes it easier. You will also need proof of address, e.g. a tenant contract and a passport.

• Tax is automatically deducted from your wages by your employer, under a P. A. Y. E. Scheme (pay as you earn).
• In order to be paid for services by an employer, you will need to provide a Tax File Number. Your application for a Tax File Number can be accessed from the Australian Taxation Office. This application can be processed via the internet or you may visit the central taxation office in any capital city.
• If you are working for an employer and earning more than au$450 in any one calendar month, that employer is legally bound to pay 9% superannuation tax.
• If you are a traveller and facilitating a working visa, your income will be taxed at 29%.
• If one or both of these taxes apply to your employment status you will want to apply to retrieve a tax rebate before departing the country. This tax rebate will be available to you subject to a taxation return submission to the Australian Taxation Office.
• A.B. Dental recommend that you utilise an accounting service (tax agent) in order to maximise the financial benefit, (most large taxation consultants charge between au$100-au$150 to reconcile a small return). You will need to allow 2 to 4 week period for processing.

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Nerida Smith

Pam McKean