Landing in Australia marks the start of a brand-new chapter — full of excitement, opportunity, and a fair bit of paperwork.
Before you get busy exploring your new city or starting classes, it’s worth taking a few smart financial steps that will make life a lot easier.
If you’re from Indonesia, think of Australia’s Tax File Number (TFN) as the local version of NPWP (Nomor Pokok Wajib Pajak) — it identifies you in the tax system and ensures you’re taxed correctly.
Together with opening a local bank account, these are the first steps to feeling financially settled in your new home.
Step 1: Apply for Your Tax File Number (TFN)
Your TFN is a unique number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
You’ll need it for:
Any job (casual, part-time, or full-time)
Earning interest from your bank account
Lodging a tax return each financial year
Without a TFN:
You’ll be taxed at the highest rate (45%)
Banks must withhold tax on your interest income
You may miss out on tax refunds and benefits later
How to apply:
Go to the ATO website and apply online.
You’ll need:
Your passport
Your visa grant letter
An Australian address (temporary is fine)
Processing time: around 2–4 weeks, so it’s best to apply early.
Step 2: Open an Australian Bank Account
Once your TFN application is underway, open an Australian bank account.
You’ll use it for your salary, rent, bills, and everyday spending.
Documents you’ll need:
Passport
Visa grant notice
Australian address (can be temporary)
TFN (optional but recommended)
Most new arrivals choose one of the “Big 4” banks — Commonwealth Bank, NAB, ANZ, or Westpac — for their convenience, security, and wide branch networks across Australia.
Having a nearby branch can be reassuring when you’re new and still learning how things work.
That said, there’s also a growing number of online or “neo” banks that offer better savings rates and lower fees.
If you’re comfortable managing everything digitally, they can be a great alternative.
Personal note:
I personally use ING, a large European bank with a long global history that operates strongly in Australia.
ING offers competitive savings rates, an easy-to-use mobile app, and — at the time of writing — a $100 welcome bonus for new customers who sign up using my referral link:
campaigns.ing.com.au/refer?code=Eze786&p=a
Importantly, ING is protected under Australia’s Financial Claims Scheme (FCS), which guarantees deposits up to $250,000 per person per bank.
That means your money is just as secure as with any of the Big 4 banks — but often earning a higher rate.
Tip:
If you haven’t received your TFN yet, you can still open your account. The bank will temporarily withhold tax on any interest you earn until you provide your TFN later.
Step 3: Get a Local Mobile Number and Proof of Address
Having an Australian mobile number is essential — it’s needed for:
Banking security (SMS verification codes)
Job applications and forms
Setting up a MyGov account
Start with a prepaid SIM from Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone.
Once you have your first bank statement or rental agreement, use it as your proof of address for future applications such as:
Proof of Age card
Medicare registration
Utilities setup
Step 4: Create Your MyGov Account
Your MyGov account connects you to government services like:
ATO (for tax)
Medicare (for healthcare)
Centrelink (for benefits)
Superannuation (for retirement savings)
Setting it up early helps you manage everything from tax returns to health rebates in one secure dashboard.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Australia is more than just unpacking your bags — it’s about building your foundation for financial independence.
Start with these simple steps:
1. Apply for your TFN → 2. Open your bank account → 3. Set up your SIM and address → 4. Link your MyGov.
Once these are done, you’re ready to work, study, and grow your new life in Australia with confidence.
Welcome — your financial journey here starts now