Common questions
FAQ
Common questions from Koreans visiting and living in Australia — answered in both languages.
Do I need a visa to visit Australia?
Yes, almost certainly. Korean passport holders need a visa for Australia. Tourist visa (ETA subclass 601) is the easiest — it takes minutes to apply online and is valid for 12 months with stays up to 3 months per visit. Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417) if you're eligible. Check at homeaffairs.gov.au.
Can I work in Australia on a tourist visa?
No. Tourist visas (including ETA) do not allow any work. If you're caught working on a tourist visa, you risk deportation, a ban, and your future visa applications being refused. If you want to work, you need a working visa — Working Holiday Maker (417), student, or skilled visa.
Is Australia expensive?
Yes — Sydney and Melbourne are among the world's most expensive cities. A coffee is around $5–$7. A casual restaurant meal is $20–$35 per person. Rent in Sydney is the biggest cost — a room in a shared house is $200–$350/week, a one-bedroom apartment starts around $450–$600/week. Use numbeo.com or expatistan.com for real-time comparisons.
What is super and why does it matter?
Superannuation (super) is a retirement savings account your employer is legally required to pay into — currently 11.5% of your wages. It's yours. You can't access it until retirement (with some exceptions). When you leave Australia permanently, you can claim it as a 'super withdrawal' — but tax applies. Always check your super statement annually and consider consolidating accounts to avoid fees.
How does healthcare work in Australia?
Australia has a public healthcare system called Medicare. If you're on a permanent visa, you're generally eligible. On a temporary visa, you generally need private health insurance — which is strongly recommended anyway. For emergencies, go to a public hospital's Emergency Department (free). For everything else, book a GP (General Practitioner) — most bulk-bill so you pay nothing out of pocket.
Do I need to speak English well to get by?
You can get by with limited English, especially in Sydney's Korean areas (Strathfield, Chatswood, Eastwood). But life gets significantly easier with English — at the doctor, at the bank, in legal situations. Even intermediate English will open far more doors. Our Aussie English guide and the Language Exchange page are good starting points.
Can I drive with my Korean licence?
Yes, for up to 3 months. After that, you need an Australian licence. Bring your Korean licence and an official translation (from an NAATI-accredited translator) — or an International Driving Permit. Note: Australia drives on the LEFT. This is the opposite of Korea. Many drivers find this the hardest adjustment.
What should I budget for a week in Sydney?
Budget travellers: $600–$900 AUD/week (shared accommodation, self-catering, free activities). Mid-range: $1,200–$2,000/week (private room, eating out 2–3 times, some paid attractions). This excludes flights, long-term visa costs, and health insurance. Use numbeo.com for detailed cost-of-living breakdowns.
Is it safe in Australia?
Generally yes. Australia is a safe country with low violent crime. Standard precautions apply — don't leave valuables visible in cars, watch your drink, be cautious at night in unfamiliar areas. The main dangers are natural: sun (UV), rips (ocean currents — swim between the flags at beaches), and wildlife (snakes and spiders exist but rarely cause serious harm if you're careful).
How do I meet people in Australia?
Australians are generally friendly but making deep friendships takes time — showing up consistently is key. Common paths: language exchange groups (Meetup.com, Facebook groups), sports clubs (AFL, soccer, hiking groups), Korean community groups (churches, Korean restaurants, Korean Australian associations), and at work. Australian friendships often form around shared activities rather than purely social settings.
Can't find your question? Email us at hello@aussiemate.com.au and we'll add it.