Pre-arrival

You're moving to a new country. That's a big deal.

Most of the expensive mistakes happen in the 4–6 weeks before you fly — the boring admin, the things nobody tells you about. Run this list and you'll touch down with a clear head, ready for the exciting part.

Get these right first — everything else depends on having a valid visa grant.

• Passport valid for 6+ months past your arrival date
• Visa granted + check VEVO (visa confirmation portal)
• Print visa grant and carry a digital copy on your phone
• Health examination completed, if your visa type requires it
• Driver's licence + International Driving Permit, if you'll drive
• Immunisation records (you'll need them for GP registration later)

Get an Australian bank account open before you fly — it takes 20 minutes and saves weeks of friction.

• Open an Australian bank account online (CommBank, ANZ, Westpac, NAB all accept passport)
• Set up Wise or Revolut for cheaper AUD transfers
• Bring $500–$1,000 AUD cash for week one
• Tell your Korean bank your travel dates to avoid fraud blocks

Have a working phone number and the right apps the moment you land.

• Buy an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Telstra Travel Pass) or plan to buy a SIM at the airport
• Install: TripView, Uber, Google Maps, Google Translate, Wise, your bank app
• Enable Korean carrier roaming as a 24h backup
• Download offline maps of Sydney

Small list — most things you can buy here once you've landed.

• Sunscreen — have some on hand for the flight and first day
• Universal power adapter (Australia is Type I)
• Walking shoes — you'll walk more than you think
• Light layers (Sydney weather flips in an hour)
• Prescription medication + a copy of the prescription in English

First-week logistics. Don't leave these to the day you land.

• Accommodation for the first 1–2 weeks
• Transport from Sydney Airport — most people take the train, but the airport station has a $14+ AUD access fee on top of fare, so plan accordingly
• Travel insurance (flight changes, medical, lost luggage)
• Health insurance sorted (OSHC for students, reciprocal Medicare for some, private for everyone else)
• Job secured, OR a 3-month financial runway saved
• Family has your flight number and arrival date