Maximizing the Potential of Your Aussie Working Holiday Visa
A working holiday is the perfect way to experience life in a new country for longer. Meanwhile, you keep the earnings rolling in! And what better way to get a change of scenery than a working holiday in Australia?
You need a visa to go to Australia, but the good news is that it’s quick and easy to apply for one. US applicants may stay in Australia for up to one year and can work for the same employer for up to six months. To apply, you just need to be aged 18–30, have good health, and have the financial means to support yourself.
Plan your finances
When applying for your visa, you’ll be expected to prove that you already have at least AUD 5,000. You will likely want to enjoy yourself, so make sure that you’ve got the funds for those after-work drinks and sightseeing tours!
Once you arrive, prioritize opening a bank account. Do it as soon as you can!
Find out how much tax is likely to apply to you so that you can budget accurately, too. Be aware that the tax year runs from July 1st to June 30th there.
Look for employment opportunities
Start searching for job opportunities in the early planning stages, even if only to get a feel for what’s available and what salaries are like.
Be sure to check housing availability in the location before you accept a job opportunity. It might be easier in a big, well-connected city like Melbourne, for example.
If you’re offered free accommodation with a job (as is sometimes the case when it comes to nannying and agricultural labor), your first instinct may be to jump at this chance. However, it’s always wise to ask for images of the place first so that you don’t have any nasty surprises.
Regardless of your nationality, everyone who works in Australia is entitled to the minimum wage for their job. To find out what this is, check the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Sort your paperwork
Get all your admin done before you leave! Of course, the visa is one of the most important things.
You’ll also need to set up an Australian bank account and apply for a tax file number (TFN). When you start your job in Australia, you will have 28 days to tell your first employer your TFN. If you don’t, you can expect to pay the highest rate of tax for WHV workers!
Be aware that employers Down Under have to pay a “superannuation” for your pension. You can transfer it home when you return.
Embrace the outdoors
Australia is the perfect place to cultivate your love of the outdoors. Camping, hiking, snorkeling, and surfing are among the many activities that will be on your doorstep!
So try and designate plenty of time for fun, not just work. Queensland’s Gold Coast is one of the most exciting locations for aspiring surfers.
Camping offers a magnificent escape from bustling city life, allowing you to slumber beneath the captivating starry canopy. In Australia, the cost of campsites is typically quite affordable, and occasionally, you can even find free options.
If you’re relatively new to camping, seek out campsites that offer tent rentals, fully-equipped kitchens, and modern bathroom facilities for added convenience.
Before embarking on your camping adventure, take some time to determine the essential gear you’ll require, and consider the possibility of a UTE vehicle to enhance your mobility during your outdoor adventures.
Get that travel insurance
Too many of us skip the travel insurance when vacationing abroad. But when you’re going on a longer trip that involves living there for a few months, it’s more important than ever.
Without insurance, the cost of medical care in Australia can be high. It’s incredibly important that your insurance covers you for every eventuality, such as lost baggage, lost gadgets, or even a lost passport. After all, you want to enjoy your trip free of stress, don’t you?
Get the prep sorted, and then all that’s left to do is have the time of your life in Australia!
