नमस्ते Australia!
Just arrived from Nepal? This guide covers everything you need for your first days, weeks, and months — from SIM cards to Nepali grocery shops near you.
✅ Essential first steps
Tackle these in order — getting your SIM and bank account sorted first makes everything else easier.
Get a local SIM card
Day 1Woolworths Mobile, Optus, or Telstra prepaid SIMs are cheapest. Buy at any supermarket or Woolworths.
Open a bank account
Day 1Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, and NAB all allow you to open an account online before arriving. Bring your passport to activate.
Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)
Week 1Apply at ato.gov.au — it's free and takes about 28 days. You need it to work legally and pay the right tax.
Register for Medicare
Week 1If you're on an eligible visa, register at a Medicare Service Centre. Carry your passport and visa documents.
Get a transport card
Week 1Perth: SmartRider · Sydney: Opal · Melbourne: myki · Brisbane: go card. Top up at train stations or 7-Eleven.
Register with a GP
Month 1Find a bulk-billing GP (free with Medicare) near you. HotDoc and HealthEngine apps help find available doctors.
Convert your driving licence
Month 1You can drive on a Nepal licence for 3 months. After that, convert at your state's transport authority. Some states require a driving test.
Know your work rights
Month 1Australia has strong worker protections. Visit fairwork.gov.au or call 13 13 94 to understand your rights, minimum wage, and leave entitlements.
🤝 Find your community
Australia has a thriving Nepali diaspora. Join local Facebook and WhatsApp groups — they're the fastest way to get advice, find housing, and make friends.
- •Search "Nepali Community [your city]" on Facebook — most cities have active groups
- •Ask your employer, university, or classmates to add you to local Nepali WhatsApp groups
- •Visit a local Nepali grocery shop — owners are often very helpful and connected to the community
- •Attend Dashain, Tihar, and community events — the fastest way to meet people
🛒 Find Nepali food near you
Missing dal bhat, momo, or achaar? We've mapped Nepali grocery shops and restaurants across Australia.
Nepali Grocery Shops
Find shops near you stocking dal, ghee, spices, achaar, frozen momos, and more.
Nepali Restaurants
Craving momo, dal bhat, or thukpa? Find authentic Nepali restaurants near you.
Cook Nepali at Home
Step-by-step recipes for momo, sel roti, aloo tama, masala chai and more — with ingredient shop links.
Nepali Events & Festivals
Dashain, Tihar, and community events happening near you across Australia.
💰 Cost of living tips
Australia is expensive — here are honest tips from the community to help you manage.
- •Shop at Aldi or Woolworths Essentials range for basics — significantly cheaper than branded items
- •Buy Nepali staples (dal, rice, spices) in bulk from Nepali or Indian grocery shops — far cheaper per kg
- •Use Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace for second-hand furniture when you first arrive
- •Opal/SmartRider cards give discounts vs buying tickets — always use a card for public transport
- •Many universities and councils have free English classes and settlement services — use them
- •Compare energy and internet plans on energy.gov.au and comparison sites before signing up
🔗 Official resources
Bookmark these — you'll come back to them often.
Something missing from this guide?
If you've recently arrived and found something helpful that's not here, let us know. We update this guide based on community feedback.
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