Australia Adulting 101

era222

Hi, I'm starting na my big-move research so I won't feel so overwhelmed. There's a lot info about making the move itself, but curious to know what one can do to settle/work/live responsibly in Australia (besides the obvious na obey rules, both written and unspoken, and adapt to the culture). I guess these are things you learn from experience pero would be nice to know.

Things like taxes, which I read you have to file yourself, unlike the Philippines where employers file it for you tama ba? Any important IDs to procure? I know Medicare, TFN, and Centrelink (if eligible) are important.

Saw this site kaso it looks outdated: https://australia101.com/ Hope someone can share any insight about these and other things na rin!

lunarcat

@era222 said:
Hi, I'm starting na my big-move research so I won't feel so overwhelmed. There's a lot info about making the move itself, but curious to know what one can do to settle/work/live responsibly in Australia (besides the obvious na obey rules, both written and unspoken, and adapt to the culture). I guess these are things you learn from experience pero would be nice to know.

Things like taxes, which I read you have to file yourself, unlike the Philippines where employers file it for you tama ba? Any important IDs to procure? I know Medicare, TFN, and Centrelink (if eligible) are important.
Saw this site kaso it looks outdated: https://australia101.com/ Hope someone can share any insight!

For taxes not necessarily na ikaw, there are so many tax agents who can do it on your behalf. Just give them all the info they needed. But if you know how, you are free to do it but be very careful to claim your return because they'll review it. Rate: $70 to $100. TFN, Medicare, RSG and RSA (if you'd like to work in a hospitality), WWCC (if you're working with children).

For transportation, Opal Card (NSW), I know other state, iba sa kanila, PhotoCard, Drivers license, bank card, private insurance card if you have one, sali mo nalang din mga gift and discount cards LOL. If your destination is NSW, you can install Service NSW on your phone. Your cards can be added to your phone excluding Opal card nasa testing phase pa sila 🙂

Conboyboy

Nice. Following this thread for familiarity.

era222

@lunarcat said:

@era222 said:
Hi, I'm starting na my big-move research so I won't feel so overwhelmed. There's a lot info about making the move itself, but curious to know what one can do to settle/work/live responsibly in Australia (besides the obvious na obey rules, both written and unspoken, and adapt to the culture). I guess these are things you learn from experience pero would be nice to know.

Things like taxes, which I read you have to file yourself, unlike the Philippines where employers file it for you tama ba? Any important IDs to procure? I know Medicare, TFN, and Centrelink (if eligible) are important.

Saw this site kaso it looks outdated: https://australia101.com/ Hope someone can share any insight!
For taxes not necessarily na ikaw, there are so many tax agents who can do it on your behalf. Just give them all the info they needed. But if you know how, you are free to do it but be very careful to claim your return because they'll review it. Rate: $70 to $100. TFN, Medicare, RSG and RSA (if you'd like to work in a hospitality), WWCC (if you're working with children).
For transportation, Opal Card (NSW), I know other state, iba sa kanila, PhotoCard, Drivers license, bank card, private insurance card if you have one, sali mo nalang din mga gift and discount cards LOL. If your destination is NSW, you can install Service NSW on your phone. Your cards can be added to your phone excluding Opal card nasa testing phase pa sila 🙂

Didn't know most of these things, salamat! Ito pala ang how to file taxes for anyone else who needs this info: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/your-tax-return/how-to-lodge-your-tax-return/ Are private insurances a thing kahit na may Medicare?

lunarcat

@era222 said:

@lunarcat said:

@era222 said:
Hi, I'm starting na my big-move research so I won't feel so overwhelmed. There's a lot info about making the move itself, but curious to know what one can do to settle/work/live responsibly in Australia (besides the obvious na obey rules, both written and unspoken, and adapt to the culture). I guess these are things you learn from experience pero would be nice to know.

Things like taxes, which I read you have to file yourself, unlike the Philippines where employers file it for you tama ba? Any important IDs to procure? I know Medicare, TFN, and Centrelink (if eligible) are important.

Saw this site kaso it looks outdated: https://australia101.com/ Hope someone can share any insight!

For taxes not necessarily na ikaw, there are so many tax agents who can do it on your behalf. Just give them all the info they needed. But if you know how, you are free to do it but be very careful to claim your return because they'll review it. Rate: $70 to $100. TFN, Medicare, RSG and RSA (if you'd like to work in a hospitality), WWCC (if you're working with children).
For transportation, Opal Card (NSW), I know other state, iba sa kanila, PhotoCard, Drivers license, bank card, private insurance card if you have one, sali mo nalang din mga gift and discount cards LOL. If your destination is NSW, you can install Service NSW on your phone. Your cards can be added to your phone excluding Opal card nasa testing phase pa sila 🙂
Didn't know most of these things, salamat! Ito pala ang how to file taxes for anyone else who needs this info: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/your-tax-return/how-to-lodge-your-tax-return/ Are private insurances a thing kahit na may Medicare?

Ang repatriation is not part sa Medicare. If ever mamatay (knock on wood), pwedi ka madala pabalik sa Pinas. Mostly OFW po may private insurance with repatriation 🙂

Btw, meron din TFN (Tax File Number) and ABN (Australian Business Number). You may want to know the difference between the two. I like using TFN kase it will be automatically deducted sa wage ko, for ABN holders, mostly they pay taxes during the tax season 🙂

maguero

There are two things you need to consider when deciding whether or not to get private health insurance.

Age - If you don't have private health insurance from the time you turn 31 and you decide to get health insurance later on, your premium will be charged an additional 2% from the time you turn 31 and for every year that you don't have private health insurance. Walang problema if you never get private health insurance kaso di mo naman alam kung anong mangyayari sa iyo in the future and you might actually need it. You can read about Lifetime Health Cover here https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Medicare-and-private-health-insurance/Private-health-insurance-rebate/Lifetime-health-cover/
Income - If you earn above a certain amount and you don't have private health insurance you will be taxed an additional amount. Compute mo kung mas okay na magbayad ka ng additional tax or kung mas okay na ibayad mo sa private health insurance ang amount na yan because private health insurance covers some things that Medicare won't. You can read about the Medicare levy surcharge here https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Medicare-and-private-health-insurance/Medicare-levy-surcharge/Paying-the-medicare-levy-surcharge/

wenwerwu

Sa mga nag BM na po or nasa Aus na... roughly magkano yung gastos mo monthly? hehe. Just wanna prepare lang po for my BM while waiting sa grant. thanks po

MLBS

@wenwerwu said:
Sa mga nag BM na po or nasa Aus na... roughly magkano yung gastos mo monthly? hehe. Just wanna prepare lang po for my BM while waiting sa grant. thanks po

Pinakamalaking gastos dito is rent. Depende kung saan ka nagsstay it can go up to 200 per week. The rest is manageable like grocery and phone bills pag may job ka.

lunarcat

@wenwerwu said:

Single living in a private room + no car:

Basic needs: transpo, grocery, rent, water, gas, electricity, internet, private insurance, mobile plan = $1,600.00+

Di kasali: savings (if kaya maka save), padala family, reward sa self= entertainment, wellness, travel, clothing, need sa bahay, medicines, food (kain sa labas), in short luho 🤣

Nag check ako sa money manager ko last month lang $900+ food. 🤣🤣

Tbh, I mostly save money for savings during tax season..

athelene

@era222 said:
Hi, I'm starting na my big-move research so I won't feel so overwhelmed. There's a lot info about making the move itself, but curious to know what one can do to settle/work/live responsibly in Australia (besides the obvious na obey rules, both written and unspoken, and adapt to the culture). I guess these are things you learn from experience pero would be nice to know.

Things like taxes, which I read you have to file yourself, unlike the Philippines where employers file it for you tama ba? Any important IDs to procure? I know Medicare, TFN, and Centrelink (if eligible) are important.
Saw this site kaso it looks outdated: https://australia101.com/ Hope someone can share any insight about these and other things na rin!

When I moved here (on a student visa), the first things I did were the following:

Open bank account (need to go to the branch in person to verify my ID)
Get Photo Card (or Driver's License kung marunong ka magmaneho, ako hindi kaya Photo Card lang hahaha). This Photo Card (used to be called Proof of Age card) is issued by the government, so it's a good ID card to have, especially if you don't want to be carrying your passport everywhere you go.
Apply for TFN (they will send you your TFN via snail mail)
Get a mobile number (prepaid or postpaid). In my case I used prepaid for the first few months, just to gauge my mobile usage, and then I switched to a cheap postpaid plan. Kung may stable wifi naman kayo sa bahay, then you probably don't need much mobile data. If you switch between telco providers, you can opt to keep your number and have it transferred to your new telco (they call it porting).
Get a transport card (Opal card in NSW, Myki in Victoria, Go Card in Queensland, MetroCard in Adelaide, MyWay in Canberra, Smartrider in Perth, Greencard in Tasmania, Tap and Ride in Darwin)

If you want, you can also get a Keypass ID from Australia Post, which works like a Proof of Age card.

If you are working as an employer for a company, you will usually provide your TFN during the onboarding process. The ABN you can only use if you are doing contractual work (i.e. freelancing) or running your own business. When you apply for your ABN, you will need to provide your TFN, so both will be linked to your ATO account.

Private health insurance is optional. Since hindi ako PR, I don't know the details about the benefits of having vs not having them. Personally I signed up for private health insurance for the Extras (stuff that my OSHC does not cover), like dental and optical.

Depending on your occupation or the type of work you want to apply for, you may be required to get Blue Card/WWCC, White Card (for construction), or some other certificates (Forklift Licence, Food Handling, RSA, RCG, First Aid) prior to application. Just check the requirements of the job, and get the ones you need.

era222

@athelene said:

@era222 said:
Hi, I'm starting na my big-move research so I won't feel so overwhelmed. There's a lot info about making the move itself, but curious to know what one can do to settle/work/live responsibly in Australia (besides the obvious na obey rules, both written and unspoken, and adapt to the culture). I guess these are things you learn from experience pero would be nice to know.

Things like taxes, which I read you have to file yourself, unlike the Philippines where employers file it for you tama ba? Any important IDs to procure? I know Medicare, TFN, and Centrelink (if eligible) are important.

Saw this site kaso it looks outdated: https://australia101.com/ Hope someone can share any insight about these and other things na rin!
When I moved here (on a student visa), the first things I did were the following:

Open bank account (need to go to the branch in person to verify my ID)

Get Photo Card (or Driver's License kung marunong ka magmaneho, ako hindi kaya Photo Card lang hahaha). This Photo Card (used to be called Proof of Age card) is issued by the government, so it's a good ID card to have, especially if you don't want to be carrying your passport everywhere you go.

Apply for TFN (they will send you your TFN via snail mail)

Get a mobile number (prepaid or postpaid). In my case I used prepaid for the first few months, just to gauge my mobile usage, and then I switched to a cheap postpaid plan. Kung may stable wifi naman kayo sa bahay, then you probably don't need much mobile data. If you switch between telco providers, you can opt to keep your number and have it transferred to your new telco (they call it porting).

Get a transport card (Opal card in NSW, Myki in Victoria, Go Card in Queensland, MetroCard in Adelaide, MyWay in Canberra, Smartrider in Perth, Greencard in Tasmania, Tap and Ride in Darwin)

If you want, you can also get a Keypass ID from Australia Post, which works like a Proof of Age card.

If you are working as an employer for a company, you will usually provide your TFN during the onboarding process. The ABN you can only use if you are doing contractual work (i.e. freelancing) or running your own business. When you apply for your ABN, you will need to provide your TFN, so both will be linked to your ATO account.
Private health insurance is optional. Since hindi ako PR, I don't know the details about the benefits of having vs not having them. Personally I signed up for private health insurance for the Extras (stuff that my OSHC does not cover), like dental and optical.
Depending on your occupation or the type of work you want to apply for, you may be required to get Blue Card/WWCC, White Card (for construction), or some other certificates (Forklift Licence, Food Handling, RSA, RCG, First Aid) prior to application. Just check the requirements of the job, and get the ones you need.

Thank you, super thorough! TIL yung porting hehe, a foreign concept so thanks for specifying that.

RheaMARN1171933

@lunarcat said:

@era222 said:

@lunarcat said:

@era222 said:
Hi, I'm starting na my big-move research so I won't feel so overwhelmed. There's a lot info about making the move itself, but curious to know what one can do to settle/work/live responsibly in Australia (besides the obvious na obey rules, both written and unspoken, and adapt to the culture). I guess these are things you learn from experience pero would be nice to know.

Things like taxes, which I read you have to file yourself, unlike the Philippines where employers file it for you tama ba? Any important IDs to procure? I know Medicare, TFN, and Centrelink (if eligible) are important.

Saw this site kaso it looks outdated: https://australia101.com/ Hope someone can share any insight!

For taxes not necessarily na ikaw, there are so many tax agents who can do it on your behalf. Just give them all the info they needed. But if you know how, you are free to do it but be very careful to claim your return because they'll review it. Rate: $70 to $100. TFN, Medicare, RSG and RSA (if you'd like to work in a hospitality), WWCC (if you're working with children).
For transportation, Opal Card (NSW), I know other state, iba sa kanila, PhotoCard, Drivers license, bank card, private insurance card if you have one, sali mo nalang din mga gift and discount cards LOL. If your destination is NSW, you can install Service NSW on your phone. Your cards can be added to your phone excluding Opal card nasa testing phase pa sila 🙂

Didn't know most of these things, salamat! Ito pala ang how to file taxes for anyone else who needs this info: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/your-tax-return/how-to-lodge-your-tax-return/ Are private insurances a thing kahit na may Medicare?
Ang repatriation is not part sa Medicare. If ever mamatay (knock on wood), pwedi ka madala pabalik sa Pinas. Mostly OFW po may private insurance with repatriation 🙂
Btw, meron din TFN (Tax File Number) and ABN (Australian Business Number). You may want to know the difference between the two. I like using TFN kase it will be automatically deducted sa wage ko, for ABN holders, mostly they pay taxes during the tax season 🙂

ABN is only relevant for self employment/business. If you’re neither of the two then TFN only applies.

ina008

@athelene said:

@era222 said:
Hi, I'm starting na my big-move research so I won't feel so overwhelmed. There's a lot info about making the move itself, but curious to know what one can do to settle/work/live responsibly in Australia (besides the obvious na obey rules, both written and unspoken, and adapt to the culture). I guess these are things you learn from experience pero would be nice to know.

Things like taxes, which I read you have to file yourself, unlike the Philippines where employers file it for you tama ba? Any important IDs to procure? I know Medicare, TFN, and Centrelink (if eligible) are important.

Saw this site kaso it looks outdated: https://australia101.com/ Hope someone can share any insight about these and other things na rin!
When I moved here (on a student visa), the first things I did were the following:

Open bank account (need to go to the branch in person to verify my ID)

Get Photo Card (or Driver's License kung marunong ka magmaneho, ako hindi kaya Photo Card lang hahaha). This Photo Card (used to be called Proof of Age card) is issued by the government, so it's a good ID card to have, especially if you don't want to be carrying your passport everywhere you go.

Apply for TFN (they will send you your TFN via snail mail)

Get a mobile number (prepaid or postpaid). In my case I used prepaid for the first few months, just to gauge my mobile usage, and then I switched to a cheap postpaid plan. Kung may stable wifi naman kayo sa bahay, then you probably don't need much mobile data. If you switch between telco providers, you can opt to keep your number and have it transferred to your new telco (they call it porting).

Get a transport card (Opal card in NSW, Myki in Victoria, Go Card in Queensland, MetroCard in Adelaide, MyWay in Canberra, Smartrider in Perth, Greencard in Tasmania, Tap and Ride in Darwin)

If you want, you can also get a Keypass ID from Australia Post, which works like a Proof of Age card.

If you are working as an employer for a company, you will usually provide your TFN during the onboarding process. The ABN you can only use if you are doing contractual work (i.e. freelancing) or running your own business. When you apply for your ABN, you will need to provide your TFN, so both will be linked to your ATO account.
Private health insurance is optional. Since hindi ako PR, I don't know the details about the benefits of having vs not having them. Personally I signed up for private health insurance for the Extras (stuff that my OSHC does not cover), like dental and optical.
Depending on your occupation or the type of work you want to apply for, you may be required to get Blue Card/WWCC, White Card (for construction), or some other certificates (Forklift Licence, Food Handling, RSA, RCG, First Aid) prior to application. Just check the requirements of the job, and get the ones you need.

Hello po! Pano po kayo nakakuha ng room for rent pag punta nyo dyan? Nag-aaccept na po ba yung mga flatmates kahit nasa overseas pa?

jakibantiles

@wenwerwu said:
Sa mga nag BM na po or nasa Aus na... roughly magkano yung gastos mo monthly? hehe. Just wanna prepare lang po for my BM while waiting sa grant. thanks po

Hello.

Couple based in Liverpool, NSW:

Rent: 1,777/mo (1br+1study apartment)

Car: 1,100/mo (all in)

Food: 600/mo

Phone bills: 180/mo (for 2, 100Gb)

Gas/water/electricity/internet: 60 each/mo

Insurance: 187/mo (couples cover, bupa)

Travel/Entertainment: 500/mo

Dumating kami end of Dec 2020. Wala pa kaming masyadong kakilala nun kaya all new furnitures. Umabot ng halos 4k yung basics. Paunti unti na lang nadagdagan at napalitan.

athelene

@ina008 said:
Hello po! Pano po kayo nakakuha ng room for rent pag punta nyo dyan? Nag-aaccept na po ba yung mga flatmates kahit nasa overseas pa?

I stayed with my cousins for a few weeks until I was able to find a place. I found my first place via flatmates, and the second one via student accommodation website. You can check out Flatmates since there's usually fewer hoops to go through than when you're applying for a rental on Realestate.com.au.

I would not recommend signing or entering into any contract while you're still overseas as scams are prevalent nowadays.

athelene

@lunarcat said:
Single living in a private room + no car:

Basic needs: transpo, grocery, rent, water, gas, electricity, internet, private insurance, mobile plan = $1,600.00+
Di kasali: savings (if kaya maka save), padala family, reward sa self= entertainment, wellness, travel, clothing, need sa bahay, medicines, food (kain sa labas), in short luho 🤣
Nag check ako sa money manager ko last month lang $900+ food. 🤣🤣
Tbh, I mostly save money for savings during tax season..

I stopped using finance tracking apps kasi nadedepress lang ako pag nakikita ko kung magkano ang ginagastos ko sa food 😃

@wenwerwu said:
Sa mga nag BM na po or nasa Aus na... roughly magkano yung gastos mo monthly? hehe. Just wanna prepare lang po for my BM while waiting sa grant. thanks po

Living in Brissy, single person, no car

Rent: AUD 900/month (own room but sharing kitchen, bathroom; bills inclusive)

Transpo: AUD 30-60/month (I'm on concession since uni student, so half-price ang fare ko)

Mobile plan: AUD 60/month

Extras Health Insurance: AUD 130/month

Grocery: AUD 300-500/month

Leisure (eating out, shopping, travel): depende sa luho mo hahaha

Total: AUD 1420 to 1650 (basic expenses, hindi kasama ang leisure, medicine, travel, etc.)

In my experience, malaki ang matitipid mo kung magluluto sa bahay at magdala ng baon to work.

My expenses per month vary as well, as there are some months na busy sa work, so no time to cook at home kaya puro takeway or eat out ako.

ina008

@athelene said:

@ina008 said:
Hello po! Pano po kayo nakakuha ng room for rent pag punta nyo dyan? Nag-aaccept na po ba yung mga flatmates kahit nasa overseas pa?
I stayed with my cousins for a few weeks until I was able to find a place. I found my first place via flatmates, and the second one via student accommodation website. You can check out Flatmates since there's usually fewer hoops to go through than when you're applying for a rental on Realestate.com.au.
I would not recommend signing or entering into any contract while you're still overseas as scams are prevalent nowadays.

salamat po sa sagot. yun nga din concern ko yung ma scam

lunarcat

@athelene said:

@lunarcat said:
Single living in a private room + no car:

Basic needs: transpo, grocery, rent, water, gas, electricity, internet, private insurance, mobile plan = $1,600.00+

Di kasali: savings (if kaya maka save), padala family, reward sa self= entertainment, wellness, travel, clothing, need sa bahay, medicines, food (kain sa labas), in short luho 🤣

Nag check ako sa money manager ko last month lang $900+ food. 🤣🤣

Tbh, I mostly save money for savings during tax season..
I stopped using finance tracking apps kasi nadedepress lang ako pag nakikita ko kung magkano ang ginagastos ko sa food 😃

@wenwerwu said:
Sa mga nag BM na po or nasa Aus na... roughly magkano yung gastos mo monthly? hehe. Just wanna prepare lang po for my BM while waiting sa grant. thanks po
Living in Brissy, single person, no car
Rent: AUD 900/month (own room but sharing kitchen, bathroom; bills inclusive)
Transpo: AUD 30-60/month (I'm on concession since uni student, so half-price ang fare ko)
Mobile plan: AUD 60/month
Extras Health Insurance: AUD 130/month
Grocery: AUD 300-500/month
Leisure (eating out, shopping, travel): depende sa luho mo hahaha
Total: AUD 1420 to 1650 (basic expenses, hindi kasama ang leisure, medicine, travel, etc.)
In my experience, malaki ang matitipid mo kung magluluto sa bahay at magdala ng baon to work.
My expenses per month vary as well, as there are some months na busy sa work, so no time to cook at home kaya puro takeway or eat out ako.

Yon nga e. I am considering not using it na because nakikita kong mas malaki pa food and luho expenses ko per month kaysa savings ko. Naging wake-up call ko na tong post na to. Uninstalling it now 🤣 Thank you!! Na depress nga ako sa $900 last month e. 😄 Di ko alam san galing dami nag birthday tas invite here and there. 😆

Hahahaha hindi mawawala ang luho LOL. Enjoy enjoy din sa life 😊 I agree sa post mo palagi with full of sense.

athelene

@lunarcat said:
Yon nga e. I am considering not using it na because nakikita kong mas malaki pa food and luho expenses ko per month kaysa savings ko. Naging wake-up call ko na tong post na to. Uninstalling it now 🤣 Thank you!! Na depress nga ako sa $900 last month e. 😄 Di ko alam san galing dami nag birthday tas invite here and there. 😆

Hahahaha hindi mawawala ang luho LOL. Enjoy enjoy din sa life 😊 I agree sa post mo palagi with full of sense.

Dati talaga hindi ako gumagastos for myself, talagang basic stuff lang, until I realized that I was super depriving myself of leisure/entertainment. Hindi rin pala maganda na i-deprive ang sarili from simple pleasures (occasional coffee or cake, watching movie, hanging out with friends), so I had to adjust my budget to allow for self-care expenses.

My current system for budgeting is like the (cash) envelope system, but using Westpac app. So I allocate money to different categories (including leisure and savings 😃 ), and then transfer funds just before paying. Pag wala nang laman yung category/goal na yun, wala na...hindi na pwede gumala or magshopping until the next payday 😃

lunarcat

@athelene said:

@lunarcat said:
Yon nga e. I am considering not using it na because nakikita kong mas malaki pa food and luho expenses ko per month kaysa savings ko. Naging wake-up call ko na tong post na to. Uninstalling it now 🤣 Thank you!! Na depress nga ako sa $900 last month e. 😄 Di ko alam san galing dami nag birthday tas invite here and there. 😆

Hahahaha hindi mawawala ang luho LOL. Enjoy enjoy din sa life 😊 I agree sa post mo palagi with full of sense.
Dati talaga hindi ako gumagastos for myself, talagang basic stuff lang, until I realized that I was super depriving myself of leisure/entertainment. Hindi rin pala maganda na i-deprive ang sarili from simple pleasures (occasional coffee or cake, watching movie, hanging out with friends), so I had to adjust my budget to allow for self-care expenses.
My current system for budgeting is like the (cash) envelope system, but using Westpac app. So I allocate money to different categories (including leisure and savings 😃 ), and then transfer funds just before paying. Pag wala nang laman yung category/goal na yun, wala na...hindi na pwede gumala or magshopping until the next payday 😃

True sa first paragraph. I was in your shoes too, and na realize ko na puro nalang surviving not living 😅.. Self-depriving hindi talaga maganda. Laban sa self-care over self-deprive 💪 💖

Westpac Life ba to? Thanks for giving me an idea. I'll do the same too as I'm using Wetspac app.