Just moved to Melbourne? Newcomer guide
Phone and SIM card
Prepaid SIM cards from the major networks are sold in supermarkets, newsagents and phone shops. You need ID such as your passport to activate a SIM in Australia. Compare coverage where you live before signing a contract.
Official source: ACMA – phone services
Bank account and tax file number
Banks ask for ID such as a passport, and some let you start the application before you arrive. Apply for a tax file number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office so you are not taxed at the highest rate.
Official source: ATO – tax file number
Medicare and doctors
Check whether you can enrol in Medicare. For non-emergency advice, Healthdirect answers 24/7 on 1800 022 222. Many GPs speak Mandarin or Cantonese; see our health listings. In an emergency call 000.
Official source: Services Australia – Medicare · Healthdirect
- Herbalelite Chinese Medicine Clinic 冯健强中医诊所
Health & medical - The Royal Melbourne Hospital 墨尔本皇家医院
Health & medical · 300 Grattan Street - Dental Clinic - Dr. Toan Lu 牙医诊所 - 卢满全牙医
Health & medical · 21 Balmoral Avenue - Eastern Chinese Medical Centre
Health & medical · 280 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley, 3150 - Mr Cao's Chinese Medicine Clinic
Health & medical · 675a High Street, Thornbury, 3071
Free interpreters
TIS National provides interpreters for many services. Call 131 450 and ask for Mandarin or Cantonese.
Official source: TIS National
Getting around
Use a myki card, or a contactless card or phone where available, on trains, trams and buses.
Official source: Public Transport Victoria
Schools
Every child has a designated local government school. Use Find my School to check yours.
Official source: Find my School (VIC) · Victorian Department of Education
- State Library Victoria 维多利亚州立图书馆
Education · 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne, 3000 - Kingsbury Primary School 金斯伯里小学学校
Education · 1A Maryborough Avenue - Box Hill Institute (Nelson Campus) 博士山学院
Education · 853 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill, 3128 - Balwyn High School 伯尔文中学学校
Education · 40 Buchanan Avenue - Princes Hill Primary School 王子山小学学校
Education · Pigdon Street
Chinese grocers and food
Asian grocers stock rice, sauces, fresh noodles and vegetables from home. Browse our grocery and restaurant listings for this city.
- Bread King 包王
Grocers & food shops - KFL Supermarkets 达成超市
Grocers & food shops · 1029 Doncaster Road, 3109 - KFL Supermarkets 达成超市
Grocers & food shops · 293-295 Canterbury Road, Forest Hill, 3131 - Wing Cheong 永昌
Grocers & food shops · 118A Hopkins Street, Footscray, 3011 - KFL Supermarkets 达成超市
Grocers & food shops · 376 Sydney Road
Settling in
The Department of Home Affairs has an official settlement guide covering housing, work, English classes and more.
Official source: Home Affairs – settling in Australia