Just moved to Sydney? 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
- Hurstville Chinatown Pharmacy 健宁西药房
Health & medical · 172 Forest Road, 2220 - Zeng Zhong Chinese Medical Centre 正中堂中药馆
Health & medical · 7A Hercules Street - Beijing Tong Ren Tang 同仁堂
Health & medical · 293-295 Forest Road, 2220 - Wales Medical Centre 威尔斯诊所
Health & medical · 277-279 Forest Road, 2220 - iContact Optometrists 艺光视力
Health & medical · 242 Forest Road, 2220
Free interpreters
TIS National provides interpreters for many services. Call 131 450 and ask for Mandarin or Cantonese.
Official source: TIS National
Getting around
Tap an Opal card, contactless bank card or phone on trains, buses, ferries and light rail.
Official source: Transport for NSW
Schools
Public schools enrol children who live in their local area. Check the school finder and contact the school.
Official source: NSW Department of Education
- Macquarie University International College 麦觉理大学国际学院
Education · 10 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Avenue - ABILITY Education ABILITY 语言学校
Education · 10 Quay Street - Eastwood Library 伊士活图书馆
Education - Clavier Music & Art 小豆苗音楽美术中心
Education · 172 Forest Road, 2220 - Macquarie University 麦觉理大学
Education
Chinese grocers and food
Asian grocers stock rice, sauces, fresh noodles and vegetables from home. Browse our grocery and restaurant listings for this city.
- Hung Tak Butchery 新鸿达鲜肉舖
Grocers & food shops · 200 Forest Road, 2220 - Diamond Bakery 金贺饼店
Grocers & food shops · 195 Forest Road, 2220 - Savoy Cake 风月堂
Grocers & food shops · 181 Forest Road, 2220 - Chatswood New Yen Yen Supermarket 新人人超级市场
Grocers & food shops · 2 Endeavour Street - Fruitarian Supermarket 水果人超级市场
Grocers & food shops · 253 Liverpool Road, 2131
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