By: Sarah Keller
Imagine working on your laptop from a spot that looks out to Uluru or in a coffee shop that provides spectacular views of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Such is the life of a digital nomad in Australia.
The land Down Under is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for those who want to free themselves from the chains of the office desk in favour of a lifestyle where they travel while they work.
Major cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Melbourne are key hubs for remote workers, as they boast very good internet connectivity, plenty of libraries, coffee shops and coworking spaces where they can work, and a supportive community of other like-minded people.
So, how do you go about becoming a digital nomad in Australia?
In this post, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know.
Does Australia have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Unlike other countries such as Brazil, Spain, Greece, and Barbados, there is no official digital nomad visa offered by the Australian government. So, if you want to adopt such a lifestyle in “The Lucky Country,” you will need to get a Working Holiday Visa or another type that most closely matches your purpose of travel. You can find out more options about visas here.
Opening a Bank Account
If you manage to secure a visa for yourself, you will need a bank account to fund your stay in Australia.
Opening a bank account in Australia is relatively straightforward and can often be done online.
In fact, several Australian banks even allow non-residents to open an account before they arrive in the country, which makes it more convenient for them.
Many digital nomads find that having a local bank account makes it easier to withdraw cash, make purchases, and receive international payments. It also enables them to avoid excessive foreign transaction fees.
Decide Where You’ll Head to First
Australia is a huge country, spanning 7.688 million km², which means there are plenty of places you can begin your digital nomad experience.
Many travellers naturally head to big cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne because they offer plenty of services and amenities. However, these destinations incur high costs of living, so if you are not already earning good money from the work you do, they can take a hit to your finances.
For this reason, you might want to base yourself at the beginning of your digital nomad experience in a slightly cheaper, more rural area. Cairns, the Barossa Valley or the Margaret River region are great options until your cash flow becomes more consistent.
Find Somewhere to Stay (Initially)
When you arrive in Australia, you’ll need somewhere to stay, initially at least.
If you are not lucky enough to have friends or family to bunk up with, then you’ll either need to book a hotel or Airbnb-style accommodation or try to rent a property.
You’ll be able to see what is available on realestate.com.au. However, the cost of accommodation in Australia can be high, especially in big cities. So, consider youth hostels and cheaper one-bedroom options in the first instance while you adjust to your change of scene.
Internet Connectivity
To live a digital lifestyle, you need to have internet connectivity, and luckily, Australia offers reliable internet access across all but the remotest parts of the country.
Most of its urban areas have the infrastructure in place for high-speed NBN (National Broadband Network) connections, while all major cities and most regional hubs have plenty of coworking spaces, cafes with free wifi, and libraries that offer a quiet place to work.
If you fancy hot-spotting off your device when you are out and about, the likes of Telstra, Vodafone, or Optus are among many companies that offer SIM cards with a solid data package that provides decent coverage.
Getting Around
Australia is a vast country, and if you want to see as much of it as you can, then you’ll have to make arrangements for internal travel.
Thankfully, Australia has plenty of good transportation options that will help you make the most of your nomadic experience.
Domestic flights are often the quickest way to travel long distances, and airlines like Virgin, Qantas, and Jetstar sometimes offer affordable fares for one-way tickets and if you book in advance.
Much of the country is serviced by overground trains. But if you would prefer to drive, you can either buy a cheap car (check out Carsales for ones in your area) or hire from any of the major rental companies, such as Hertz, Budget, Avis, and Enterprise, that operate from several offices around the country—often at airports. Alternatively, Greyhound is a good way to travel between places.
In all cities and many regional hubs, public transportation is very good, and you should find plenty of ride sharing options with Uber.
Tax Implications for Digital Nomads
Most digital nomads working remotely in Australia, either for their own travel blogs or businesses or as freelancers for other companies, won’t be taxed by the Australian government.
However, your tax status might change if you stay in the country for a prolonged period of time. Therefore, if you intend to do this and are worried about the potential tax implications of being a digital nomad in Australia, it is a good idea to contact the Australian Tax Office.
About the Author
Sarah Keller is the Content Specialist at Visiting.com.au. From Sydney, Australia, Sarah specialises in tech, finance, and travel writing. She loves staying up to date with industry news so she can bring well-researched, timely, and accurate information to her readers.
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