City Hub · SYD

Moving to Sydney

What official sources say about arriving, settling in, and working in Sydney, New South Wales. Every point links to the page it came from.

Checked against official sources · last verified 24 Oct 2026

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Decide

Is this the right city for us?

Sydney at a glance

The basics about Greater Sydney, plus official sources for time, weather and rents.

Greater Sydney had 5,638,830 residents at 30 June 2025, up 75,230 people (1.4%) in a year, according to the ABS.
Source: Regional population, 2024-25 — Australian Bureau of Statistics ↗
Net overseas migration added 78,403 people to Sydney in 2024–25, while Sydney lost 33,282 people to other parts of Australia.
Source: Regional population, 2024-25 — Australian Bureau of Statistics ↗
NSW uses Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) and moves to daylight saving time (AEDT) in summer. Clocks went forward 1 hour on Sunday 4 October 2026 and go back 1 hour on Sunday 4 April 2027.
Source: Daylight saving in NSW — NSW Government ↗
For official forecasts and weather warnings, use the Bureau of Meteorology's Sydney page.
Source: Sydney forecast — Bureau of Meteorology ↗
The median weekly rent for new bonds across Greater Sydney was A$780 in the April–June 2026 quarter, up 5.41% on a year earlier. For a 1-bedroom home it was A$690 a week.
Source: Rent and Sales Report, rent tables June 2026 quarter — NSW Department of Communities and Justice ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Laws and local rules

Everyday NSW rules that often surprise newcomers.

Call Triple Zero (000) in any emergency. For non-emergency police matters call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. Crime Stoppers is 1800 333 000.
Source: Contact us — NSW Police Force ↗
Smoking and vaping are banned in all enclosed public areas, in commercial outdoor dining areas, and on trains, buses, light rail and ferries.
Source: NSW smoke-free laws — NSW Health ↗
You can't smoke or vape within 10 metres of children's play equipment in outdoor public places, or within 4 metres of a pedestrian entrance to a public building. NSW Health inspectors can issue on-the-spot fines of A$300.
Source: NSW smoke-free laws — NSW Health ↗
It is illegal to smoke or vape in a car when a child under 16 is in the vehicle. NSW Police enforce this.
Source: NSW smoke-free laws — NSW Health ↗
In NSW, vapes can only be bought from pharmacies. Tobacconists, vape shops and convenience stores cannot sell any vaping goods, with or without nicotine.
Source: Vapes — NSW Health ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Arrive

The first 72 hours

Arriving at Sydney Airport

Getting from SYD into town, and what to do at the border.

You must complete a declaration on arrival and either declare risk goods (food, animal and plant products, wooden items, and footwear or gear used near farms or animals) or bin them. False declarations can bring an infringement notice of up to A$7,280, and your visa may be cancelled.
Source: Travelling to Australia — Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry ↗
Train stations sit underneath the Domestic and International terminals. T8 Airport & South Line trains run every day between 5am and midnight.
Source: Getting to and from Sydney Airport — transportnsw.info ↗
A station access fee is added to the train fare at the airport stations: A$18.61 for adults on Opal or contactless, capped at A$37.75 a week. It does not count towards Opal daily or weekly caps.
Source: Getting to and from Sydney Airport — transportnsw.info ↗
You can tap on with a contactless bank card or phone. Adult Opal cards are sold at the airport stations, but a minimum top-up of A$35 applies there.
Source: Getting to and from Sydney Airport — transportnsw.info ↗
Bus 350 runs from the Domestic Terminal to Bondi Junction at least every 10 minutes during the day. Bus 420 links both terminals with Mascot, Rockdale, Campsie and Burwood.
Source: Getting to and from Sydney Airport — transportnsw.info ↗
transportnsw.info says a flat-fare taxi trial started on 3 November 2025: A$60 for a standard taxi from the airport to the CBD (A$80 for a maxi taxi), including tolls.
Source: Getting to and from Sydney Airport — transportnsw.info ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Getting around

Opal and contactless pay-as-you-go on trains, metro, buses, ferries and light rail.

Tap on and off with the same contactless Visa, Mastercard or American Express card or device. You pay the same fares and get the same Opal benefits as with an Opal card.
Source: Contactless payments — transportnsw.info ↗
Adult fares are capped at A$19.30 a day Monday to Thursday, A$9.65 on Fridays, weekends and public holidays, and A$50 a week (Monday to Sunday).
Source: Adult Opal fares — transportnsw.info ↗
Adult metro and train fares start at A$4.33 peak and A$3.03 off-peak for trips up to 10 km. Bus and light rail trips up to 3 km cost A$3.30 peak; ferries cost A$7.35 for up to 9 km.
Source: Adult Opal fares — transportnsw.info ↗
You get 30% off metro, train, bus and light rail fares on Fridays, weekends, public holidays and outside peak times Monday to Thursday.
Source: How Opal fares work — transportnsw.info ↗
Transfers within 60 minutes count as one journey (130 minutes for the Manly ferry). The Opal day runs from 4am to 3.59am.
Source: How Opal fares work — transportnsw.info ↗
If you forget to tap off, you are charged a default fare: the highest possible fare for your trip.
Source: Adult Opal fares — transportnsw.info ↗
To get concession fares on a contactless card, open a Transport Connect account and link your concession entitlement first.
Source: Contactless payments — transportnsw.info ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Settle

Home, school, doctor, bank

Neighbourhoods and renting

What renting in Sydney costs and the NSW rules that protect tenants.

In the April–June 2026 quarter the median weekly rent for new bonds was A$800 for a 1-bedroom home in the City of Sydney council area, A$595 in the Inner West, A$680 in Parramatta and A$430 in Penrith.
Source: Rent and Sales Report, rent tables June 2026 quarter — NSW Department of Communities and Justice ↗
A bond can't be more than 4 weeks' rent. It is lodged with NSW Fair Trading, usually through Rental Bonds Online, and Fair Trading issues you a receipt.
Source: Rental Bonds Online for tenants — NSW Government ↗
You can be asked for no more than 2 weeks' rent in advance. A holding fee can be no more than 1 week's rent and only after your application is approved.
Source: Signing a lease and moving in — NSW Government ↗
Since 31 October 2024, landlords and agents cannot charge for background checks or preparing the lease. 'Rent bidding' (inviting higher offers) is not allowed.
Source: Finding and applying for a rental property — NSW Government ↗
Rent can only go up once a year, for all lease types. Since 19 May 2025, landlords need a valid reason to end a tenancy.
Source: Changes to rental laws — NSW Fair Trading ↗
Return the completed condition report to the landlord or agent within 7 days of moving in, and keep a copy. Take photos.
Source: Signing a lease and moving in — NSW Government ↗
Smart Rental Bonds started on 10 August 2026, so you can transfer your bond when you move within NSW. From 2 October 2026, you can move in with a pet if you ask for consent within 7 days of starting the tenancy.
Source: Changes to rental laws — NSW Fair Trading ↗

External links

NSW Rent Check ↗Rental Bonds Online ↗NSW Rent and Sales Report ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Schools

Enrolling in NSW public schools, including as a temporary resident.

Every child is entitled to a place at the public school designated for their home address. Use School Finder to find your local school.
Source: Primary school enrolment — NSW Department of Education ↗
All children must be in school by their 6th birthday. Children can start Kindergarten at the beginning of the year if they turn 5 on or before 31 July that year.
Source: Primary school enrolment — NSW Department of Education ↗
You can apply online only if your child is an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident living in the school's area. Otherwise use the paper application, which must be filled in in English.
Source: Enrolment — NSW Department of Education ↗
Children on temporary visas enrol through the Temporary Residents Program using its Online Application Portal. Most temporary resident students pay an application fee and a tuition fee.
Source: Temporary Residents Program — NSW DE International ↗
Most temporary residents can't enrol in selective high schools or opportunity classes.
Source: Temporary Residents Program — NSW DE International ↗
Schools offer English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) support, and there are Intensive English Centres. DE International has warned parents about a tuition fee payment scam.
Source: Temporary Residents Program — NSW DE International ↗

External links

School Finder ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Healthcare

Medicare, reciprocal agreements and urgent help.

You can enrol in Medicare if you live in Australia and are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a permanent resident, someone who has applied for permanent residency (with conditions), or a temporary resident covered by a ministerial order.
Source: Enrolling in Medicare — Services Australia ↗
Enrol online through myGov. You need a current passport or ImmiCard and, if you're not a citizen, valid visa details from Home Affairs.
Source: Enrolling in Medicare — Services Australia ↗
If you've applied for permanent residency (not a parent visa), you can usually enrol if you also have a work visa or a close family member who is a citizen, permanent resident or NZ citizen living here.
Source: Enrolling in Medicare if you're an Australian permanent resident — Services Australia ↗
Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Cover from Italy lasts 6 months.
Source: When Reciprocal Health Care Agreements apply and you visit Australia — Services Australia ↗
UK residents are covered from the day they arrive until their visa ends, including on a student visa. This covers medically necessary care outside hospital, public hospital care and some PBS medicines.
Source: Reciprocal Health Care Agreements: visiting from the United Kingdom — Services Australia ↗
Healthdirect gives free 24-hour health advice on 1800 022 222 and lists GPs, urgent care services and bulk-billing clinics.
Source: Find a health service — healthdirect ↗
Ambulances are not free. From 1 July 2026, NSW residents pay A$483 per emergency call-out plus A$4.36 per km; overseas visitors pay A$948 plus A$8.56 per km.
Source: Accounts and fees — NSW Ambulance ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Banking and ID

Your tax file number, visa checks and a bank account.

If you're in Australia with a work-rights visa, apply for a tax file number (TFN) online with the ATO. It's free and you don't send documents. Your TFN is posted to you within 28 days.
Source: Permanent migrants and temporary visitors – TFN application — ATO ↗
You can't use the online TFN application if your visa has condition 8101, 8103 or 8116 (no work).
Source: Permanent migrants and temporary visitors – TFN application — ATO ↗
You don't have to have a TFN, but without one your employer or bank must withhold more tax from your payments.
Source: What is a tax file number? — ATO ↗
Use VEVO to check your visa details and conditions. Employers and education providers can use it too.
Source: Check visa conditions online (VEVO) — Department of Home Affairs ↗
The Financial Claims Scheme guarantees deposits up to A$250,000 per person, per bank, credit union or building society.
Source: Savings accounts — Moneysmart (ASIC) ↗
Some transaction accounts charge monthly fees. Moneysmart suggests looking for a no-fee account that suits how you bank.
Source: Transaction accounts and debit cards — Moneysmart (ASIC) ↗
Some banks let you open an account before you arrive. CommBank, for example, requires you to show your passport at a branch within 20 days of opening it, or the account may close.
Source: Moving to Australia — CommBank ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Driving and cars

Using your overseas licence, getting a NSW licence and paying tolls.

Temporary visitors who arrived on or after 1 July 2023 can drive on a current overseas licence for up to 6 months. If you stay longer, you need a NSW licence to keep driving.
Source: Driving with an overseas or interstate licence in NSW — NSW Government ↗
Permanent residents, and Australian citizens who lived overseas, can use an overseas licence for only 3 months after arriving.
Source: Driving with an overseas or interstate licence in NSW — NSW Government ↗
If your licence isn't in English, carry an English translation or an International Driving Permit.
Source: Driving with an overseas or interstate licence in NSW — NSW Government ↗
Licences from 28 recognised places, including the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and many European countries, can be swapped for a NSW car licence without tests.
Source: Knowledge and driving test exemptions — NSW Government ↗
From 1 February 2026, Hong Kong joined China on the non-recognised list, so holders must pass the knowledge and driving tests. Experienced Driver Status from some countries also stopped on 1 February 2026.
Source: Knowledge and driving test exemptions — NSW Government ↗
If you're not a permanent resident, Service NSW issues a Temporary Overseas Visitor licence. Translations are only accepted from the Free Translating Service or Multicultural NSW.
Source: Prepare your application — NSW Government ↗
All Sydney toll roads are cashless. Without a toll account or pass, the vehicle's owner gets a Toll Payment Demand with an extra fee per trip. You can buy a pass up to 72 hours after travelling.
Source: Using toll roads — NSW Government ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Thrive

Work, study, belong

Jobs and work

Minimum pay, super and tax for new workers.

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is A$26.44 an hour or A$1,004.90 a week. It applies from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026.
Source: Minimum wages increase from 1 July 2026 — Fair Work Ombudsman ↗
Most employees are covered by an award. Award minimum wages rose by 4.75% from 1 July 2026.
Source: Minimum wages increase from 1 July 2026 — Fair Work Ombudsman ↗
The minimum super guarantee is 12% of each eligible employee's qualifying earnings in 2026–27.
Source: Super guarantee — ATO ↗
Since 1 July 2026, under Payday Super, employers must pay super when they pay wages, so it reaches your fund within 7 business days.
Source: Payday Super: new rules starting 1 July 2026 — Fair Work Ombudsman ↗
In 2026–27, Australian residents pay no tax on the first A$18,200 and 15c per dollar from A$18,201 to A$45,000 (down from 16c). A 2% Medicare levy is added.
Source: Tax rates – Australian residents — ATO ↗
Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while their course is in session.
Source: Student visa (subclass 500) — Department of Home Affairs ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Universities and colleges

Sydney's main universities and the student visa basics.

The University of Sydney was founded in 1850 and calls itself Australia's first university. It has more than 70,000 students.
Source: About us — The University of Sydney ↗
UNSW Sydney was founded in 1949. Its main campus is at Kensington.
Source: About us — UNSW Sydney ↗
UTS's campus is at the southern edge of the Sydney CBD.
Source: About UTS — University of Technology Sydney ↗
Macquarie University was set up in 1964. Its main Wallumattagal campus is in Macquarie Park, and it also has a City campus in the CBD.
Source: About — Macquarie University ↗
Western Sydney University has 13 campuses across Sydney, including Parramatta, Bankstown, Liverpool, Penrith, Hawkesbury and Campbelltown.
Source: Our campuses — Western Sydney University ↗
The Student visa (subclass 500) costs from A$2,500. You need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) unless you are exempt.
Source: Student visa (subclass 500) — Department of Home Affairs ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Newcomer support

Free language help, settlement information and local services.

Call TIS National on 131 450 for an interpreter.
Source: Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) ↗
People settling permanently, and some temporary or provisional visa holders, can get up to 10 personal documents translated free through the Free Translating Service.
Source: Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) ↗
The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) offers free English classes to eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants, with free childcare for children under school age during class.
Source: About the Adult Migrant English Program — Department of Home Affairs ↗
The Multicultural NSW Settlement Hub brings together information and services for settling in NSW, with videos in community languages.
Source: NSW Settlement Hub — Multicultural NSW ↗
City of Sydney has 9 library branches with free wifi and computers. Library membership is free if you live in NSW.
Source: Sydney libraries — City of Sydney ↗
Service NSW handles licences, registrations and many NSW government services. Call 13 77 88.
Source: Contact us — Service NSW ↗

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

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