By Emma Clinton • Updated August 3, 2026 • 9 min read

Sources: Australia's WHV visa requirements are managed by the Department of Home Affairs. English Australia represents quality English language schools nationally. Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) governs rental bonds in Victoria.

Week 1: The First Essential Conversations

The first week in a new city is overwhelming. You are finding your feet, making mistakes, and learning how things work. Every conversation feels high-stakes because you are not sure if you understood correctly. This section covers the conversations that will come up in your first 7 days — and exactly how to handle them.

At the Bank: Opening Your Australian Account

Most WHV holders open an Australian bank account within days of arriving. You need this to get paid, pay rent and access government services. Here is the English you will actually use:

"Hi, I'd like to open a savings account, please."
The standard opening line at any Australian bank branch.
"Do you need my passport and visa details?"
Confirm what documents to bring — banks will ask for these.
"Is there a monthly fee? What's the minimum balance?"
Most WHV-friendly accounts have no monthly fee — but always check.
"Can I use this card internationally? What are the fees?"
Important question if you need to transfer money home or use the card overseas.

What to bring to the bank

  • Passport (current)
  • Visa grant notice (printed or on phone)
  • Proof of Australian address (rental agreement, or a letter from your school)
  • Australian phone number (you may need this to register your account)

Buying a SIM Card and Setting Up Your Phone

Your home-country phone will work in Australia, but international roaming is expensive. Getting a local SIM is one of the first things to do:

"I'd like a prepaid SIM card, please. What's the best plan for data?"
Use this at any phone shop or convenience store that sells SIMs.
"How much data do I get? Does it include international calls?"
Clarify what is included — some plans have no international calls.
"Can I keep my same number from [country]?"
Ask about number portability if you want to keep your home number active.

Recommended providers for WHV holders: Optus, Telstra, Vodafone and Boost all offer prepaid plans. Basic plans with 10–15GB data start at around $AU 15–30/month. Ask for an "international plan" if you call home frequently.

Your First Grocery Shop

Coles and Woolworths are the two major supermarket chains. Here is what you will hear and need to say:

"Do you have [product]? I'm looking for [product]."
Use this if you cannot find something. Staff are helpful and will walk you to it.
"Is this on sale? Is there a cheaper option?"
Always check — things on sale are marked with yellow tags. Ask staff to confirm.
"Can I get a bag, please?" / "No bag, thanks."
Australia charges for plastic bags at major retailers. Bring your own reusable bags.

Week 2: Renting, Transport and Getting Settled

Finding a Place to Live: The English of Renting

Renting in Melbourne is competitive, especially near the CBD. You will deal with real estate agents — they can seem direct or rushed, but they are just doing their job. Here is how to navigate it:

"I'd like to apply for this property. What is the process?"
The standard first line when you find a property you like.
"How much is the rent? Is this negotiable?"
Rent is usually not negotiable in Melbourne — but it never hurts to ask.
"What is included in the rent? Are bills included?"
Bills (electricity, internet, water) are usually separate from rent. Ask to confirm.
"The bond is four weeks, correct? When do I pay it?"
Confirm the bond amount and timing. A bond is a security deposit lodged with the RTBA.

Key renting vocabulary in Australia

  • Bond = security deposit, usually 4 weeks' rent, returned when you leave
  • Lease = rental agreement, typically 6 or 12 months
  • Inspection = a scheduled time to view a property
  • Available from = when the property is ready to move into
  • Furnished/unfurnished = whether the property includes furniture
  • Pet-friendly = whether tenants with pets are allowed

Using Melbourne Public Transport: Myki Cards

Melbourne's public transport system uses a card called Myki. You touch on and touch off at train stations, tram stops and buses. Here is the essential English:

"Where can I buy a Myki card?"
Myki cards are sold at all Melbourne train stations and some convenience stores.
"I'd like to load $AU [amount] onto my Myki, please."
Reload your card at a machine or at a 7-Eleven convenience store.
"Is this train going to [destination]?"
Melbourne trains can go to different destinations on the same line. Always check.
"What zone is this? Am I in the free tram zone?"
Trams in Melbourne's CBD are free (the 'free tram zone'). Outside it, you need a valid Myki.

Pro tip: Download the PTV (Public Transport Victoria) app. It plans journeys, shows real-time tram and train info, and tells you exactly when your next service arrives. It is the single most useful app for getting around Melbourne.

Week 3–4: Building Your Social Life and English Confidence

Making Australian Friends

The hardest part of moving to a new country is not the logistics — it is the loneliness that can creep in after the first few weeks. Here is how to build connections in Melbourne:

Asking for Help Without Feeling Awkward

In your first 30 days, you will need to ask for help — directions, clarification, recommendations. This is completely normal. Australians are generally happy to assist. Here are phrases for different situations:

"Sorry, I'm new here. Could you tell me how to get to [place]?"
Starting with "I'm new here" makes people more helpful and less impatient.
"I'm sorry, I didn't quite understand. Could you say that again, more slowly?"
Always okay to ask for repetition. Say this clearly and most people will slow down.
"Could you write that down for me, please?"
If you did not catch something important — a number, an address, a name — ask for it in writing.
"What do you recommend?"
A great conversation starter at cafes, restaurants and shops. Australians love giving recommendations.

Your 30-Day Melbourne Checklist

  • ☐ Open an Australian bank account (passport + visa + proof of address)
  • ☐ Get a local SIM card (prepaid plan, ~$15–30/month)
  • ☐ Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) — free from ATO.gov.au
  • ☐ Register for a Medicare card (if eligible under your country's health agreement with Australia)
  • ☐ Get a Myki card and load travel credit
  • ☐ Find somewhere to live (room, sharehouse or studio)
  • ☐ Enrol in an English course (if studying on your WHV)
  • ☐ Download the PTV app for public transport
  • ☐ Join a social club, sports team or language exchange
  • ☐ Set up a budget — try the Ambassador or Saving app

How Clinton English Supports WHV Holders in Melbourne

Our General English course is designed for WHV holders who want to improve their English while settling into life in Melbourne. Classes run Monday to Friday, so you can also work part-time.

Small class sizes (8–13 students) mean every student gets meaningful speaking practice in every session — exactly what you need to feel confident in conversations like the ones in this guide. Our teachers understand the challenges of moving to a new country and can help with practical English, Australian culture and workplace communication.

Ready to Build Your English Confidence in Melbourne?

Enrol in General English at Clinton English — next class starts every Monday.
CRICOS Provider 03895J • NEAS Quality Endorsed • Melbourne CBD

Explore Our English Courses

FAQs — WHV First 30 Days in Melbourne

What English do I need to open a bank account in Australia on a WHV?
You'll need to say: 'I'd like to open a savings account, please.' Bring your passport and a proof of address (your rental agreement or a letter from your school works). Most banks will ask for your visa details and an Australian phone number. You do not need perfect English — bank staff are used to helping international customers.
How do I buy a SIM card in Melbourne?
You can say: 'I'd like a prepaid SIM card, please. What's the best plan for data?' Major providers are Optus, Telstra and Vodafone. You can buy SIMs at convenience stores, post offices and phone shops. Ask about 'international call packs' if you want to call home. A basic prepaid plan with 10GB data costs around $AU 15–30 per month.
Can I study English on a Working Holiday Visa?
Yes. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 and 462) allows you to study for up to 4 months per visa. An ELICOS course at a registered provider like Clinton English is fully compliant with WHV study conditions. You can work up to 6 months per employer and study at the same time. Classes run Monday to Friday, so you can also work part-time.
What is 'bond' when renting in Australia?
A bond is a security deposit — usually 4 weeks' rent — paid to your landlord before you move in. It is lodged with the government's Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA). When you leave (if there is no damage or unpaid rent), it is returned to you in full.
How do I use Melbourne public transport?
Melbourne has trains, trams and buses. All use the Myki card — a reloadable smart card. You can say: 'Where can I buy a Myki card?' and 'I'd like to load $AU 20 onto my Myki, please.' Trams are free in the CBD (the 'free tram zone'). For trains, you tap on at the station gate and tap off when you exit.

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