Plan your arrival

From our Airport Welcome Service to helpful information on transport, banking and phones, you’ll find the support and resources to settle into your new city smoothly.

Preparing for your arrival in Perth

Arriving in your new city is a time filled with both excitement and anticipation. But with so much to do to settle into your new surroundings, it’s easy to become a little overwhelmed.

To ensure a smooth journey and make settling in as easy as possible, we’ve put together some key considerations for international students embarking on their journey to Perth.

With proper preparation, you'll be ready to experience the unforgettable adventure that awaits you in this beautiful part of the world.

What documents you’ll need bring

When you travel to Perth, it’s important to have some important documents with you.

You can keep these documents in your carry-on luggage so they’re easily accessible.

They include:

Student visa – must be valid
Passport – must be valid for at least 6 months before your arrival in Perth
Other forms of identification – such as your driver’s license and birth certificate
A copy of your OSHC policy – as all international students require OSHC
Offer letter and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) – and other relevant academic documents

When you land in Australia, you will need to submit an incoming passenger card. This is a legal document that requires you to confirm if you are carrying any food, plant, wood, animal items or products, or more than AU$10,000 in cash.

What can you bring in?

As a traveller, there are some items you cannot bring into Australia. Due to Australia’s strict biosecurity requirements, you need to be aware of what you can and can’t bring into the country.

See what you can bring in

Duty-free items

The majority of personal items you would carry in your luggage are tax and duty-free in Australia. This includes items like clothing, shoes and personal hygiene products.

Travellers can also buy limited amounts of general goods, alcohol, and tobacco duty-free.

Learn more about duty-free

Airport Welcome Service

As the first point of contact for international students arriving in Western Australia, the StudyPerth Welcome Service is here to make you feel welcome as soon as you land.

Our Welcome Desk is located on the left-hand side as you walk out of the arrivals doors after passing customs. Just look out for our Airport Greeters in blue! Our Greeters are fellow international students who are there to share their experiences and answer any questions so you can smoothly settle into your new city.

If you’re set to be arriving in Perth soon, submit your flight details below so we know when to expect you.

Learn more about our Airport Welcome Service

Airport transport

Getting to and from the airport has never been easier, thanks to Perth’s newest train line. Providing a fast connection from Perth Airport, you’ll be in the Perth CBD in only 18 minutes!

Unlike many other cities around the world, there is no airport surcharge for this service. Fares are capped at just $5. To use public transport in Perth, the easiest way is to simply purchase a Transperth SmartRider card that can be used for travel on all public transport types.

You can purchase a SmartRider card at Perth Airport, Transperth InfoCentres and SmartRider retail outlets. As an international student, you’re eligible for a Tertiary SmartRider, which offers student discounts on travel.

Trains operate every 12 minutes in peak time, every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night. Download a copy of the Airport Line Timetable.

Certain education providers also provide an airport pickup service. Be sure to check with your education provider ahead of time to see if they offer this service.

If you prefer to take a taxi or use a rideshare service, those are additional options available to you.

More airport transport options

Banking and money

When you arrive in Perth, you will need enough money to pay for any goods or services you may need. You can use the foreign exchange service at the airport or consider having a prepaid travel money card or an international credit card when you arrive.

Once you’ve settled in Perth, you might want to open a bank account. To do so, ensure that you bring photo identification, proof of Australian address, and proof of enrolment to the bank of your choice.

Let them know you’re an international student and would like to open an account. You will be provided with access to a day-to-day account and an online savings account and receive a debit card (often via mail).

Mobile phones

While you're living in Perth you will no doubt need a mobile phone. You have two different options to choose from: Prepaid and Plan.

Easy and flexible, Prepaid offers no contracts and allows you to recharge with data, text, and local and international calls. Plans offer better value but come with a contract. Most providers offer month-to-month options with the ability to include a new phone as part of the plan.

To help get you connected straight away, you will receive a FREE Optus mobile SIM Card (with free data and calls) at the StudyPerth Airport Welcome Service. Once you've used up that data, you could top it up or set up something else more long-term, e.g. a phone plan.

How do I get started?

For both Prepaid and Plan options, head to a phone shop like Vodafone, Optus or Telstra. You’ll need some documents to prove who you are in order to get started:

An Australian bank statement or rental agreement
Your student visa details
Proof of identity (e.g. your passport)

If you have any questions before you arrive, feel free to contact us for advice or support.

Making connections

Moving to a new city, in a new country offers international students an exciting new opportunity.

To make settling into your new city easier, we’re here to give you the support and guidance you need to feel at home in Perth.

Access a range of resources in our Student Hub, and connect with Perth’s vibrant international student community by attending our student events.

You can search for jobs using our Jobs Board and book FREE support services – including counselling, career support and legal advice.

Helpful links

Before you depart

Find all the information and advice you need to be fully prepared for your journey to Perth.

Learn more

Student visas and migration

Everything you need to take advantage of WA’s diverse employment opportunities.

Learn more

When you arrive

From getting around to making friends, discover the simple tips to settle into Perth successfully.

Learn more

Explore Perth and its suburbs

Use our interactive map to discover the near-endless amount of exciting things to do and places to see in or beautiful state. Create your own WA bucket list for a truly unforgettable experience.

Explore on Map