So the time has finally come to return home!
While making the initial move abroad requires most of the work, here are just a few things to consider to make your transition back home a little bit easier.
1. Money, money, money
Whether you’ve saved a little or a lot, you may have funds that you want to send back to your accounts in Canada. Depending on how much money you are sending, it may be easiest to send it as an international transfer through your bank. For larger sums, you can get a better conversion rate by using a third party site, such as OFX or Wise. If your bank account requires authentication from your Australian phone number, make sure you do this before leaving the country.
2. Cancel any payments/subscriptions
In preparation for closing your Australian bank account, make sure to cancel any on-going payments and subscriptions you may have linked to the card. If you have on-going health insurance, be sure to notify your provider of your flight home and have them cancel the policy once you are back in Canada.
3. Say goodbye to your phone number
Once you leave the country, you will no longer have access to that phone number. Make sure any important people or institutions will have another way to reach you once you’re gone. If you aren’t already using it, WhatsApp is a great app to stay connected to friends abroad.
There will be a few loose ends to tie up once you’re home. Most accounts are tied to double-authentication and if your Australian phone number is out of service, these can be a hassle to sort. Try to get all relevant information before you leave the country.
Retrieving your Super
Once you’ve returned home and your visa is finished, you are able to file to gain partial re-imbursement of money put into your Superannuation. All of the information about eligibility and claiming your super can be found on the ATO’s website.
Filing taxes
Refer to the ATO website to see if you are required to file taxes with the Australian Government. Be mindful, the Australian “tax year” runs from 1st of July to the 30th of June.
H&R Block can be a great resource both in Australia and back home when filing taxes. This can be done totally online and they will be able to guide you with best tips & tricks.
Once that’s all finished, close your bank account. This is usually simple and easy to do through a mobile app or website.
Finally – as a reminder, the 417 Working Holiday Visa is a once-in-a-lifetime visa that is good for one calendar year from when you land in the country. It does not pause while you’re away so you’re not able to come back on this visa once the year is over.
Bonus Tip: If you’re like me and have forgotten to get everything done before leaving the country, see if your cell phone provider has an add-on for overseas calling. This is usually ~$10/month and will save you tons of money if you have to wait on hold with your bank or the government!
