How-To Guides for
Nepalis in Australia
Step-by-step answers to the most common questions — driving licence, calling Nepal, banking, tax, and getting PR.
🚗 How to transfer your Nepal driving licence to Australia
Can I drive in Australia on my Nepal licence?
Yes — if you are a visitor or have recently arrived, you can drive in Australia using your valid Nepal driving licence, provided you also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in Nepal. Without an IDP, your Nepal licence alone may not be accepted. The IDP is available from the Department of Transport in Kathmandu before you leave.
How long can I use my Nepal licence?
Rules vary by state. In most Australian states, you can use your overseas licence for 3 months after arriving. After that — or once you become a permanent resident — you must convert to an Australian licence. Check with your state's transport authority for exact rules.
Converting your Nepal licence — what to expect
Nepal is not on Australia's 'recognised country' list, which means you cannot do a direct swap. You will need to: (1) Pass a knowledge test (road rules), (2) Complete a hazard perception test, (3) Pass a practical driving test. You may be exempt from some of these steps depending on your experience — ask at your state's transport authority.
State transport authorities
WA: Department of Transport (transport.wa.gov.au) · VIC: VicRoads (vicroads.vic.gov.au) · NSW: Service NSW (service.nsw.gov.au) · QLD: TMR (tmr.qld.gov.au) · SA: Service SA (sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport) · TAS: Transport Tasmania (transport.tas.gov.au) · ACT: Access Canberra (accesscanberra.act.gov.au) · NT: MVR (mvr.nt.gov.au)
📞 How to call Nepal from Australia cheaply
Free options (best for most people)
WhatsApp and Viber are the most widely used free calling apps for Nepal-Australia calls. They work over WiFi or mobile data with no per-minute cost. Facebook Messenger video calling is also popular. These are free and the call quality is good on a reliable internet connection.
Cheap paid options
If you need to call a landline or a Nepal number that doesn't use internet apps: Skype credits offer very cheap per-minute rates to Nepal (under $0.05/min). Viber Out is another low-cost option. Google Voice works if you have a US number but is less useful in Australia.
Using your Australian mobile plan
Some Australian mobile plans include international minutes to Nepal. Optus and Vodafone have add-on international packs. Check your plan before dialling — standard international rates from an Australian mobile to Nepal are typically $1–$2/minute, which adds up quickly.
Nepal calling code
Nepal's international calling code is +977. Landlines in Kathmandu start with 01. Mobile numbers start with 97, 98, or 984. To call a Nepal mobile from Australia: dial +977 then the 10-digit number (dropping the leading 0 if there is one).
🏦 How to open a bank account in Australia as a Nepali
Best time to open an account
Open your account within your first 6 weeks in Australia. After that, you'll need more documentation to verify your identity. Most banks allow you to open an account online before you arrive — you then verify your identity in person within 30 days.
What documents you need
Passport · Australian visa grant letter · Proof of address (a utility bill, tenancy agreement, or letter from your university) · Tax File Number (TFN) — not required to open the account but needed to avoid extra tax on interest.
Best accounts for Nepali students and migrants
Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) — Smart Access account is fee-free for under-30s. NAB — Classic Banking account, no monthly fee. ANZ — Access Advantage, waivable fee. For sending money internationally, Wise (formerly TransferWise) is not a full bank but is excellent for multi-currency use and lower transfer fees than traditional banks.
Tips
Set up internet banking immediately. Use PayID (your phone number or email) for instant transfers between Australian accounts — much faster than BSB/account number. Never share your banking password or one-time codes with anyone.
📄 How to lodge a tax return in Australia
Who needs to lodge a tax return?
Most people who earned income in Australia during the financial year (1 July – 30 June) need to lodge a tax return. This includes employees, students working part-time, and visa holders. Even if you think you didn't earn enough to pay tax, you may still need to lodge — and you may get a refund.
When to lodge
The tax year ends 30 June. You can lodge from late July onwards. The deadline for self-lodging is 31 October. If you use a registered tax agent, they have a later deadline. Lodge on time — late lodgement penalties apply.
How to lodge — myTax (free and easy)
Go to ato.gov.au and log in with your myGov account (linked to the ATO). Use myTax — it pre-fills most of your information from your employer's payroll data. Review the pre-filled information, add any missing income or deductions, and submit. Most simple tax returns take under 30 minutes.
Common deductions for Nepali workers
Work-related expenses you can claim include: uniforms and protective clothing (if required for your job) · tools and equipment · work-related portion of phone and internet · home office expenses (if you work from home) · self-education expenses related to your current job. Keep receipts for everything.
Working holiday and student visa holders
Working Holiday visa holders (417/462) are taxed at a flat 15% on the first $45,000. Student visa holders are taxed as residents if they have been in Australia for 6+ months — this means you get the tax-free threshold ($18,200). If you have been in Australia less than 6 months in the tax year, you are a non-resident for tax purposes and don't get the tax-free threshold.
🛂 How to get Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia as a Nepali
Common PR pathways for Nepalis
The most common routes to Australian PR for Nepalis are: (1) Employer-sponsored visas (subclass 482 → 186) — your employer sponsors you for PR after working with them. (2) Skilled independent visa (subclass 189) — points-based, no employer needed. (3) Skilled nominated visa (subclass 190) — state government nominates you, giving 5 extra points. (4) Regional visas (subclass 491 → 191) — live and work in a regional area for 3 years.
The points test
Most skilled visas use a points test. You need at least 65 points to be invited. Points are awarded for: age (25–32 years gets maximum 30 points) · English ability · skilled employment experience · qualifications · state nomination · partner skills · studying in Australia. The actual invitation score (cut-off) is usually 70–90+ for competitive occupations.
Skills assessment
Most skilled visa applications require a skills assessment from a relevant authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, CPA Australia). This process takes 3–6 months and requires evidence of your qualifications and work experience. Start early — this is often the longest step.
Get professional advice
Australian immigration law is complex and the rules change frequently. Working with a registered migration agent (MARA-registered) is strongly recommended for PR applications. A mistake can result in visa refusal and affect future applications. See our migration agents listings for MARA-registered agents in your city.
💸 How to send money from Australia to Nepal
Best options in 2026
IME Remit is consistently the most popular choice among Nepalis in Australia — competitive NPR rate, fast (often minutes), and widely trusted. Wise is best for bank-to-bank transfers with a transparent fee. Western Union and Remitly are good alternatives. Avoid using your Australian bank for regular transfers — fees of $20–$35 per transfer and poor exchange rates make it expensive.
How to get the best rate
Compare the total NPR amount received across services — not just the advertised fee. A '$0 fee' service can still give you less NPR than a service that charges a small fee but offers a better exchange rate. Check for first-transfer promotions on Wise and Remitly.