New to Queensland? Start Here

Josphat Kimani
Jan 23
4 min read

A practical guide for Kenyans landing in the Sunshine State

Landing in Queensland (QLD) is a mix of excitement and "what have I done?" New systems, new rules, new accents, and humidity that hits you the moment you step out of the airport. Whether you’ve arrived as a student, skilled worker, visitor, or are joining family, you need a clear starting point.

This guide is your orientation. It is simple, honest advice to help you settle, avoid expensive mistakes, and start your Queensland journey on the right footing.

First Things First: Breathe

Queensland is generally welcoming and laid-back ("no worries" is the state motto), but it is very systems-driven. Things work, but they work by process. If you try to bypass the process, you will hit a wall.

Your first few weeks should focus on:

Legal compliance.
Securing housing (the hardest part).
Accessing essential services.
Understanding the "hidden" rules.

Do not rush to “figure everything out” in week one.

The "Must-Do" Checklist (Week 1)

1. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)

A TFN is mandatory if you intend to work.

Why: Without it, you will be taxed at the highest rate (approx. 45%).
How: Apply online via the ATO website once you are in the country. It is free.
Warning: Beware of scam sites asking for payment to apply for a TFN.

2. Open a Bank Account

You need an Australian account for wages and paying rent.

Common Banks: Commonwealth (CBA), ANZ, Westpac, NAB.
Tip: If you transfer money from Kenya, check exchange rates. Apps like WorldRemit or Remitly often offer better rates than direct bank transfers.

3. Get Connected (SIM & MyGov)

Phone: Get a local SIM (Telstra has the best coverage for regional QLD; Optus and Vodafone are fine for cities).
MyGov: This is the central portal for all government services (Tax, Medicare, Centrelink). Create a MyGov account immediately and link your services as you get them.

4. Transport: The "Go Card"

In South East Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast), you need a TransLink Go Card. Cash is rarely accepted on buses.
Download the MyTransLink app to plan journeys.
Note: Distances in QLD are huge. A "short drive" here can mean 45 minutes.

The Housing Hustle (Critical Addition)

This is currently the biggest challenge in Australia.

Finding a Rental Competition is fierce. You will likely need "100 Points of ID" to apply for a rental (Passport + Visa + Bank Card + Medicare card, etc.).

Where to look: https://www.google.com/search?q=Realestate.com.au and Domain.com.au.
Inspections: You usually must inspect a property before applying. Punctuality is key.
The Bond: You will pay a security deposit (Bond) which is held by the RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority), not the landlord. This protects your money.

Don'ts

Never pay a deposit for a house you haven't seen inside. Rental scams targeting new arrivals are common on Facebook Marketplace.
Do not overcrowd. Strict laws govern how many people can live in a room.

Employment: Rights & Superannuation

Superannuation ("Super") This is Australia’s pension system. It is your money.

Your employer must pay a percentage (currently 11.5%) of your salary into a Super fund on top of your wages.
Do not let an employer tell you "Super is included in your cash pay" unless it is legally documented.

Fair Work

Australia has a minimum wage. Familiarize yourself with the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Red Flag: If a boss says "I'll pay you cash, cheaper for both of us," they are likely underpaying you and you will have no insurance if you get injured at work.

Driving in Queensland

Good News: We drive on the left, just like in Kenya.
The License Rule: If you are a permanent resident, you usually have 3 months to convert your Kenyan license to a Queensland license.
The Law: Seatbelts are mandatory for everyone. Mobile phone detection cameras are everywhere and the fines are over $1,000. Do not touch your phone while driving.

Health & Safety

Medicare vs. OSHC

Medicare: Public health cover for citizens and some Permanent Residents.
OSHC: Mandatory for Students.
Ambulances: In Queensland, ambulance cover is effectively free for QLD residents (covered by the state), unlike in other states where you need a subscription.

Sun & Water Safety

The Sun: The sun here burns quicker than in Nairobi. Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen.
The Ocean: Only swim between the Red and Yellow flags at the beach. If you can't see the flags, don't swim. Rips (currents) are dangerous and invisible.

Specific Advice by Visa Type

If You’re a Student

Do: Join your university’s African or International Student Society immediately.
Don't: breach your 48-hour fortnightly work cap (if applicable). The Department of Home Affairs tracks this via the ATO.
Tip: Many shops offer "Student Discounts" if you show your ID.

If You’re a Skilled Worker

Do: Learn "Australian Workplace Culture." It is egalitarian. You can (and should) say "Good morning" to the CEO.
Don't: Undersell your experience. If you are qualified, expect to be paid the award rate.

Cultural Cheat Sheet (The "Unwritten" Rules)

Time: "Kenyan time" does not apply here. 9:00 AM means 9:00 AM.
Slang: "Arvo" = Afternoon. "Servo" = Service Station (Petrol station). "Thongs" = Flip flops.
Coffee: Australians are obsessed with high-quality coffee. Do not order "just a coffee"—know your order (Flat White, Latte, Long Black).
"Bring a Plate": If invited to a BBQ and told to "bring a plate," it means bring a dish of food to share, not an empty plate!

Finding Community & Food

You don't have to eat bread and fries every day.

Kenyan Food: Look for "African Grocers" in suburbs like Moorooka (Brisbane) to find maize meal (Unga), Royco, and spices. Major supermarkets (Coles/Woolworths) now stock basic maize meal in the international aisle.
Community: Look for groups like the Queensland Kenyan Community on Facebook. They are active and helpful for specific questions.

A Final Word

Everyone’s journey is different, but the foundations are the same. Start with the basics, respect the systems, and seek help before things go wrong.

If you’re new in Queensland: You belong here. There is a growing community ready to walk with you as you settle, grow, and thrive.

Welcome to QLD.