Discovering Australia

Payment Methods Payments can be made by cash, credit cards, mobile/online payment systems. Australia has an Internet penetration rate that’s nearing 100%, and 70% of its population owns smartphones and are savvy with digital technologies. Cash Cash dispensing Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are readily available in almost every Australian city. Check with your bank as to what additional fees they apply to withdrawals in Australia, as Australian ATMs are deregulated and may impose a surcharge over what is charged by your bank or card issuer. Credit Cards Credit cards are one of the most common and popular ways for consumers to make payments. You can pay with plastic almost everything — even for your taxi. Mastercard and Visa are commonly used, you’ll also find spots accepting American Express. Poli Payments Poli offers online internet banking that enable consumers to pay for goods or services directly from a merchant's website without the need for a credit card, but by using a direct connection to the user's internet banking. Mobiamo Mobiamo offers mobile payment solutions that allows global customers to make secure, fast payments via SMS and direct carrier billing from their mobile devices. Mobiamo works with local carriers such as Optus, Telstra, Virgin and Vodafone. Taxes and Superannuation While living in Australia, if you are on a local employment contract, you are required to pay taxes imposed at federal/state/territory level. If you are on assignment, your company will inform you of what is needed. If you need more information and/or support on this, your Dwellworks Consultant can refer you to professionals in the area. Australian employers will make compulsory payments out of your earnings to an Australian superannuation (retirement savings) fund on your behalf. Temporary visitors who are not citizens of either Australia or New Zealand can have this money returned to them when they leave Australia. When you claim your super, you will be taxed a percentage based on type of visa you had. The Australian financial year runs from July 1 to June 30, and tax returns for each financial year are due on October 30.

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Discovering Australia