How to secure a car loan as a new arrival to Australia

Let’s face it: life is easier with a car…

Moving across the ditch permanently? Though Australia’s capital cities are pretty well covered with public transport, you really need a set of wheels to get around effectively. Doing the weekly grocery shop and catching trains and buses isn’t any fun! That and the cost of taxis or Uber can add up pretty quickly.

Even though you can hit the ground running when it comes to work in Australia, it’s not the same with loans and finance. Find below the process of car ownership in Australia from whoa to go. That means a smooth experience with no hassles, and you get to explore the land down under quicker than you can say g’day, mate!

Transferring your licence over

First things first – can you even legally drive in Australia? Yes – you can use your NZ licence on Aussie roads for up to three months before transferring it to an Australian licence. Each state and territory has its own motoring authority, so you need to consult with them when transferring your licence. You can click here for all the relevant links to the authorities. 

You will need to prove your identity with a passport or birth certificate as well as a supplementary document such as a bank statement, Medicare card, or utility bill (as long as they are within 12 months of issue). You must show ORIGINAL documents; copies and certified copies are not accepted. The costs of transferring your licence vary from state to state but rarely exceed $100AUD or so.

Documents and visa requirements

If you come to Australia as a New Zealand cit