21 must-have apps for expats in Australia
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Wow, you’ve made it to Australia, your new home! Bet that journey was quite the adventure, huh? Navigating through immigration, saying those tough goodbyes, and packing up for the Outback.
Now that you’re settling in, here’s a little tip: technology can be your best friend for getting acclimated to your new life faster.
Whether you’re itching to hit the beaches, soak in those Outback vibes, or just chill with the laid-back Aussie vibe, these apps will be your go-to buddies. From navigating bustling cities to staying ahead of the weather, they’ve got you covered.
Ready to dive into your Aussie adventure? Let’s check out these must-have apps!
Food Delivery
Uber Eats / Menulog / DoorDash
We all have those days when adulting feels like a struggle, right? When you’re cozied up at home but still craving a tasty meal?
No worries! Apps like Uber Eats, Menulog, and DoorDash have got your cravings covered, bringing delicious meals straight to your doorstep from different local and national restaurants. With these three apps, you’ve got a smorgasbord of options right at your fingertips.
And the best part? You can track your order in real time, so you’ll know exactly when that mouthwatering meal will arrive. Plus, who doesn’t love a good deal? Keep an eye out for coupon deals to save a few bucks on your order.
But wait, there’s more! If you’re willing to splurge a bit, you can enjoy perks like a $0 Delivery Fee and up to 30% off non-service fees with a monthly subscription to Uber One, priced at just $9.99. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, doesn’t it?
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Transport
Uber / Ola / Didi
Hey there, have you noticed how the cost of living keeps rising? We bet you’ve been hoofing it around town as much as possible lately. But let’s face it, there are days when your legs just need a break.
No worries though! You don’t have to stand on the curb waving your arms like a maniac to catch a cab anymore.
Enter reliable, on-demand transportation solutions that’ll have you saying goodbye to waiting on the sidewalk. Whether you need a quick ride or want to explore the city, Uber, Ola, and Didi have got your back.
Just whip out your phone, punch in your destination, and boom – a nearby driver will be there to scoop you up in a jiffy. And guess what? No more fumbling with cash – these apps offer seamless cashless transactions, plus you can track your ride in real-time.
Here’s a pro tip: If you’re a savvy traveller, why not download all three apps? That way, you can compare prices and nab the cheapest rides in town. Happy cruising!
App links:
Lime
Ever thought about ditching four wheels for just two? And nope, we’re not talking about motorcycles here.
You might have spotted those bright green e-scooters parked along the streets, right? Those are the handiwork of Lime, a top-notch micromobility provider.
With the Lime app, getting around town has never been simpler. Just spot a nearby e-scooter, whip out your phone, scan the QR code, and off you go! Perfect for those quick trips, Lime e-scooters offer an affordable, eco-friendly, and downright fun alternative to traditional transportation. I mean, why walk when you can scoot, right?
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Citymapper / TripView Lite / Google Maps
So, you might think all train systems are pretty much the same. That is, until you peek at the public transport map and suddenly feel like your eyes are doing somersaults.
Next thing you know, those nagging, anxious thoughts start creeping in – what if you hop on the wrong bus or train?
But fear not, because Citymapper and TripView Lite are here to save the day!
With their real-time timetable updates, you’ll always be on track for the best route to your destination. Whether you’re hopping on a bus, tram, scooter, or ferry, these apps have you covered, making your daily commute as smooth as silk.
But wait, there’s more! These apps aren’t just for navigation – they also offer personalised trip planning features so you can compare travel options hassle-free. And the best part? They won’t cost you a single penny! Well, unless you’re feeling fancy and want to splurge on the full version of TripView for $7.99 on the Google Play Store or App Store.
Now, if you’re more of a Google Maps fan, you’re in luck. It offers broader coverage across Australian cities compared to Citymapper and TripView. If you’re all about exploring attractions, finding the best eateries, and treating yourself to some retail therapy, Google Maps is your go-to. Besides the standard navigation features, it’s packed with Google reviews, ratings, photos, and even lets you buy tickets for your chosen destinations right within the app itself! Talk about convenience, huh?
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Weather
BOM Weather
Ever heard about Aussies experiencing four seasons in a single day? Well, if you didn’t know already, Australia’s weather is famous for its diverse and sometimes downright unpredictable patterns.
To make things even more interesting, the seasons here are the complete opposite of those up north. Thinking it’s fall? Well, down under, it’s probably summer!
But don’t worry, because BOM Weather is here to save the day!
With this handy app, you’ll get hourly updates, 7-day forecasts, radar images, and helpful warnings about any upcoming weather shenanigans, no matter where you are. Whether it’s sunny skies or unexpected showers, you’ll have all the tools you need to stay one step ahead of Mother Nature. Because let’s face it – in Australia, you never quite know what she’s got up her sleeve next!
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Shopping
Woolworths / Coles
Part of being a grown-up is mastering the art of grocery shopping. Period. You know you’re really adulting when you start comparing prices and hunting for those sweet deals.
That’s where the Woolworths and Coles apps come in handy!
Yep, these Aussie supermarket giants have generously blessed us with their own mobile apps. With these babies at your fingertips, you can browse weekly specials, whip up customised shopping lists, and even scan items on the fly to add them to your cart.
But wait, there’s more! You’ll also stack up reward points and unlock exclusive offers tailored just for you. And if online shopping is more your style, you can easily manage your orders for delivery or pickup – all from the comfort of your own home! Sure, there might be a small fee involved, but it’s probably still cheaper than eating out or ordering delivery, right?
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Everyday Rewards / Flybuys
Alright, so you’ve already gotten the lowdown on Woolworths and Coles. Now, let’s dive into their loyalty programs!
We’re talking about Everyday Rewards and Flybuys by Woolworths and Coles, respectively. These babies are designed to shower you with rewards every time you shop with them.
Collect those points on purchases at partner brands and locations, then watch the magic happen as you redeem them for discounts, gift cards, or even travel vouchers for your next adventure!
So, go ahead, treat yourself to a little retail therapy – because let’s be real, it’s not just about what’s in your cart, it’s about the sweet rewards waiting for you at the checkout. Well, at least that’s how us grown-ups justify it…
App links:
Everyday Rewards – Android | iOS
Gumtree / Depop
We all know that when you first move, it’s a whirlwind of spending money and suddenly having a lot of free time on your hands.
But here’s the question: where’s the best place to save some cash and kill time?
Well, look no further than Gumtree and Depop! These two online shopping powerhouses have become Aussie favourites for buying and selling all sorts of goodies.
Gumtree’s got the works – whether you’re after second-hand furniture or need some home repair services, they’ve got you covered. And with listings and private ads popping up left, right, and centre, it’s like a treasure hunt right from your phone!
Now, if you’re a fashion lover, Depop is your ultimate go-to for all things stylish and trendy. You can score some seriously cool accessories, clothes, and vintage finds. But wait, there’s more! Depop is also loaded with social features, so you can interact, follow, and even negotiate prices with other users. It’s like a whole fashion community at your fingertips!
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Flatmates
Picture this: in a perfect world, you’d have your own place with plenty of space to call your own. But let’s be real – with rental costs going through the roof these days, it’s probably smarter to consider shared accommodation or finding a flatmate in Australia.
That’s where Flatmates comes in to save the day!
With a whopping 40,000 active properties and listings every month, finding your dream home or the perfect flatmate is as easy as pie. Just fire up the search feature, and boom – your ideal living situation is just a few clicks away. Plus, it’s a breeze to create a “room-wanted” profile, so property listers can reach out to you if they have a spare room available.
And here’s the cherry on top: Flatmates will even shoot you alerts for new listings that match your criteria, so you’ll never miss out on a potential gem!
App links:
Seek / LinkedIn
So, you might be wondering why job-seeking apps made it onto the list. Well, let’s face it – life can throw some curveballs your way when you least expect it.
So, in case there’s ever a “touch wood” moment, you’ll know exactly which apps to turn to – Seek and LinkedIn.
With Seek, landing your dream job is a breeze. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a seasoned pro looking to switch things up, Seek’s got your back with thousands of job listings right at your fingertips. Plus, with handy features like job alerts and company reviews, you’ll be navigating the job market like a pro in no time.
And then there’s LinkedIn – your go-to for professional networking. As one of the largest social networking apps, you can connect with professionals in your field, show off your skills and experiences, and even discover new job opportunities tailored to your profile.
But wait, there’s more! Dive into the world of LinkedIn Learning to unlock a treasure trove of knowledge with courses designed to boost your skills and broaden your horizons. Sure, it’ll cost you a few bucks – $29.99 per month or $239.88 per year, to be exact – but trust me, it’s a worthy investment for the career boost you’ll receive in return.
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HotDoc
Let’s clear something up right off the bat – this isn’t a dating app for scoring dates with hot doctors. Nope, it’s actually a medical app.
Meet HotDoc – this handy little app is like your personal healthcare assistant right on your phone!
Whether you need to book a check-up with your GP, schedule a dentist appointment, or even chat with a psychologist or dietitian, HotDoc has you covered. You can book and manage your appointments anytime, anywhere – it’s that easy!
But hold onto your hats, because there’s more! HotDoc also sends you helpful reminders for upcoming appointments, lets you check your place in the queue, and makes rescheduling a breeze if plans change. So, say goodbye to those boring waiting rooms and elevator music – and say hello to quicker, easier bookings with HotDoc!
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Wait, one last app before you go… Instarem.
We get it – being an expat or student abroad comes with its fair share of challenges. From adjusting to a new way of life to dealing with international money transfers and expenses, it can all feel a bit overwhelming, right?
But fear not, because Instarem has got you covered! With no hidden fees and competitive exchange rates, we make sending money home a breeze. So, say goodbye to the stress and hello to hassle-free money transfers with Instarem!
*rates are for display purposes only.
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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with products or vendors mentioned.
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