How much money to bring for an Australian working holiday
The official minimum, a sensible real-world buffer, and how to move money without losing it to fees.
By Drew, who runs Backpack AusUpdated 16 October 2026This guide has affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. More
The short answer
For the visa, Home Affairs says you must have enough money to support yourself and to leave Australia at the end of your stay, which is usually about AUD 5,000 for your initial stay plus the fare to where you’re going afterwards.
For real life, most people bring more than that. A rough rule is enough to cover your first 4 to 6 weeks without a pay cheque: accommodation, food, transport and a bond. These are our own estimates, not official figures.
Why you need a buffer
- Finding a job can take a week or two, and your first pay often lands one to two weeks after you start.
- Renting a room usually means a bond and rent in advance.
- Farm and regional work can start with a long trip and a few days of unpaid travel.
- Tickets such as an RSA or White Card cost money upfront.
- Things go wrong: a missed flight, a medical bill, a car repair.
A rough starting budget (approx. 2026)
These are approximate ranges to help you plan. Prices change, and a Sydney room costs far more than a farm-town bunk.
| Item | Rough amount (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application charge | Check Home Affairs | Fee varies by visa and country; see the official page |
| Flights to Australia | $800 to $2,500 | Varies a lot by origin and season |
| First 4 to 6 weeks of living | $3,000 to $5,000 | Hostels or a room, food, transport, SIM |
| Bond and rent in advance | $1,000 to $2,500 | Depends on city and room |
| Insurance | Varies | Quote for your dates and age |
| Spare for emergencies | $1,000 or more | Your call |
What you’ll earn
The National Minimum Wage is $26.44 an hour from 1 July 2026, and casual workers on it get at least $33.05 an hour including the 25% casual loading. Many awards pay more, so use the Fair Work Pay and Conditions tool for your job. Piece-rate and some farm pay can be different again.
Working holiday makers pay tax at 15% on the first $45,000 of taxable income if the employer is registered, with higher rates above that. See our tax guide for super and getting it back when you leave.
Minimum wages on fairwork.gov.auMoving your money
Open an Australian bank account soon after you arrive; you need one to get paid. Before you go, a multi-currency account such as Wise often beats bank transfer fees when you send savings across. Carry some cash for the first day, but not a lot.
Cover yourself
Home Affairs strongly recommends health insurance, because you’re personally liable for your healthcare costs in Australia. Some countries have a reciprocal healthcare agreement, so check with Services Australia, but it may only cover some care.
SafetyWing
Monthly travel medical cover you can start and stop as you go.
World Nomads
Travel insurance that covers adventure activities like diving and surfing.
Check the rules
Always check the Department of Home Affairs for the latest rules before you apply. Visa settings, fees and country lists change, and this guide is general information, not migration advice.
Real budgets for 1, 3 and 6 monthsKeep reading
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How to apply for the Australian working holiday visa, step by step
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