The small things no one tells you.
Visas, insurance, money, tax numbers, SIM cards and first-week checklists — the quiet practical things that make living abroad feel possible.
Working Holiday at a glance
A Working Holiday Visa lets you live, work and travel abroad for 12–36 months. It is not only a travel visa — it is a way to build a temporary life somewhere new.
Requirements and conditions vary by country. Always check the official government website before applying.
Popular destinations
Explore the most popular Working Holiday destinations.
🇦🇺 Australia
High wages, farm work, cafés, beach cities.
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Seasonal work, hostels, mountains, road trips.
🇨🇦 Canada
Ski resorts, cities, hospitality, wilderness.
🇯🇵 Japan
Culture, teaching, convenience stores, city life.
Before you go
- Check visa eligibility and age limit
- Prepare passport and proof of funds
- Buy travel insurance
- Apply for Wise or backup bank card
- Book first 7–10 nights of stay
- Save digital copies of all documents
Money, tax and first week setup
- Open a local bank account
- Apply for tax number immediately
- Get local SIM card
- Buy public transport card
- Join local WHV community groups
- Start looking for longer-term accommodation
Health, work and accommodation
Insurance, emergency contacts, local doctor access.
Café, farm, hostel, seasonal and hospitality jobs.
Hostels first, then share house after inspection.
Local manners, language basics and daily routines.
Visa basics by country
| Country | Age | Visa Length | Extension | Working Rights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 18–30 / 35 | 12 Months | Up to 3Y | Yes |
| New Zealand | 18–30 / 35 | 12 Months | Up to 3Y | Yes |
| Canada | 18–35 | 12 / 24 Months | No | Yes |
| Japan | 18–30 | 12 Months | No | Yes |
| UK | 18–30 | 24 Months | No | Yes |
| Ireland | 18–35 | 12 Months | No | Yes |
Cost of living estimate
| Country | City | Budget | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Sydney | $1,500 | $2,200 |
| New Zealand | Auckland | $1,300 | $2,000 |
| Canada | Vancouver | $1,400 | $2,100 |
| Japan | Tokyo | $1,200 | $1,800 |
First 4 weeks
Week 1
Arrive, settle in, get SIM, open bank account.
Week 2
Tax number, transport card, explore the city.
Week 3
Find a job, attend orientation, networking.
Week 4
Secure accommodation, get into routine.
Important documents
- Passport
- Visa Grant Notice
- Proof of Funds
- Travel Insurance Certificate
- Tax File Number
- Local Bank Details
Helpful links
- Official Government WHV Pages
- Tax Office by Country
- Public Transport
- Bank Comparison
- Job Websites
- Insurance Providers
Stay connected
Join thousands of WHV travellers sharing real-time information and support.
Join Community →Information on this site is general in nature and subject to change. Always verify with official government sources.