Australia (AU)
Australia is the world's sixth-largest country by area and one of the most urbanised nations on Earth, with over 85% of its 27 million people living in coastal cities.
Digital Services
Digital ID, e-government and essential apps in Australia.
myGov + myID (Digital ID)
myGov is the federal government's single online portal, linking ATO, Medicare, Centrelink, My Health Record, and other services. myID (formerly Digital Identity — launched 2024) is Australia's national digital identity credential, allowing higher-assurance identity verification for government and private sector services using your smartphone and biometrics.
How to get it: Create a myGov account at my.gov.au (email and mobile number required — free). Link services (ATO, Medicare, Centrelink) after creating your account. For myID: download the myID app, verify your identity using your Australian passport or driver's licence and a selfie. myID provides Standard (photo ID) or Strong (additional biometric verification) identity strength.
E-Government Portal
https://my.gov.auState government services are generally NOT part of myGov — each state has its own portal (Service NSW at service.nsw.gov.au, Service Victoria at service.vic.gov.au, etc.). Driver's licence, vehicle registration, and state-based services are managed through state portals separately from federal myGov services.
Essential Apps
myGov
FreeAccess ATO, Medicare, Centrelink and other federal services in one place.
myID
FreeAustralia's national digital identity app for secure identity verification.
Medicare (Express Plus Medicare)
FreeSubmit Medicare claims, view digital Medicare card, manage My Health Record.
ATO app
FreeLodge tax return, check refund status, manage super, record work expenses.
Service NSW / Service Victoria
FreeState government services: licence, rego, fines, permits.
Opal Travel (NSW) / myki (VIC) / Translink (QLD)
FreeState public transport cards and journey planning.
Google Maps / Apple Maps
FreeWidely used for navigation and public transit directions.
CommBank / ANZ / NAB / Westpac
FreeBig Four banking apps with PayID, BPAY, instant transfers.
Up Bank / ING
FreeNeobank apps popular with younger Australians and newcomers.
ExpatCheapRent
FreeExpat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.
realestate.com.au
FreePrimary property listing platform for buying and renting.
Seek
FreeAustralia's dominant job board app.
Facebook (Meta)
FreeDominant social platform for community groups, marketplace, and local events.
Xero / MYOB
PaidCloud accounting widely used by Australian small businesses.
Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted at all major retailers and most small businesses — tap-and-pay culture is very strong. Cash is accepted everywhere but rarely needed. BPAY (bill payment system via banking app) is used to pay utilities, rates, and invoices. PayID (linked to mobile number or email) enables instant bank transfers. Centrelink and ATO correspondence is increasingly digital — check your myGov inbox regularly as letters may not be mailed.