✈️ Pre-Departure Master Checklist 2026

Interactive, checkable checklist covering customs rules, what to pack, driving, first-week housing, costs, and support groups — for Canada, UK, Australia, USA, Germany and New Zealand. Check items off as you complete them; your progress is saved automatically on this device.

● Last updated August 5, 2026|VisaCalc Editorial Team

● Last verified July 1, 2026 | Select your destination below for country-specific advice

🌍 Universal 🇨🇦 Canada 🇬🇧 UK 🇦🇺 Australia 🇺🇸 USA 🇩🇪 Germany 🇳🇿 New Zealand

🌍 Universal — Applies to Every Destination

🚗 Do Before You Leave

1Learn to drive + get IDP

Driving lessons abroad cost 2–4x more than at home. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your local automobile association before you leave — valid in 100+ countries.

2Dental & medical checkup

Public healthcare usually has a 3-month waiting period for new residents. Get fillings, checkups and any planned treatment done at home — far cheaper.

3Haircut & grooming

A haircut that costs ₹300 at home can cost CAD $40–70 in Canada, £30–50 in UK, or AUD $40–80 in Australia. Get it done before you fly.

4Open a multi-currency account

Wise or Revolut let you hold and convert currency with low fees. Open and fund before departure to avoid high bank transfer fees on tuition or rent.

5Order eSIM or travel SIM

Avoid being unreachable on arrival. Many eSIM providers let you activate before you land. Check coverage for your destination country.

6Download offline maps + key documents

Download Google Maps offline for your arrival city. Save your visa, LOA, insurance, and accommodation details to your phone AND print physical copies.

🎒 Universal — What to Pack

✅ Bring These	❌ Don't Bother
Prescription medication — original packaging + doctor's letter in English	Bulky bedding or towels — buy secondhand locally
OTC basics (pain relievers, cold/flu, antiseptic, bandages) — 2–4x more expensive abroad	Heavy appliances on different voltage — won't work or unsafe
Local currency cash — equivalent of CAD/£/AUD $200–300 for first few days	Unopened food if going to NZ or Australia — will be confiscated
Universal travel adapter — cheaper at home	More than 2–3 weeks of medication without documentation
Comfort items — photos, a familiar snack, anything for homesickness week 1	New furniture or large items — ship or buy locally
Academic documents — transcripts, vaccination records, degree certificates	Expensive jewellery or valuables you don't need immediately

🏠 First-Week Housing Options

Option	Typical Cost	Best For
Homestay	Local equivalent of $800–1,500/mo (incl. meals)	Soft landing, under-18s, first semester
On-campus residence	Varies — often $5,000–12,000/academic year	First-year students, built-in community
Short-term sublet / Airbnb	2–4x normal rent	1–3 weeks while finding permanent housing
University housing referrals	Free service	Connecting with vetted landlords

🤝 Support Groups (Universal)

International Student Office — first stop on arrival: SIN/NIN/Tax ID, health insurance, orientation
Campus International Student Association — peer support, airport pickups, social events
Settlement agencies — free, government-funded, help with banking, housing, healthcare navigation
Facebook/WhatsApp groups — search "[city name] Indian students" or "[university name] international students" — incredibly helpful for finding housing and community
Reddit communities — r/ImmigrationCanada, r/ukvisa, r/AusVisa, r/immigration for real experiences

⚠️ Customs Fines at a Glance — All Countries

Country	Biggest Risk	Penalty
🇳🇿 New Zealand	Mud on shoes, any food, honey, wood items	NZD $400–800 instant fine; up to $500,000 prosecution
🇦🇺 Australia	Undeclared food, plant material, wooden items	AUD $630 on-the-spot fine
🇨🇦 Canada	Fresh fruit/meat, undeclared cash over CAD $10,000	Confiscation; fines up to $500,000 for currency
🇬🇧 UK	Meat/dairy from outside UK, cash over £10,000	Seizure; civil penalty up to £5,000
🇺🇸 USA	Undeclared cash over $10,000, fresh produce, meats	$500–$10,000 civil penalty + seizure
🇩🇪 Germany	Cash over €10,000, tobacco over allowance	Customs fine; seizure

🇨🇦 Canada — Specific Pre-Departure Checklist

⚠️ Customs Warning: Declare all food, plant material, and meat products at the Canadian border. Fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat products are heavily restricted. Cash over CAD $10,000 must be declared — failing to do so can result in seizure of the full amount.

Before You Leave — Canada Specific

🚗 Driver's licence

Canada has reciprocal agreements with many countries — India, UK, USA, Australia, France and many others can exchange licences directly in most provinces without retesting. Get your IDP before you leave and check your province's specific rules (Ontario, BC, and Alberta all differ slightly).

❄️ Winter clothing

If arriving in September–March, pack a proper winter coat (-20°C capable), thermal underlayers, and waterproof boots. Buying a Canada Goose or comparable coat in Canada costs CAD $700+. Buy a quality coat at home for much less.

📋 SIN appointment

Book your Social Insurance Number (SIN) appointment at a Service Canada centre — needed to work, open a bank account, and file taxes. Can be done as a walk-in but book online to save time. Bring your study permit and passport.

🏥 Provincial health insurance

Most provinces (BC, Ontario, Saskatchewan) have a 3-month waiting period for OHIP/MSP. Get travel insurance to cover this gap — your university may offer a group plan. Quebec has no waiting period for students.

🏦 Bank account

Open a Canadian bank account in your first week — TD, RBC, Scotiabank, and BMO all have international student packages with no monthly fees for the first year. Needed to receive payroll and pay rent.

💼 Work rights

You can work up to 24 hours/week off-campus during academic terms. Unlimited during summer and winter breaks. Co-op/internship placements are separate and unlimited. Print a copy of your study permit.

First Week — Canada

Day 1: Arrive, get SIM card at Telus/Rogers/Bell (student plans from CAD $25–40/month)
Day 2–3: Visit Service Canada for SIN application
Day 3–4: Open Canadian bank account (bring passport, study permit, proof of address)
Day 4–5: Register with university International Student Office — they handle orientation and insurance enrollment
Week 2: Register for OHIP/MSP/provincial health coverage — start the 3-month clock

Support Groups — Canada

IRCC Help: canada.ca/en/immigration or call 1-888-242-2100
Settlement.org — Ontario newcomer resource, free advice
ACCES Employment — job search support for newcomers
Facebook groups: "Indians in [Toronto/Vancouver/Calgary]" — thousands of members, incredibly helpful for housing
YMCA Newcomer Services — free settlement services in major cities

💡 Cost-saving tip: Kijiji.ca is Canada's Craigslist — excellent for buying secondhand furniture, winter clothing, and household items at 20–30% of retail price. Post in "wanted" ads too — Canadians leaving at the end of term often give away furniture for free.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom — Specific Pre-Departure Checklist

⚠️ Customs Warning: The UK restricts meat and dairy products from outside the UK. Cash over £10,000 must be declared. Tobacco allowance is strictly enforced — 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco. Counterfeit goods and CITES-listed animal products are strictly prohibited.

Before You Leave — UK Specific

🚗 Driver's licence

If you hold a licence from a "designated country" (India is NOT on the list — only Australia, South Africa, Japan, USA, Canada, EU and a few others), you can drive on your foreign licence for up to 12 months then exchange directly. Indian, Nigerian, Pakistani and Philippine licence holders must pass a UK driving test. Book theory test (£23) and practical (£62–75) early — slots fill months ahead.

📱 UK SIM card

Get a UK SIM on arrival — SMARTY, Giffgaff, or Lebara offer plans from £5–10/month for students. EE and Vodafone have broader coverage but higher prices. Check if your home operator has international roaming for the first week.

🏥 NHS registration

If you paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) on your visa — which most students must — you have full NHS access from arrival. Register with a local GP (doctor's surgery) in your first week. You do not need to pay for appointments or prescriptions (£9.90 flat fee for prescriptions, or free if on a low income).

🏦 Bank account

Opening a UK bank account is harder than most countries — banks require proof of address, which is a chicken-and-egg problem. Use Monzo, Starling, or Revolut (all open online with passport only) as a first step. Traditional banks (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds) usually need 6–8 weeks and an appointment.

📋 BRP collection

Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) must be collected from a specified Post Office within 10 days of arrival. The collection location is stated in your visa. Missing this deadline requires an urgent replacement application. Bring your passport and visa decision letter.

🏠 Council Tax

Full-time students are EXEMPT from Council Tax. Your university will give you a Council Tax exemption certificate — take it to your local council. Without it, your landlord may bill you for council tax which can be hundreds of pounds per year.

First Week — UK

Day 1–2: Collect BRP from Post Office (within 10 days — this is critical)
Day 2–3: Get UK SIM card (Giffgaff from any WHSmith, activated online)
Day 3–4: Open Monzo/Starling account (fully online, same-day)
Day 4–5: Register with a local NHS GP surgery
Week 1: Get your university Council Tax exemption letter — deliver to council
Week 2: Apply for National Insurance Number (NIN) at gov.uk — needed to work

Support Groups — UK

UKCISA (ukcisa.org.uk) — UK Council for International Student Affairs, free advice line
Citizens Advice — free advice on housing, employment rights, benefits
Migrants' Rights Network — migrantsrights.org.uk
Facebook groups: "Indians in [London/Manchester/Birmingham]" — large, helpful communities
SpareRoom.co.uk — best site for finding shared accommodation in the UK

💡 Cost-saving tip: Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are the UK equivalents of Craigslist. Students leaving at the end of term often sell furniture for almost nothing. Also check university noticeboards — free items are constantly posted at the end of each term.

🇦🇺 Australia — Specific Pre-Departure Checklist

⚠️ Customs Warning: Australia has among the world's strictest biosecurity rules — similar to New Zealand. Undeclared food (including packaged items), plant material, soil, and animal products can result in an on-the-spot fine of AUD $630. Always declare anything you're unsure about — declaring costs nothing. Amnesty bins are placed before customs to dispose of items safely.

Before You Leave — Australia Specific

🚗 Driver's licence

You can drive on a foreign licence with an official English translation (or International Driving Permit) for the first 3 months in most states. After that, you must exchange for an Australian licence — in most states this is done without retesting for licence holders from "recognised countries" including India, UK, USA. Check your specific state's rules (NSW, VIC, QLD all vary).

📋 TFN application

Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) online at ato.gov.au immediately on arrival — takes about 28 days to arrive. Without a TFN, your employer must withhold 47% tax from your pay. Free to apply. You'll need it to work, file taxes, and access some government services.

🏥 Medicare / OSHC

International students on a student visa must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — buy this before arrival as it's a visa requirement. OSHC is different from Medicare, which most international students on student visas cannot access (exception: some nationalities with reciprocal agreements — check your country).

🏦 Australian bank account

Open a Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB, or Westpac account online before arrival — all offer international student accounts with no monthly fees. Bring the bank's reference number on arrival to activate the account with your passport. Commonwealth Bank has the most ATMs and is popular with students.

🌞 Sun protection

UV radiation in Australia is significantly stronger than most countries — SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are not optional. Pack these from home; quality sunscreen in Australia is expensive.

💼 Work rights

Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, and unlimited hours during course breaks. Your visa conditions will be noted in your ImmiAccount — check before working.

First Week — Australia

Day 1–2: Activate Australian bank account (bring passport and reference number)
Day 2–3: Apply for TFN online at ato.gov.au — takes up to 28 days so apply immediately
Day 3–4: Get Australian SIM — Optus, Telus, Vodafone. Student plans from AUD $20–30/month
Day 4–5: Register with university International Student Office
Week 2: Sort accommodation (if not already done) — Flatmates.com.au for sharehouses

Support Groups — Australia

Study Australia — studyaustralia.gov.au (official government resource)
International Education Association of Australia — ieaa.org.au
Migrant Resource Centres — across all major cities, free settlement advice
Facebook groups: "Indians in [Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane/Perth]" — very active
Fair Work Ombudsman — fairwork.gov.au — know your rights as a worker

💡 Cost-saving tip: Gumtree.com.au is the best marketplace for secondhand furniture and goods. Many students also use Facebook Marketplace heavily. Look for "student moving out" posts at end of semester — people sell entire rooms' worth of furniture for almost nothing.

🇺🇸 USA — Specific Pre-Departure Checklist

⚠️ Customs Warning: US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strictly enforces declarations. Undeclared fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats are confiscated. Cash and monetary instruments over USD $10,000 must be declared using FinCEN Form 105 — failure to declare can result in seizure of the ENTIRE amount, not just the excess. Do not bring items that appear on the CBP prohibited items list.

Before You Leave — USA Specific

🚗 Driver's licence

You can drive on a foreign licence (with IDP) for varying periods depending on the state — typically 30 days to 1 year. To get a US State Driver's Licence you must pass a written and practical test. Book theory test as soon as you arrive — it takes 2–6 months to complete the process in most states. Indian licence holders must retest fully.

📋 SSN or ITIN

F-1 students who have a job (on-campus work or authorised CPT/OPT) apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) through the Social Security Administration — your university's international office will guide this. Without work authorisation, you apply for an ITIN for tax purposes instead.

🏥 Health insurance

Health insurance is mandatory and expensive in the USA — most universities require you to be enrolled in their health plan or show comparable coverage. This typically costs USD $1,500–4,000/year and is NOT optional. Budget for this carefully.

🏦 US bank account

Open a US bank account in your first week — Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo all have student accounts. Bring passport, F-1 visa, I-20 form, and proof of address. Some banks (Chase) allow online pre-opening. Needed for paying rent and receiving paycheques.

📱 US phone plan

T-Mobile and Mint Mobile offer good value international student plans from $15–30/month. AT&T and Verizon have better coverage but cost more. Get a US number immediately — many services require one for verification.

💼 Work rights — strict

F-1 students can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during semester (40 hours during breaks). Off-campus work requires CPT (during studies) or OPT (after graduation) authorisation — working without authorisation is a serious visa violation. Keep all CPT/OPT paperwork.

First Week — USA

Day 1: Report to university International Student Office within required timeframe (usually 15 days of program start) — this activates your SEVIS record
Day 2–3: Get US SIM card. T-Mobile or Mint Mobile for value
Day 3–4: Open US bank account (Chase or Bank of America are most widely accepted)
Week 1: Enroll in university health insurance (mandatory for F-1 students at most universities)
Week 2: If working on campus, apply for SSN with your offer letter + I-20

Support Groups — USA

NAFSA — nafsa.org, the national association for international education
USCIS — uscis.gov for official immigration enquiries
Immigration Help — immigrationhelp.org (free legal assistance)
Facebook groups: "Indians in [New York/Bay Area/Dallas/Chicago]" — extremely active with housing help
Desi diaspora networks — local Indian community groups in virtually every US city

💡 Cost-saving tip: US grocery costs are high. Shop at Aldi, Lidl, H Mart (Asian groceries), or Indian grocery stores — significantly cheaper than Whole Foods or Safeway. Costco membership (USD $65/year) pays for itself quickly if you share with housemates.

🇩🇪 Germany — Specific Pre-Departure Checklist

⚠️ Customs Warning: Germany is in the EU — rules apply at EU external borders. Cash over €10,000 must be declared. Tobacco is strictly enforced (200 cigarettes duty-free). Restricted items include certain meats, plants, counterfeit goods, and CITES-listed animal products. If arriving from outside the EU (which most newcomers are), all goods must be declared at the red channel if they exceed allowances.

Before You Leave — Germany Specific

🚗 Driver's licence

Non-EU licence holders can drive in Germany for up to 6 months on their foreign licence. After that, you must exchange for a German licence — and unless your country has a mutual recognition agreement (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Switzerland do; India does NOT), you will need to pass the full German theory test (available in English) and practical test. Book early — waiting lists are months long and the theory test is difficult.

🏛️ Anmeldung (registration)

Within 2 weeks of arrival, you MUST register your address at the local Einwohnermeldeamt (registration office). This is a legal requirement. Bring: passport, rental contract or landlord's confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). You'll receive a Meldebescheinigung certificate — needed for a bank account, tax ID, and almost everything else.

🏥 Statutory health insurance

All students enrolled at German universities must have statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung). TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) and AOK are most popular with students — both have English-language services. Students under 30 pay around €120–130/month. If you arrive on a student applicant visa, arrange coverage before arrival.

🏦 German bank account

N26 and DKB open accounts fully online in English — fastest option. Traditional banks (Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank) require an Anmeldung certificate and in-person visit. N26 is the most popular among international students as it has no fees and works with Apple/Google Pay immediately.

🌐 German language basics

Unlike Canada or Australia, everyday life in Germany requires at least basic German — landlords, government offices, doctors, and many employers will communicate in German. Even A1–A2 level helps enormously. Free resources: Deutsche Welle (dw.com/learn-german), Duolingo, and university language courses (often free for students).

💼 Work rights

Students from non-EU countries can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. No work permit needed for student employment within this limit. EU Blue Card holders after graduation work unlimited hours. Keep track of your days carefully — exceeding the limit is a visa violation.

First Week — Germany

Day 1–2: Find accommodation and sign rental contract (needed for Anmeldung)
Day 3–5: Anmeldung at local registration office — book appointment online if possible, bring passport + rental contract
Day 5–7: Open N26 bank account online using passport + address
Week 1: Enrol in statutory health insurance (TK or AOK) — required to enrol at university
Week 2: Register at university with your enrolment confirmation + health insurance certificate
Week 2–3: Apply for tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer) — comes by post to your registered address within 2–4 weeks

Support Groups — Germany

DAAD (daad.de) — German Academic Exchange Service, comprehensive support for international students
Make it in Germany (make-it-in-germany.com) — official government portal for skilled workers
Internations.org — expat community in every major German city
WG-Gesucht.de — Germany's largest flatshare platform, essential for finding shared accommodation
Facebook groups: "Indians in Germany", "Indian Students in [Berlin/Munich/Frankfurt]" — very active

💡 Cost-saving tip: Buy a Deutschlandticket (€58/month as of 2026) — gives you unlimited travel on all regional trains, buses, trams and metro across the entire country. Most cities also offer cheaper student semester tickets (Semesterticket) through the university — often around €30–50/semester including local transport. Never buy fast ICE train tickets last-minute — book weeks ahead for up to 70% off.

🇳🇿 New Zealand — Specific Pre-Departure Checklist

🚨 Biosecurity Warning — Most Strict in the World: New Zealand has the world's toughest biosecurity enforcement. Undeclared food (including packaged airline snacks), mud on shoes, honey, bee products, plants, seeds, and wooden items can trigger an instant NZD $400–800 fine. Serious breaches risk prosecution up to NZD $500,000. When in doubt — always declare. Declaring costs you nothing.

Before You Leave — NZ Specific

🥾 Clean your outdoor gear

This is critical and non-negotiable. Scrub every crevice of hiking boots, sneakers, bikes, golf clubs, tents, camping gear with a stiff brush and detergent. Remove all mud, soil, seeds, and organic material. Biosecurity officers inspect tread closely. Do this at least 2 days before you pack — let everything dry.

📱 NZ Traveller Declaration

Complete the NZTD app or online form at travellerdeclaration.govt.nz before arrival — required for everyone, including children. Saves time at the border and is easier to complete carefully at home than rushed in the arrivals queue.

🚗 Driver's licence

Most foreign licences (including Indian, UK, Australian) are valid in NZ for up to 12 months. After 12 months you must convert to an NZ licence — most countries can do this without retesting. Get an IDP before you leave as an official English-language supplement to your foreign licence.

📋 IRD number

Apply for an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number at ird.govt.nz — needed to work, bank, and pay taxes. Apply within your first week of arrival. Takes 8–10 business days to arrive by post to your NZ address.

🏥 ACC coverage

New Zealand's Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) covers ALL residents and visitors for injury treatment — including international students — at no cost. This means if you're injured (sports, accidents), treatment is free. You still need private health insurance for illness, which your institution may require.

💼 Work rights

Student visa holders can generally work up to 20 hours/week during term and full-time during scheduled holidays. Check your visa conditions exactly — some student visas have no work rights at all. Postgraduate students often have full work rights.

First Week — New Zealand

Day 1: Complete NZ Traveller Declaration before landing (or on the plane)
Day 1–2: Get NZ SIM card — Spark, Vodafone, or 2degrees. Student plans from NZD $15–25/month
Day 2–3: Open NZ bank account — ANZ, ASB, or Kiwibank. Most allow online pre-application
Day 3–5: Apply for IRD number online at ird.govt.nz
Week 1: Register with university International Student Office

Support Groups — New Zealand

Immigration NZ — immigration.govt.nz, official queries
New Zealand Now — newzealandnow.govt.nz — official newcomer resource
Volunteer Service Abroad — community networks for newcomers
Facebook groups: "Indians in New Zealand", "Indian Students NZ" — active and helpful
TradeMe.co.nz — NZ's equivalent of eBay/Craigslist, best for secondhand goods and accommodation

Read the full NZ Customs Warning guide →

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