Personal checklist copy. Suggested dates are editable planning prompts, not legal, tax or immigration deadlines. Confirm requirements with the responsible authority.
☐ Decide what to bring, ship, buy or leave
List the things you actually use. Compare carrying, shipping, local replacement and storage costs. Mark the items you need immediately and leave unknown quotes blank until confirmed.
☐ Get a complete shipping quote
Ask about collection, insurance, packing, customs handling, delivery and storage charges. Put items sharing one shipment into the same group so its quote is counted once.
Philippine Bureau of Customs: https://customs.gov.ph/travel/ · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Close or transfer your home contracts
List your lease or home arrangements, utilities, subscriptions and insurance policies. Record notice dates, final readings and confirmation numbers. Check what should remain active while you are away.
☐ Check restrictions before packing
Review current import restrictions for the items on your packing list, including food, plants and regulated goods. Ask Customs about uncertainty before packing or shipping.
Philippine Bureau of Customs: https://customs.gov.ph/travel/ · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Check chargers, voltage and luggage rules
Read the voltage label on each device and check plugs, airline battery restrictions and baggage limits with the relevant provider. An adapter does not change the voltage.
☐ Choose an arrival mobile data option
Compare a travel eSIM with buying a local SIM after landing. Check device compatibility, coverage, validity, voice/SMS needs and activation instructions before buying.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/internet
☐ Plan the trip from the airport
Confirm your arrival terminal, accommodation address, check-in instructions and a transport option. Keep an offline copy and a backup plan for delays.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/transportation
☐ Make an offline emergency contact sheet
Save your accommodation, emergency contacts, insurer assistance details and consular contact. Confirm local emergency numbers from official sources and keep a paper copy.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/healthcare
☐ Check and complete the official arrival registration
Use the official eTravel website to check whether registration applies to you and its current submission window. Keep the confirmation accessible. This planning date is a prompt, not a statement of eligibility.
Philippine eTravel: https://etravel.gov.ph/ · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Pack your first 72 hours separately
Keep essential documents, permitted medicines, chargers, a change of clothes and arrival information within reach. Mark these items as essentials in your belongings list.
☐ Reconfirm the first night and flight
Check schedule changes, baggage, check-in, accommodation arrival access and the contact for any delayed arrival. Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
☐ Prepare your Australian tax questions
If you may have Australian tax obligations
Ask the ATO or an adviser about your tax residency, Australian income and any departure actions. Keep supporting records and confirm which rules apply to your situation.
Smartraveller · living overseas: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/planning-trip/advice-your-planned-activities/going-overseas-live-work-or-study · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Test myGov access before changing your phone
If you use myGov
Follow myGov’s overseas access guidance and test your chosen sign-in and recovery methods. Confirm you can reach linked services before losing access to your Australian number.
myGov · overseas access: https://my.gov.au/en/about/help/mygov-website/help-using-your-account/accessing-mygov-while-overseas · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Confirm Centrelink reporting and payment arrangements
If you receive Centrelink payments or concessions
Contact Services Australia about your particular payment and proposed absence. Record when and how to report travel, plus any follow-up they require.
Services Australia · before you leave: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/before-you-leave-australia?context=60040 · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Review Medicare and private cover
If you hold Medicare or Australian private health cover
Check with Services Australia and your insurer how your absence affects the cover you hold. Confirm arrangements for the move and possible return visits before changing a policy.
Services Australia · before you leave: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/before-you-leave-australia?context=60040 · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Arrange Australia Post mail redirection
If you receive mail at an Australian address
Check eligibility, international destination options, identity requirements, excluded mail and start dates. Confirm the service and separately update important senders.
Australia Post · redirection: https://auspost.com.au/personal/receiving/mail-redirection-and-mail-hold · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Review your superannuation arrangements
If you have Australian superannuation
Ask your fund about contact details, contributions and insurance while abroad. Confirm access rules with the ATO or an adviser; moving overseas does not automatically make super available.
Smartraveller · living overseas: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/planning-trip/advice-your-planned-activities/going-overseas-live-work-or-study · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Check overseas arrangements for study debt
If you have an Australian study or training loan
Ask the ATO about notification, income reporting and repayments for your specific loan and absence. Record the deadlines they confirm.
Smartraveller · living overseas: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/planning-trip/advice-your-planned-activities/going-overseas-live-work-or-study · source checked 2026-09-09
☐ Confirm your Australian bank’s overseas arrangements
If you will retain Australian accounts
Ask about address changes, overseas verification, cards and transfer limits. Confirm a backup method before changing your phone plan.
Smartraveller · living overseas: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/planning-trip/advice-your-planned-activities/going-overseas-live-work-or-study · source checked 2026-09-09