Going home

Closing your Australian bank account

• Before closing your account, make sure all periodic payments and direct debits are cancelled (and any outstanding cheques are presented). If you wish to leave your account open for future visits to Australia, beware of hidden fees.
• It's best to close your account in person before you leave Australia. Visit a branch of your bank and bring sufficient identification. If you're unable to visit a branch of your bank, send a letter to the branch where your account is held, authorising them to close your account.

Health insurance refunds

Check if you have any outstanding Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC) claims. If you're leaving the country more than a month before your OSHC policy expires, you may be eligible for a refund.

If you have insurance with Allianz Care Australia, a refund form is available online. You’ll need to provide evidence of the day you plan to leave Australia, such as an airline ticket.

Tax return

You may be able to lodge a tax return before the end of the financial year if you meet the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) conditions.

Superannuation

When you permanently leave Australia, you can apply for release of your superannuation benefits. There are restrictions and you’ll have to pay tax on the amount. See superannuation for departing residents.

Tourist Refund Scheme

The Tourist Refund Scheme lets you claim a refund for the goods and services tax (GST) that you pay on some goods bought in Australia.

To claim a refund:

• you must have spent a total of AUD$300 (GST inclusive) or more in one store (even on separate invoices)
• you must buy the goods no more than 60 days before departure and wear or carry the goods on board the plane
• you need to present them to a customs officer, along with your original tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass.