A guide for moving to Australia
Welcome to your adventure in Australia! This guide aims to make your move stress-free. Read on for tips on everything from finding accommodation and meeting people in your new city, to making sure that all of your paperwork is taken care of before your arrival. With this guide by your side, you'll soon feel right at home in the Land Down Under!
Research job opportunities in Australia
Make sure you have enough money to cover basic living costs in Australia
Custom process in Australia
Start looking for temporary accommodations
Familiarize yourself with local transportation options
Adjusting to life and culture in Australia
Get ready for your move!
Research job opportunities in Australia
Australia, an amazing country with its laid back lifestyle, has plenty of jobs, and it's not too tricky to find one that suits you. You just need to know where to look and use the right tools. Start with some research. Find out about the industries that match your skills and experience. Australian Government websites like jobactive.gov.au and Indeed.com.au are great places to start your job hunt. It's worth spending some time exploring these. You can also check out local job fairs or join networking groups.
It’s also worth checking out the high skilled immigration program. It is designed to attract skilled professionals and contribute to the country's economic growth. We will talk about this in the Immigration article.
Make sure you have enough money to cover basic living costs in Australia
When you plan on moving to Australia, it is vital to consider your budget. Keep in mind, living costs can be quite high, especially in major cities. Basic expenses you should consider include accommodation, food, travel, and healthcare. To make things easier, list your daily needs and work out their average monthly cost. Visit this website to check out all the average costs in Australia, based on the prices given by more than 2000 contributors. This gives you a better idea of the money you need to save before your big move. It's also wise to consider the costs of international shipping if you're planning to bring many belongings. Don't forget, costs can vary between major cities and rural areas, so do your homework accordingly.
Custom process in Australia
Australia has some of the strictest import rules in the world due to its unique environment and island status. These regulations are designed to protect the continent's delicate ecosystems from the introduction of invasive species, pests, and diseases that could have devastating effects on the native flora and fauna. Here are some key aspects of Australia's strict import rules:
Plant and animal quarantine: Australia imposes stringent quarantine measures on the importation of plants, animals, and their products. This includes live animals, seeds, plants, soil, and wooden items. The goal is to prevent the introduction of foreign pests, diseases, and invasive species.
Biosecurity laws: Australia's biosecurity laws are robust and strictly enforced. Travelers and importers are required to declare any biological materials, including food, plants, and animal products, upon arrival. Failure to declare such items can result in significant penalties.
Customs declarations: Travelers arriving in Australia are required to complete a customs declaration form. This form includes questions about items such as food, plant materials, and animal products that may be carried into the country. It is crucial to be honest and accurate when completing these declarations.
Prohibited and restricted items: Australia maintains a list of prohibited and restricted items that cannot be brought into the country. This list includes certain plants, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and live animals. The restrictions vary depending on the country of origin due to different biosecurity risks associated with each region.
Treatment and inspection: Some imported items, especially plants and wooden products, may undergo treatment or inspection upon arrival to ensure they meet Australia's biosecurity standards. Treatment methods may include fumigation or irradiation.
CITES regulations: Australia is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This means that strict regulations are in place to control the international trade of endangered species and their products.
Import permits: In many cases, an import permit is required before bringing certain items into Australia. This is particularly true for live animals, plants, and restricted biological materials.
Continuous monitoring and adaptation: Australia's biosecurity measures are subject to continuous monitoring and adaptation to address emerging threats. This proactive approach helps ensure that the country remains resilient against potential biosecurity risks.
Start looking for temporary accommodations while you look for a more permanent abode
From short-term rentals and sublets to serviced apartments, there are various types of temporary arrangements to suit every need and budget. Starting with a short-term stay can give you the time and flexibility you need to explore different neighborhoods and weigh your options before committing to a long-term lease. Short term accommodations can also be arranged when working with your realtor. Via Relocately you can arrange your search for a house, be it short term or long.
Familiarize yourself with local transportation options, such as buses, trains, and taxis
When exploring a new city or town, it's important to familiarize yourself with the local transportation options. Buses, trains, and taxis can all provide efficient and affordable ways to get around. Here are some possibilities to get around in Australia:
Public Transportation:
Sydney: Transport for NSW operates public transportation, including trains, buses, ferries, and light rail.
Melbourne: Public Transport Victoria oversees the public transport network, including trains, trams, and buses.
Brisbane: TransLink manages public transport services, covering buses, trains, and ferries.
Perth: Transperth provides public transportation services, including buses and trains.
Long-Distance Trains:
Great Southern Rail: Operates iconic train services like the Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth), The Ghan (Adelaide to Darwin), and The Overland (Melbourne to Adelaide).
Bus Services:
Greyhound Australia: Offers long-distance bus services connecting major cities and regional areas.
Murrays coaches: Provides interstate and regional coach services.
Tram Services:
Yarra trams (Melbourne): Operates the tram network in Melbourne.
Ferry Services:
Sydney ferries: Operates ferry services in the Sydney metropolitan area.
Brisbane ferries: Manages ferry services along the Brisbane River.
Cycling:
oBike, Lime, and Jump: Bike-sharing services available in some cities.
Air Travel:
Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar: Major airlines offering domestic flights.
Regional Express (REX): Regional airline serving smaller destinations.
Ridesharing and Taxis:
Uber: Operates ridesharing services in major cities.
Ola and DiDi: Other ridesharing alternatives.
Traditional Taxis: Various local taxi companies operate in urban areas.
Car Rentals:
Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar: Major car rental companies with a presence at airports and in urban centers.
Adjusting to life and culture in Australia
Here’s a list of Australian culture habits that you can already learn from:
Barbecues: 'Barbies', as Australians call them, are a staple of Australian culture. Most social gatherings, especially during the summer, revolve around a good barbecue.
Sports: Australians are passionate about sports. Whether it's cricket, rugby, or Australian Rules Football, participating in or watching sports is a national pastime.
Slang: Australians have a unique set of slang terms. Familiarize yourself with phrases like "G'day" for hello, "mate" for friend, and "no worries" for it's okay.
Outdoor lifestyle: Australians love the outdoors. Surfing, hiking, or simply enjoying the beach are common activities.
Respect for Indigenous culture: Australia has a deep respect for its Indigenous cultures. Participating in cultural events and understanding Indigenous history is an integral part of Australian life.
Tea breaks: Australians love their tea breaks, or 'smoko', as it's often called. This is a short break for a cup of tea or coffee during work hours.
Poppy Day: On ANZAC Day (25th April), Australians wear a red poppy in remembrance of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who have served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
Christmas in Summer: Because Australia is in the southern hemisphere, Christmas falls in summer. Hence, Christmas celebrations often involve barbecues and outdoor activities.
Fair Go: This key Australian value suggests that everyone should be given a fair and equal chance. Australians strongly believe in giving everyone a 'fair go'.
Get ready for your move!
Becoming an Australian resident may be the chance of a lifetime but you need to take the time to research your options, find resources, and ask for help if necessary. This blog post has given you insight into all the necessary preparations you need to consider before embarking on your journey. Start putting these tips into practice now and begin your new life in Australia today!
