Australia is a beautiful part of the world. The versatile landscape, high quality of living, and world-class healthcare and education options make it a dream destination for people worldwide.
If you’ve been thinking about moving down under, there are a few essential things to consider. Here are eight tips for moving to Australia from another part of the world.
Check Your Visa Needs
Before you do anything else, do some research about what type of visa you’ll need to make the move. The Australian government website has a super helpful visa finder to help you identify which option you need. Keep in mind that until you have a visa in hand, you won’t be getting off the plane in Australia.
Researching the types of visas will help you get a better idea of what you need to be eligible. This could include anything from a set amount of money in a savings account to an employer sponsor.
Choose Your Location
Keep in mind that while Australia is a country, it’s also a continent. In other words, it’s quite massive. How massive? Pretty much all of Europe could fit within Australia.
The main areas to consider when moving to Australia include:
- Perth
- Sydney
- Brisbane
- Melbourne
- Darwin
Each area has its own unique cultures and qualities. When considering where to move, think about living outside the cities as well. Not only will rural areas be more affordable, but there’s also more space to roam and explore.
Book Temporary Housing in Advance
Be sure that you book temporary housing well in advance of your trip. Plan to stay there for at least eight weeks and book accordingly. This could be anything from an Airbnb to a hotel room. You’ll likely be required to list this address on your Visa application.
Once you arrive, you can start to look for a more permanent option. However, it can take a while to find something that suits your needs. Whether you opt for house and land packages or a long-term lease, you don’t want to find yourself without shelter in the meantime.
Research Jobs Before You Go
It’s also important to have some leads on jobs before you go. Take a look at what industries are hiring, and how transferable your skills and education are. This is an especially important consideration for specialized workers.
If you don’t have a job lined up when you arrive, register with recruiters and temp agencies as soon as you get there. You might have to find a temporary work arrangement to support yourself until something more permanent becomes available.
Brush Up on the Lingo
While English is the official language of Australia, it’s known for its unique way of speaking. Take some time to get accustomed to the Australian vernacular before you go. At the very least, learn how to order food and beverages.
Be Smart About Sunscreen
Australia is hot, even during the middle of the winter. Scientists often discuss the infamous ozone layer hole right over Australia, meaning that your skin has less protection from the sun than anywhere else. Before you go, stock up on high-SPF sunscreen and hats.
Invest in Private Health Coverage
While Australia has universal healthcare, it’s well worth the investment to get private coverage as well. There are plenty of things that aren’t covered by Australian Medicare. Depending on your country of origin, you might not be covered until your residency goes through.
Don’t Panic About the Wrong Wildlife
Most people panic about snakes, spiders, and sharks when visiting Australia. While the spiders are huge, very few of them are poisonous. Shark attacks are infrequent, and snakes aren’t a problem.
If you’re going to worry about wildlife, worry about kangaroos. The novelty around these creatures will wear off quickly, as they tend to cause frequent motor vehicle accidents. Always invest in rental insurance in Australia for this reason.
Use these helpful tips to start planning for your move to Australia.
Hi there! I’m Sethu, your go-to guy for all things tech, travel, internet, movies, and business tips. I love sharing insights and stories that make life more interesting. Let’s explore the world together, one article at a time!
