Australia

Sandy beaches, sunshine filled days and amazing animals, all when you come to live here in Australia! Australia is a beautiful and unique place but moving to a new country can be a strange and unknown challenge to the best of us, so what do we need you need to know before making the big move to Australia? Deciding where you are going to live in Australia is a hard choice, often people coming on a visa will let the job they will be working at or the university they will be studying at decide where they will live as you want to be close to work and/or study. But if you have a bit more freedom to choose where in Australia you want to live, you should know a little bit about the Australian states: Queensland (Brisbane) – the tropical and beachy state of Australia where they have a holidaying and relaxed atmosphere, exciting landmarks such as the Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef, and Dreamworld of course. Buying and renting up there is also quite affordable. New South Wales (Sydney) – The most popular choice by people from outside Australia, this state is very central and also boasts some of the best universities and great job potentials in Australia. It is also home to the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Renting and buying in this state is probably the most expensive. Renting or buying in this state is still quite pricey. Victoria (Melbourne) – The second most popular choice by people outside of Australia, Victoria has some brilliant universities and a fantastic city life as well as beautiful rural views. When it comes to weather, Melbourne tends to fluctuate with it being widely known as the city that has ‘four seasons in a day’. Northern Territory (Darwin) – This state is home to the famous landmark Ayers Rock (Uluru) and is a tropical location to be, known for some absolutely stunning scenery. This state enjoys warm weather nearly all year round though it is also known for quite a few storms during the wetter seasons. Renting and buying in this state is surprisingly expensive and other items can cost more as this city is in a more remote location. South Australia (Adelaide) – This state is known for it’s Mediterranean climate which is quite appealing to some. With affordable living and a relaxed lifestyle South Australia is a solid all-rounder, this state is also the home to the River Murray (Pink Lake) in Australia.  Renting and buying is very affordable out there. Western Australia (Perth) – With a relaxed beachy style, this city is often described by the locals as the ‘cleanest’ city, consistently warm and the temperatures never drop too low, Perth is trying to expand its population and has a lot to offer an incoming resident. Renting and buying in Perth itself is very affordable but other items can cost more as this city is more remote location. ACT (Canberra) – The capital city of Australia, this smaller state is the home of the Australian parliament and has quite a dry climate with freezing to warm temperatures. Renting and buying in this state is one of the most affordable. Tasmania (Hobart) – With a stunning relaxed country atmosphere, Tasmania’s capital city has a lot to offer a new resident, with a more relaxed outlook than the other cities, Tasmania is a culturally rich state with indulgence in wine and dining. This state is also one of the coldest with days reaching below 4 degrees during the colder months. The living cost in this state is reasonable to low in comparison to other states. Transport – Are you busing, training or driving? When moving to Australia, you will most likely also be using  public transport. So you want to make sure you know what card/ticket to get before you move to Australia so you’re all set up when you arrive here. Sydney: For Sydney that means getting yourself set up up with the respective card for each state. In NSW, you can get a free public transport card, the so-called opal card. To use the opal card you will have to top it up with the amount you want (min. $10) and the amount for the trip you are taking will be deducted from your card when you tap off/on at the bus or train station. Melbourne: For Melbourne commuters, it’s not the Opal card that counts but the myki card. As opposed to the opal card, you will have to pay for the myki ($6). However, Melbourne has also a free tram zone where visitors and residents alike can use the tram for free. In Tasmania you should look into getting the Greencard, in Hobard it’s the go card, in Canberra it’s the myway, in Perth it’s the Smartrider,  in Adelaide it’s the Metrocard and in the Northern Territory it’s the Tap and Go. If you hold an foreign driver’s license than you will need to obtain an license within 3 months of arriving in your state to ensure you can continue driving here (you may have to sit a test depending on what your you current license is from). An Australian driver’s license is incredibly useful anyway as it is used as primary form of identification in Australia. If you need to buy a car before moving to Australia, have a look at Gumtree and Carsales for deals and make sure to ask the right questions when choosing your car to ensure you are getting a fair deal. Banking – Get your money sorted before moving to Australia You will need a bank account so you can have wages deposited in your account and pay bills ect. Some banks to look at ANZ Commonwealth Bank Westpac ING Banking NAB Try and open a bank account within 6 weeks after your arrival as then you will only need your passport as identification, opening a bank account after 6 weeks creates more hassle as you will then