Australia is considered to be one of the world’s biggest immigration nations. People from around the world decide to up sticks and move to Australia, in hopes of a life full of beach parties, sitting in the sun and working in a country that’s known for its inclusivity, safety and quality of life.
Indeed, more than 7.5 million people are known to have settled within the country since 1945, and that figure continues to rise. If you’re thinking about moving to the country, or you’ve already made the decision and are waiting for a date to make the move, then this is the article for you. Below, we’ve put together everything that you need to think about when moving to Australia.
Deciding where to live
One of the first things that you should think about is deciding where is best to live. Just like in any other country, Australia is vast and varied, and one part of the country might be very different from another. Adelaide is a popular choice, famed for its food, wine and culture. Indeed, the city draws in millions of tourists a year, but the best part is that it has a laidback lifestyle, relatively mild weather, and a low cost of living which makes the city great for buying or renting.
Hobart is another popular choice for expats. Far removed from the mainland of the country, the city offers immense beauty and is famed for offering a relaxed, low-stress lifestyle. It’s known as one of the most affordable cities to live in Australia, and it makes for a perfect first home.
Employment and salary
You’ll no doubt have secured employment before you move to Australia, but have you thought about your salary of personal income tax? Before you jump ship, check out a pay calculator to work out the cost of living and see whether or not you’ll be left with enough spare change at the end of the month. The average salary in Australia now stands at $82,436 dollars, but the cost of living is much higher in cities like Sydney and Melbourne than it is in some other countries.
Understanding the culture
Australian culture may be different than what you’re used to in your native country – but getting to know the differences makes the switch all the more exciting. Citizens are known for their irreverence, not afraid to say ‘g’day mate’ to their bosses. Australians are diverse, suffer from ‘tall poppy syndrome’, meaning they always support the underdog, and they love to drink and play sport. What’s more, Australia is one of the most open-minded nations on Earth, and is a ‘Lucky Country’ thanks to its climate, great political system and wealth of natural resources.
Making new friends
If you’re moving to Australia on your own, then you’re naturally going to feel a little scared and will want to make friends. The good news is that it’s so easy to do so. Social media and dating apps are commonplace in the country, but message boards for expats and gap year students are popular, helping people connect with like-minded individuals. You’ll no doubt make friends in your new job, and if you’re out and about in your community, you’ll chum up with people that way, too. Australians are welcoming, friendly and have a great sense of humour, so get stuck in.
We wish you the very best of luck in your new life in Australia. Whether you’re in your teens or you’re in your sixties, you’ll have a fantastic time, whether you’re there for a year or for the rest of your life. Get involved, see the sights, take part in the action, and don’t look back!