Deciding to leave Germany and move to Australia isn’t easy, but as many expats say: you won’t regret it! With a moderate climate, good education options and being in top 10 of the quality of life rankings, Australia is a country of opportunities for many, especially if their relocation is carefully planned. For the move planning, it is always advisable to list all your belongings and make checklists to avoid forgetting any important object. But before jumping into practical matters and packing your suitcase, it's important you become familiar with the country, the area you are planning to move and some of its bureaucracy. Visas and permits Obtaining the right visa is one of the most important tasks to be done before traveling to Australia. There are strict criteria for migrating to Australia and the documentation required will vary considerably depending on the category of visa for which you are applying. Australia has a large number of visas specifically for migrants, business people and tourists. The visas are listed, along with information on who may apply for them, at the website for Department of Immigration & Border Protection (DIBP). As this diversity of visa options can be a little confusing, it may be useful to engage a Registered Migration Agent to assist you with the visa process. Your local Crown representative will be able to refer you to a Registered Migration Agent in Australia. Accommodation Expats rarely consider that the style of housing in Australia might be different from what they are used to. Despite finding modern blocks of apartments in the city centers, most of the accommodation options will be in houses with a wide range of architectural styles: gabled cottages, ranch styles, pavilion styles, Queenslander styles… The best type of house will depend on your preferences as well as on the particular region to which you are relocating. For instance, Queenslander houses have an underfloor area which keeps the property cool during the warmest months of the year. In addition to the housing style, it is important to remember that rents (most expatriates choose to rent due to the restrictions on purchasing applied to non-permanent residents in the country) are normally stated by weeks, that houses are mostly rented unfurnished and that the electrical current is of 230/250 volts. Public transport In the major cities, having a private vehicle is not necessary, as the public transport system is good and reliable. Buses and trains are widely available, and in Sydney and Perth, ferries are also part of the public transport system. Having said this, many expats prefer to have their own vehicle for convenience, especially if they have young children. Driving regulations vary from state to state but as a general rule, if you are a holder of an international driving license, you will be able to drive for a limited period of time. After this period or if you become a permanent resident, you will have to obtain a local permit. And by the way: don’t forget that in Australia, people drive on the left side of the road!