Topic Blog Published June 28th, 2024 Written By Kerry Daniels Kerry is Crown's Director of Sales and Customer Success for the UKI, Nordics and European region based in Prague. Kerry joined Crown in 1994 in Dubai and has lived in various countries around the world. Kerry is an expert in relocation and understands the challenges faced when moving. Get in touch! Subscribe to our newsletter! Name Email Subscribe Are you considering a move to Australia? You’re not alone. Australia is a top destination for expats, known for its high quality of life, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. In our latest blog, we delve into the information you need to know before taking the big step to moving Down Under, from visa support to key slang terms, we’ve got you covered. Firstly, let’s look at the key information about your new home: Living in Australia: Key Information Starting with the essential details about Australia for prospective movers: Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD) Language: English Population: Approximately 26 million Popular cities for expats: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide Now that we’ve got an idea of the basics, let’s review some specifics you will need to know before making the move: Will I need a visa when moving to Australia? Citizens have several visa options for moving to Australia: Family-stream permanent residence visa: For those with partners, children, or dependent relatives who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. Work-stream permanent residence visa: For individuals with an Australian employer willing to sponsor them or those with skills highly valued in Australia. Business or investment-stream permanent residence visa: For entrepreneurs looking to start a business or invest in Australia, typically requiring government agency sponsorship. Securing a visa involves navigating considerable paperwork and meeting specific requirements, but a thorough application can pave the way for your new adventure when moving to Australia. What’s the easiest way of getting to Australia? Due to the pure distance between countries, flying is the easiest and most common way of reaching Australia. According to Skyscanner, the current cheapest time to fly to Australia is October to November, with the most expensive being in either June, July, or January. How long does it take to get to Australia? Flight times vary based on the destination and number of stops. For instance, a direct flight from London to Perth takes around 20 hours. Budget flights with multiple stops can extend travel time significantly. Can I retire in Australia? Australia is popular among retirees, but obtaining a visa to retire there can take time and effort. Potential routes include family-stream permanent residence visas or specific retirement visa pathways, which require holding previous Australian retirement visas. retirees should also consider pensions, as you can receive your country state pension in Australia and potentially transfer other personal pensions. Ensure you choose a Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) from the HMRC-approved list to avoid hefty tax bills. How can I find a house in Australia? Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth are popular among expats. However, other options, such as affordable Adelaide or scenic Hobart in Tasmania, are worth considering. Initial research and visits can help you decide on the best location. Here are some helpful property search websites: - Domain.com.au - Rent.com.au - Realestateview.com.au What is the healthcare system like in Australia? The Australian healthcare system has great reputation. Their system, Medicare, offers free or subsidised healthcare services. Certain citizens can access Medicare for necessary treatments during visits, thanks to a reciprocal healthcare agreement. For permanent residents, paying income tax funds Medicare access, though private health insurance is expected to cover additional services. How do I open a bank account in Australia? An Australian bank account simplifies financial transactions, from paying rent to everyday expenses. Major banks like Commonwealth Bank, ANZ Bank, and Westpac may allow you to open an account while still in your current country. Requirements typically include your passport, visa documents, an Australian address, arrival date, and employment details. Securing Employment in Australia To work in Australia, start your job search through platforms such as Hays Global and local Australian job sites. If you’re moving on a work-stream visa, you might already have a job lined up. Australian slang terms you may need to know! As important as visas, bank accounts and healthcare are, it’s almost as important to be able to speak with people once you arrive in your new home country! You may already be familiar with certain terms, such as ‘Barbie’ for ‘Barbecue’, ‘Sheila’ for ‘a woman’, or ‘G’day’ for ‘Hello’, however, there are some other key slang terms you may need to know, including: • Bludger – someone who’s lazy, or generally relies on others • Arvo – afternoon • Ankle biter – a child • Bruce – an Aussie man • Daks – trousers • Tracky daks – sweatpants or tracksuit bottoms/pants • Fair dinkum – ‘honestly’ Make sure you are ready to ‘fit in’ straight away by checking the full list of terms you may need to know! Relocating to Australia This is where Crown Relocations can help! We are here to guide you through every step of your move to Australia, ensuring a smooth and successful transition. Whether it’s navigating visa applications, finding the perfect home, or understanding the healthcare system, Crown Relocations offers comprehensive support to make your move as seamless as possible. Contact our friendly team now and get a quote!