Topic
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.
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Are you considering a move to Australia from the UK?
You’re not alone. Australia is a top destination for UK expats, known for its high quality of life, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes.
Australia offers British newcomers a familiar language and culture, strong ties to the UK, sunny weather, beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and ample space for outdoor activities.
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
- British expat population: Around 1.2 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?
British 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 from the UK 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 UK 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.
UK retirees should also consider pensions, as you can receive your UK 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.
Cost of Living in Australia vs the UK
The cost of living in Australia is generally comparable to the UK, though prices vary by region and lifestyle. For example, here are a few comparisons between Sydney and London:
- Cost of living in Sydney is 8% lower than in London (without rent)
- Rent prices in Sydney are 25% lower than in London
- Restaurant prices in Sydney are 25% lower than in London
- Groceries prices in Sydney are 18% higher than in London
Some more specific examples include:
- 1 pint of domestic beer is 17% cheaper in Sydney than in London
- 1 regular Cappuccino is 28% cheaper in Sydney than in London
- 1 gallon of regular milk is 8% cheaper in Sydney than in London
- 1 monthly basis utilities bill (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) for 915 sq. ft apartment is 47% cheaper in Sydney than in London
- Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child is 12% cheaper in Sydney than in London
- Average monthly net salary (after tax) is 14% lower in Sydney than in London
To see a full list of comparisons, or to compare other cities in the UK and Australia, click here.
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:
What is the healthcare system like in Australia?
The Australian healthcare system has great reputation. Their system, Medicare, offers free or subsidised healthcare services. UK 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 the UK. 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 Globalink and local Australian job sites. If you’re moving on a work-stream visa, you might already have a job lined up.
As a London-based team of recruiters, Hays Globalink specialises in supporting skilled professionals relocating to Australia. With over 15 years of experience, they have assisted thousands of professionals in securing both permanent and temporary jobs in Australia, offering a wealth of knowledge and resources to make your transition as smooth as possible.
Hays Globalink provide access to jobs in Australia if you are:
- An expat living in the United Kingdom or Ireland looking to return to Australia.
- A non-citizen living in the United Kingdom or Ireland who wants to move to Australia and qualifies for a valid work permit or working visa
- A non-citizen with a 12-month working holiday visa
Their team can be reached at globalinkteam@hays.com.
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!