Australia is characterised by a great quality of life, splendid sunshine, modern infrastructure and incredible beaches, which is why since 2009 more than 500,000 people have decided to move to this incredible country.
If you are thinking of moving to Australia, you should know that it is a big step and, luckily, you are not the only one who has considered it. That’s why we wanted to guide you through this process by giving you 5 tips that you should know before making the move and that will help you better understand what you have to do and when.
1. Applying for a visa
The first thing you need to do before you even get there is to get an Australian visa, there are several visa options available depending on why you are moving. The most common are:
Student visa: requires you to have a place at an eligible educational institution and will allow you to stay for up to five years.
Work visa: depends on the type of work you will be doing. Some grant permanent residence if certain strict conditions are met.
The costs and documentation required vary from one visa to another, so it is very important to check the official conditions for the exact type of visa you are applying for.
2. Open a bank account in Australia
Once your visa has been approved and everything is in order, the next step is to open a bank account to help you settle into your new home. The good news is that most of the time this is a process that can be done easily and online if you have your passport details and valid passport details up to date. Also, make sure you have the time and funds to travel while you are there.
3. Consider the cost of living
For perspective, Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, which means that you should take advantage of your stay there to see as many places as possible.
Apart from the cost of the visa and the cost of getting there, you should consider the area in which you are going to live, as the cost of rent will vary greatly depending on the area.
To get an idea of your expenses, you should take into account:
- Rent
- Utility bills, including phone and Internet
- Food
- Transport
- Leisure
4. Research the climate
Many people think that Australia is exclusively sunny and warm, but this is not the case. When it’s summer in southern Australia, it’s wet in the north. There is even a section of Australia near the south-eastern tip of the country, in eastern Victoria and south-eastern New South Wales, known as the Australian Alps. It is said that this area gets more snow than the Swiss Alps. In conclusion, the climate is very varied and you can find all seasons of the year crossing from one side to the other.
5. General information
As a newcomer, this might interest you:
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- Data released in 2020 revealed that there were more than 7.6 million migrants in the country, meaning Australia is a big draw for migrants
- Although English is the official language, Aussie slang is a unique part of the culture, and includes words such as ‘hooroo’ (goodbye), ‘arvo’ (evening) and ‘thongs’ (flip-flops). It’s important to learn and integrate if you want to better understand the locals.
- Experts recommend applying sunscreen when UV levels are expected to be 3 or higher.
- Most people are unfamiliar with Australia’s pedestrian traffic. On escalators, overtaking others should be done on the right. There are many designated pedestrian crossings, and if you don’t use one, you could face a $70 fine.
Conclusion
Australia is more than beer, kangaroos and heat. It’s a land of true variety, colourful and exciting and dangerous at the same time. No two people will have the same experience in the same country.
If you have already made your decision, let us guide you in making your move. At SIT we open the doors to live and work where you dream. We have a highly qualified team ready to assist you with all the legal procedures and advise you in choosing the best option.
If you move, count on SIT Spain.
