What you need to know about moving to Australia

I once moved house 5 times in 18 months. Yes 5 times! And one of the things I have found is that there can be a lot to learn about a new region. In the past I have learnt a lot from reading various articles. Australia is my home country so this time I’d like to share some of my experience with you.

Australia is a gigantic country; in fact it occupies a whole continent. Therefore choosing a location to live is sensible first step. There are 8 different states which include cities, beachside communities, mountain villages, mining towns and outback farms. Think about what sort of facilities, employment and weather you desire. If possible come for a visit beforehand so that you can experience some of the areas for yourself.

A BRIEF GUIDE TO THE MAJOR CITIES OF AUSTRALIA

SYDNEY- has a moderate climate with warm summers, mild winters and rainfall that is spread throughout the year. Sydney has the largest population in Australia; it is considered the major business and financial centre. The average cost of a house is $570,000 and the average price of rent per week is $450.

MELBOURNE- experiences a cooler climate than some of the other states and in the winter there are snow covered mountains. Melbourne is known as one of the most multicultural states and is known for its array of shopping and dining choices. The average cost of a house is $442,000 and the average price of rent per week is $360.

BRISBANE- experiences hot summers and mild winters, most of the year it is sunny, but rainfall is heavier during summer. 

Brisbane is the 3rd largest city in Australia. It has a broad range of facilities and features beaches and rainforests within an hour of the city. The average cost of a house is $456,000 and the average price of rent per week is $340.

PERTH- has a Mediterranean climate that experiences sunny weather most of the year, winters are mild. It has the smallest business district of the 4 cities analysed and is somewhat isolated on the Western side of Australia. However there are some good job opportunities in the mining related sector. The average cost of a house is $504,000 and the average price of rent per week is $380.

LANGUAGE:

The primary language spoken in Australia is English.

Some Australian terminologies you might come across include:

-B.Y.O- stands for bring your own and it refers to alcohol. Some eating venues don’t have a licence to sell liquor, but they have a licence to serve it so customers are welcome to bring a bottle of wine with them.

-Bring a plate- means bring a serve of food it doesn’t literally mean bring an item of crockery.

-Bottle-o- a liquor shop.

-Op shop- a store selling second hand goods.

-Servo- a petrol/gasoline station.

TIPPING

Tipping is not an obligatory practice in Australia. If you want to tip for a particularly good service it is appreciated, but not expected.

SOCIAL BEHAVOIR:

-A common greeting is to shake another person’s hand with your right hand

-Please and thank you are polite words to use when dealing with others

-Dress standards-clothing is generally casual, but workplaces may have specific standards. Australian’s are tolerant of diversity and many people wear their own religious or national dress.

-Most Australian’s call each other by their first names

-Australian’s like to watch and participate in sports. On weekends many get outdoors or participate in sport.

FINANCE:

-The average Australian salary is approximately $79,334.

-A loaf of bread costs approx $1.98 and a bottle of milk approx $1.80

-Fuel-ranges in price from approx $1.25-$1.50 a litre

-The major Australian banks are ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, Suncorp, Westpac and National Australia Bank. These banks can organize your everyday banking before you move. 

-Australian money consists of coins and notes. The coins include; 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, one dollar coin worth 100 cents and 2 dollar coin. Notes include; 5 dollar note, 10 dollar note, 20 dollar note, 50 dollar note and 100 dollar note.

-Generally Australia rates about midway in worldwide cost of living reports. However, there are notable differences depending on which state you were to reside in. If you live in Sydney you will be living in one of the top 20 most expensive cities in the world. If you reside in Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide you would be living in the bottom 25%.  

TAXATION:

Tax rates 2007-08

Taxable income

Tax on this income

$1 – $6,000

Nil

$6,001 – $30,000

15c for each $1 over $6,000

$30,001 – $75,000

$3,600 plus 30c for each $1 over $30,000

$75,001 – $150,000

$17,100 plus 40c for each $1 over $75,000

$150,001 and over

$47,100 plus 45c for each $1 over $150,000

The above rates do not include the Medicare levy of 1.5%

Non-residents

Tax rates 2007-08

Taxable income

Tax on this income

$0 – $30,000

29c for each $1

$30,001 – $75,000

$8,700 plus 30c for each $1 over $30,000

$75,001 – $150,000

$22,200 plus 40c for each $1 over $75,000

$150,001 and over

$52,200 plus 45c for each $1 over $150,000

Non-residents are not required to pay the Medicare levy.

Source: (http://www.ato.gov.au)

EDUCATION:

Education-There is a free public education for primary school and high school. Private school options are mostly all affiliated with different religions.

Australian citizens have the ability to defer paying any university fees until they earn above $38,149. Up front yearly fees range from $1000-$3000 depending on the course you undertake.

HEALTH CARE:

Australian citizens are eligible for a Medicare card. With this card a patient can receive free hospital care, cheaper medications and free or subsidised treatment by doctors and specialists.

Individuals generally have to pay for their own dental care.   

OTHER INFORMATION:

-Employees generally receive 4 weeks of paid annual leave

-Electricity runs of 240 volts AC. You can buy plug adaptors/power invertors to convert different electrical appliances for use.

-The postal service is provided by an organization called Australia Post

-Australian’s drive on the left hand side of the road and the driver sits in the right hand side of the vehicle.

-You can usually drive for 3 months on your current licence before you have to convert it to an Australian licence.

-There are 5 free to air television stations- Seven, Nine, Ten, ABC and SBS.

-Business hours are generally 9:00am to 5:00pm, retails stores trade for longer hours, but banks open slightly less.

-The number to dial for emergency services (Police/Fire/Ambulance) is 000.

-There is no regulated religion in Australia; you are free to practice your own beliefs.

 *Prices are in Australian dollars