Australia has a great deal to offer the British expat. There’s no language barrier to overcome, though the climate and geography are completely different and exotic. The economy is well-developed and citizens enjoy an excellent standard of living.
With all of that said, there’s the not-inconsiderable barrier of the immigration system to hurdle. For the right kind of professional, obtaining an Australian visa is easy – though it’s far from straightforward. For the best chance of success, it’s worth consulting a specialist in Australian immigration law.
Let’s run through six tips for would-be expats considering the switch.
Have plenty of savings
Australia is notoriously expensive, especially if you’re not working. You’ll therefore need a sizeable cushion of cash to get you through the rough times. You can expect to pay a great deal for everything from food to beer to coffee (the latter of which is abundant, thanks to the country’s thriving café culture).
If you’ve got a timeframe in mind for your move, then it’s time to start thinking about how much you’re going to need to set aside each month to meet the deadline. Aim for several thousand dollars.
Prepare for Extremes in Weather
Being a very large country, Australia has its share of extreme weather events. You can go on a skiing holiday there in the winter, but it’s the heat that you need to be especially wary of. You can expect the temperatures to stay well about 40°C for weeks on end during a heat wave, which, combined with dry conditions on the ground, can lead to a bushfire.
Are you covered medically?
In Australia, healthcare is free at the point of use, and if you’re a permanent resident, you’ll be able to use it. Thanks to a reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and the UK, citizens of either country are able to enjoy free healthcare in the other. With all of that said, you might wish to opt for private medical cover, if your budget allows.
Can I Smoke?
If you’re a smoker, then you might find that the cost of maintaining the habit is unsustainable. Making the move to Australia, therefore, might give you exactly the push you need to quit. The extra taxation means that a pack of cigarettes will cost you the better part of twenty pounds – which, even factoring in the higher cost of living, is extremely dear.
Getting Around
The cost of a car in Australia might limit your ability to travel. Even if you’re picking up a bargain from a backpacker at the end of their trip, you can expect to pay over the odds. And, given the size of the country, it’s essential that you’ve got enough fuel in the tank for every trip. You don’t want to get stranded. The same goes for your spare tyre. Bear in mind that your licence might not apply in certain territories, so check before you take to the road.
Check the Travel Advice
The UK government provides advice for those considering a trip down under. Make sure that you check it before you set foot on the plane.
