Relocate to Australia

1) Research !

With relocation being one of the biggest decisions of your life, take plenty of time to do research before committing. You will find a wealth of information on this website to help you find out where, how, when for your relocation dream.

2) Transport

Arrange car rental before you travel. Holdens, Ford and most Asian imports are the easiest car brands to maintain, European brands can be costly for servicing and replacement parts. Most cities and towns have good public transport systems.

3) Accommodation on arrival

Self-contained accommodation is usually the best option, especially if you avoid the more expensive summer peak season. There are many great resorts offer longer term accommodation, with all the nice comforts you'd expect such as swimming pools, restaurants, tennis courts etc.

4) Lose the junk!

junk Dispose or sell everything that isn't essential for your move or can't easily be replaced. Do research into the prices of goods you might need to buy so you can weigh up the cost of transporting heavy items. Get a quote from a specialist international freight company such as Anglo Pacific.

Most rental properties are unfurnished, and there are many second hand furniture shops, offering a low cost option until you buy your home. Many white goods, such as freezers are built to the Australian climatic conditions, so it is wise to buy these over there, and they will have Australian warranties (and plugs)

5) Jobs

jobs Research your employment opportunities in advance. In some cases, such as specialised occupations, it may be worth registering with an employment agency. Electricians and plumbers will need to take an Australian qualification to practice their trade. It is important to know your employment rights before moving.

We will soon be providing contact details for employment agencies in the state you wish to move to as well as links to resources detailing employment rights and also to publications advertising jobs.

6) Explore your area

explore Explore the area/s you are interested in, including schools, beaches, parks, local amenities and whatever else is important to you.

We will soon be providing contact details for local authorities, education departments, and local publications for the state you wish to move to.

7) Rent or buy?

rent Allow yourself plenty of time to look at the housing market in your chosen area. It is well worth spending 6 months getting to know the area, to help you decide before buying a property. and which neighbourhoods you like. Your employment may also affect your choice, if for example you need to do contract work in different locations. Estate agents tend to be more pro-active than in the uk, they will often drive you to the property and answer questions about schools and other services in the area.

8) Red tape

red tape You need to register for healthcare. You need to licence your car at a local police station or traffic authority branch. It is useful to open an account at an Australian bank before arrival, if you use a currency broker such as HiFx, they can advise on bank accounts in Australia. You will also need to sort out insurance issues and make school arrangements

9) Money

You may use your bank for changing money for holidays. However, when you are transferring your life savings or large investments, it pays to shop around. A company that specialises in international money transfers is HiFx. We recommend setting up an account with a large Australian bank, and check how near the nearest branch is, especially if you aren't moving to a big city. You should make sure you have at least A$200 for when you arrive for basic conveniences.

10) Culture

The Australians have a strong work/play culture. They have a strong work ethic, but also really value their weekends as a time to have lots of fun. Australians watch less tv than Brits, preferring to get involved in the the outdoors, sports etc.