Living in Australia: A Guide to Moving to Australia as an Expat (Guest Post)

Moving across the globe to an exciting and unfamiliar setting is one of the greatest steps you can make, especially if you are travelling for business reasons. In case that your vocation requires of you to settle in Australia for a long time, and even move here for good, then you have a lot of work ahead of your to make this transition as smooth and rewarding as possible.

Note: Marie Nieves is a writer at Writerzone.net and lifestyle blogger who loves unusual trips, gadgets and creative ideas. On her travels, she likes to read poetry and prose and surf the Internet. Her favorite writer is Tracy Chevalier and she always carries one of her books in her bag. She spends most of her free time at home walking her Labrador Retriever named Max. She is an avid lover of photography and a regular author at High Style Life. You can find Marie on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Pinterest. All opinions are her own. 

Assuming that you have all of your business travel hacks covered and that you have organized the trip itself, it’s time to take a look at the key things you need to do before the big day. Here is your guide to moving to Australia as a business expat.

For more ideas on travel jobs check out: 23 Jobs with Travel – the ultimate list of travel jobs (that will take you around the world)

Secure a job position before you move

There is no telling what could go wrong before your move, and the last thing you want to happen is to lose your job in the months and weeks leading up to the relocation. It’s a possibility, and if you’ve been in the business game for any length of time, you know that every deal can be broken, so you need to tread carefully.

With that in mind, you will need to make sure that your standing in the company is rock-solid and secured by a strong contractual agreement. Your visa will depend on it, and you might find yourself unable to find another job should you have to look for one once when you land. This could lead to a whole new world of legal issues and financial difficulties, so as a business expat, make sure to always act preemptively.

Research the average living costs

Without a doubt, Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world, staying ahead of the US by a whopping 10.88%. The average living costs are enough to deter many expats from pursuing their relocation dreams, but that doesn’t mean that you cannot prepare for this financial challenge in the months leading up to the move.

Be sure to research everything from apartment and house prices, to the cost of basic amenities, public transport, telecommunications and other utilities, and more. Leave no financial stone unturned, and make sure you create an accurate and in-depth financial forecast. This will not only help you settle in efficiently, but it will also help you gain a better understanding of what your salary should really look like.

Find your place under the stars

One of the most important considerations for a business expat is the cost of living according to a specific neighborhood and region. Should the location of your office allow it, you should look for residential neighborhoods that are not overly expensive, yet are popular, and have all of the necessary amenities with low crime rates.

Some of the most popular suburbs in Australia are located in Victoria, just outside the bustling city of Melbourne. In a neighborhood such as Warrandyte, for example, you can enjoy a peaceful lifestyle and also visit numerous popular destinations such as the Olivigna winery frequented by all wine and fine-dining aficionados in the country. Always look to combine work and pleasure by finding a place under the stars that allows you to enjoy your life to the fullest.

Get settled in and organize utilities

Once you arrive, there are plenty of technicalities you need to tend to, so don’t drop on the couch just yet. Firstly, you will need to open up a bank account and obtain your credit cards. Next, be sure to obtain comprehensive health insurance at a reputable insurance company.

Once that is covered, check if your driver’s license is valid in your state – the local authorities should provide you with all of the necessary information. Next, tidy up the utilities in your home, and get a new cell phone number, choose your internet provider, as well as your energy supplier. Find the best route to and from the office, and then ask around for the best grocery stores in the neighborhood.

Once you have covered all of these steps, you can finally take a breather, slow down, and start adjusting to your new life in the Land Down Under. Being a welcoming country with plenty to see and do, there is no doubt that you will enjoy this new, exciting chapter in your life.

About the author

Note: Marie Nieves is a writer at Writerzone.net and lifestyle blogger who loves unusual trips, gadgets and creative ideas. On her travels, she likes to read poetry and prose and surf the Internet. Her favorite writer is Tracy Chevalier and she always carries one of her books in her bag. She spends most of her free time at home walking her Labrador Retriever named Max. She is an avid lover of photography and a regular author at High Style Life. You can find Marie on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Pinterest. All opinions are her own. 

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By the way, if you are interested in more travel tips and travel advice, you might be like these great articles:

• 147 Business Travel Tips – the ultimate list of road warrior tips & tricks
• How to get over jet lag while you travel – 11 Tips every traveler needs to know
• The 7 Habits of the Healthy Business Traveler: How to Stay Healthy While Traveling for Business
• 11 Packing Tips Every Traveler Needs to Know
• Packing List for Round the World Trip