In March, Sydney will be my home for 3 years.
Three years is a very long time for a person like myself to call one place their home, but really I'm beginning to feel as if the true meaning of "home" will never be applied to my life in Australia.
As stated in my introductory post, I met my wonderful Australian boyfriend while traveling in the Baltics back in 2008.
Because of him, I decided to try my hand at a working holiday in the land down under and see where the relationship went.
Obviously, the relationship has gone well, and we are now tied together with the defacto partner visa which allows me to stay in this gorgeous country to live, work and travel freely.
Australia isn't called the "lucky country" for nothing. The people and nature can't be beat!
Still, visiting a place and planning to call the place home are two very different things.
Although my situation was more play it by ear and see what happens, there have been a number of things that have really caught me off guard.
Perhaps, knowing some of these things in advance could have influenced my decision to come in the first place.
Ok... definitely not. I was too focused on chasing love to really care about anything else, but perhaps knowing some of these things could have just helped to lessen the shock after arriving.
Table of Contents
1. Australia will be an expensive place to live
When I was younger and planning where I wanted to go for university, California was at the top of my list.
However, after researching the fees and the cost of living for the places I wanted to attend, the idea quickly got crossed off the list.
Although I hated Midwestern Winters, the fact of the matter is that you pay good money to live in mild and warm climates. The same goes for Australia.
In my book, you pay for nice weather, and even if it is not the case, you do pay to live in Australia.
Luckily, the minimum wage is quite high, and hourly wages are representative of the higher cost of living.
Just be aware that even then, the money can go quickly, especially if planning to travel in the country.
2. Christmas will never feel like Christmas
I've now had the pleasure of participating in 3 Christmas holidays in Australia. Then why is it that I don't feel like I've had a Christmas since about 2007?
Because Christmas down under is just not the same. Yeah, sure, I despise Winter weather and prefer to be living in a warmer climate, but where's the holiday build-up?
Where are the cold nights drinking hot cocoa while watching Christmas movies playing on TV?
Instead, the big day falls right smack in the Aussie Summer, so forget your red wine and traditional roast dinners -- it's too hot!
Aussies and tourists (and even Santa) head down to the beach for a relaxing day in the sun, which is not a bad thing, but when it is all said and done, you kind of wonder where Christmas actually went.
3. Visiting home in America will become more of an ordeal.
For me, it was easy to think that home is only a flight (or two) away, but the price of flights coming from Australia to the USA, as well as the length, have made it more of an ordeal than I initially expected.
Maybe the problem is more of a problem for individuals with wanderlust, as I'm constantly torn between the idea of spending the $1,500 to fly to Illinois, or to spend that money, or way less, on a trip to somewhere more exotic.
I do love my family and miss seeing them at times, but booking at that rather pricey ticket home when the inner travel demon inside me is spouting off lists of destinations I could be traveling to instead makes it very hard.
4. There will be culture shock
Australians speak English, so culture shock won't exist, right? Wrong.
Australians have a culture all their own -- albeit subtle in differences, but still something worth mentioning.
One of the main attributes of the culture is also one I despise: the laid-back attitude. For my anxious little mind, I love the idea of not being in a rush to do things, having loads of holiday time and just being able to brush stuff off my shoulder.
On the other hand, when you need something done -- like in the evening, on the weekend or during the holidays -- you can forget about it.
And, of course, there are other bits of culture shock, like adjusting to holidays in the opposite seasons (and how locals prepare and celebrate), deciphering the way people talk (both in word choice and the way they talk to each other) and dealing with the popular Aussie meet-and-greet of cheek-kissing (I like my personal space).
All of these examples are small, yet add up to be a point on this list since prolonged exposure can put emphasis on even minor details.
5. Taxes will become complicated
I can't talk for other expats, not from America, but taxes are a complete pain.
If you continue to keep your citizenship, you will have to file taxes in the USA forever, claiming income being made overseas and dealing with special rules and regulations (that hopefully keep you from having to pay).
I'm no accountant, and I don't want to steer anyone wrong, but you will want the advice of a trained individual so you don't get burned down the road.
[From the Editor: If you spend 330+ days per year outside the USA, check out the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion]
These are just five of the things I wish I'd known before becoming an expat in Australia -- some of which can be applied to expats in other locations around the world.
Living in Australia is a dream for me; that doesn't mean it can't be difficult at times.
Christine says
One thing I'm super grateful for: it's pretty easy and cheap to go home to California from Australia since they all route via LAX. Can't imagine having to home to the whole other side of the country! Haven't dealt with the taxes thing yet...not looking forward to sorting that sitch out soon. Good round-up of the cons of Australia--but all illustrated with such pretty and enticing photos!
Rebecca says
I so agree with Christine. Love being a west coaster for how easy it is to get to Australia. I can't even imagine how the rest of the country deals with it. Now Europe, that is where I want to kill myself after I get there. And even with the weather/holidays and laidbackness, I always said, both Australia and New Zealand remind me of what California was probably like in the 50's and 60's. So while I did love Australia, for those that can't afford it (time or money-wise), just come to California! Pretty much, kind of, sort of the same thing:-). A big reason on why I ended up coming home.
Tors says
Hey there! Followed a link from Twitter. I've lived in Australia (Sydney and Darwin) for over 8 years now and I completely agree with all of this. Great post. I'll be sharing it. (feel free to check out my site as well..)
Brooke Schoenman says
Oh, you do the Yanks Down Under site?! I have definitely come across that one before. Cool -- glad you could relate.
Tony says
Nicely stitched Kangaroo. If only we all had an easy life like him :)
Brooke Schoenman says
If only is right, Tony!
Jason says
Great post. I just returned to the US last year after 6 years living in Tokyo. I was working and paying taxes over there, so I thought I was fine not filing in the US... not the case. I did a bunch of searching and finally found this company in LA that specifically handles expat taxes: http://www.expatcpa.com/ I had to file 4 years at once, so they gave me a discount, but it was still pricy. Note to all expats, you still need to file in the US, even if you do not make any money here. Christmas in San Diego is in "winter", but still mostly sunny and warm... you're not missing much here at least.
Simon Says says
Well Happy Australia Day to you too! Wow. What an opportunity you have and what a lame attitude you have towards it. You know what - there are loads of people who would love an opportunity to live in Australia for a period, so feel free not to bother coming.
Sadly American culture is infecting our unique Australian culture strongly, so I'm sure you'll find all your favourite rubbish TV shows available here as well, so you can sit inside all the time escaping the beautiful weather.
And if you don't want to experience something new then seriously - why are you travelling? Being scared of a new tax system is a ridiculous downside to all the fantastic new things you'll see and experience, this is probably the reason why so few Americans have passports. You've picked one of the easiest countries in the world to be an expat in - you don't even have to learn a language and the money is still called the same thing! It's pretty pathetic consider what some of the people who contribute to this blog have done.
And P.S. the cheek kissing is European.
So basically all your points just want to make me tell you to get over yourself!
Dave says
Hey Simon, thanks for your comments.
To clarify, Brooke wasn't criticizing the Australian tax system. If anything, she was criticizing the American system and how you can't escape it just because you choose to live in another country.
A lot of Americans living abroad, especially the young ones, assume you don't have to file taxes in the USA if you're spending the year outside the country. It can be a very costly mistake as the years add up.
martha rivera says
I loved your comment dave! I was born in orange, calif. Love the beach! I don't care about christmas- no offense to the christ jesus- all I want to do is play outside! I've been in thaz dessert over 20yrs now and I'm ready for a backpacking hostel living life- just bless people with my gifts of healing touch & swim in the. water! I don't mind about taxes frankly I never did mind about the little things ;-) I plan. on moving to australia & if its like california I will fit right in- hope to. see ya !
yoangel Padilla says
Hello Martha, are you in Australia already?
Brooke Schoenman says
Hi Simon, Thanks for your input. I just want to reiterate the parts of the post that explain that Australia is beautiful and I do love living here.
There is no negativity towards Australia, but as living in any other country does, it does make you miss home at times -- to miss your holiday celebrations and the systems you're accustomed to. There is a misconception that just because you move abroad that your life becomes easy... "But you live in Australia, you're life is awesome!" Living abroad and traveling are two VERY different things.
The tax portion, as I'm sure you can see by rereading the section, was clearly talking about the need to continue to file US taxes while abroad, which is something most people don't know about.
And I live in Sydney where cheek-kissing is definitely part of the culture ;)
I guess there's always the factor of internet tone coming off wrong, which I definitely think is the case here. Sorry to offend you; that wasn't the goal in the least.
Proud Australian says
How do you think it would go down if I was able to live in the US for three years and on Independence Day or Thanksgiving, or whatever, I made disparaging comments about your tax system and culture! I reckon you lot would be pretty miffed and ready to ship me off home!
It's a very cultural imperialist position you're taking. And an incredibly childish and shortsighted view of culture that you have. Lying on the beach is part of Australian culture is it? Like eating massive portions is part of American culture? I think it would be a good idea to try an get an understanding about what culture is and means, and hopefully that will help you get the most out of your travels. I hope you learn a lot during your time in Australia.
Dave says
Again, Brooke isn't criticizing the Aussie tax code, she's warning American expats that you'll still have to file taxes in the USA even if you choose to live in Australia (unless you've researched your situation and meet specific criteria according to the IRS). The problem is most young expats assume they don't need to file, and that leaves them open to having to pay back taxes for a year or more.
Brooke Schoenman says
Hi, Proud Australian, thanks for reading. I think I give both sides of the situation in my article. I'm sorry that you found this to be negative, but it was not intended so. Please see Dave's comment above as I was referring to this and not the tax system in Oz.
Anita MacKinnon says
I am so lucky to have called both Canada and Australia home. I agree - Christmas without the white stuff is different - took me a couple of years. The distances are far - took me nearly 30 hours to get home to visit my family, but luckily, they were happy to come visit too!!! Didn't have to make the choice between family and exploring! Australia is such a lucky country - the place is gorgeous and diverse, and the people are cool! I lived there for 7 years - my life must have agreed with me! There was a small culture shock and language barrier - it was more just the accents! Some of the expressions were different - now back in Canada - I use them without even realizing it and people are always saying "huh?" But it was no different than when I first moved to the Coast - I got asked to repeat myself a lot! Glad I can call both Canada and Australia home - looking forward to going back! I still have a lot of family over there!
Brooke Schoenman says
Haha, some of the expressions are incredible :) I still find myself discovering new ones after almost 3 years. When you get back this way, give me a shout.
Nathan says
I'm in the same boat as you Anita! I'm from Winnipeg and I currently live in New Zealand. It's by no means easy to get home, I think its 35 hours for me. I love the accents here! I've even been told that I've developed a bit of an accent when I do manage to visit my first home
Kat Parr Mackintosh says
Hi Brooke, the good news is that it at least it will be sunny when you're away from home at Christmas! Hopefully that will make it a bit easier. Going the other way as an expat in London it's a miserable time of year as well... And if you're around one of the big travelling hubs you'll find that there are plenty of orphan's Christmas events on, so you can share your day with other travellers - usually at a sunny beach BBQ or similar - which will hopefully take the edge off for you!
Andrea says
I totally agree with you - especially about the taxes issue. Not only do we pay more in Australia but having to fill out the double returns is a huge pain. I've been a full-time Australian resident since the start of 2006 and a citizen for almost two years now and I still have conflicts over the things you mention. You'd think I'd have gotten over those by now, eh?
Chris says
"dealing with the popular Aussie meet-and-greet of cheek-kissing"
Sorry but it isn't popular with most Aussies. I would highly recommend travelling outside Sydney. Not only will you personal space be respected but the rest of the country is cheaper.
"Christmas will never feel like Christmas"
That's funny because having xmas on the beach feels normal to me.
Jayden says
Fully agree, here...
Pretty ironic that someone would complain about personal space in a place with pretty much the lowest population density in the world lol.
Awesome, laid-back, super-hot summer Christmas feels normal to me too. There's no less of a "build up". If anything there's more of a build up because everyone is on holidays from school/work/uni and we actually get a decent amount of annual leave in this country!
Leisha says
Have to agree, the reality is that Sydney is the least Australian city in the country. IT kind of annoys me when people think that Sydney IS Australia. It's like saying LA IS America.
Brittany says
Hi Brooke,
I'm so glad I found your page. I am in a similar situation as you were 3 years ago. I met my current boyfriend in Sydney when I was studying abroad and we are trying to work out how I can come over after I graduate from college. I was looking at going to graduate school at the University of Sydney come February 2013, but I'm not sure if that would be the best in terms of coming home if that was ever an option... anyways, I saw your page and was wondering how you got a de facto partner visa while on a work holiday? I was assuming since the work holiday visa expired in 1 year and you have to have lived with your partner for a year to qualify for a de facto partner visa, I'd have to go home and then wait for around 6 months until they gave me a partner visa... which sounds like a lot of back and forth-ing. How did you go about doing this? Any tips or advice would be GREATLY appreciated I've been stressing about this for so long... sorry for such a long message - I really loved all your advice above as well, very enlightening! Thanks so much :)
Brittany
Jayden says
Hi I'm jayden I'm actually Brittany's Australian boyfriend (Comment above) so finding this was pretty lolzy. Sounds like there's a few touchy Aussies above. This article has some good points that definitely seem to have been the case for my beautiful girlfriend coming here; there are also some pretty strange/negative points so I can see why people are getting upset...
With relation to point 1 about Australia being expensive. Can't really deny this one, only since the mining boom (and the US financial crisis) pushed our dollar up so high. What I would point out though is Sydney is one of the most expensive cities in the whole world, and every Australian NOT from Sydney regards Sydney as a really, really expensive place. You'll find it's much easier to get by in other parts of the country.
2, Christmas... Disparaging the Aussie Christmas is pretty lame. Actually it's super lame. I've grown up with a traditional Aussie Christmas every year (except for last year when I was in the US) and it's my favourite time of year. I love the white christmas experience too but honestly they're not better or worse than each other they're just different. The description provided here is just stupidly negative and borderline offensive. Rather than whinging about how it'll "never feel like Christmas", why don't you try enjoying the summer Christmas experience for what it is?? The weather's getting hotter... there are beaches, barbecues, birds, backyard cricket... everyone is on summer holidays.. everything is so chilled and relaxed and it's just awesome.
Point 4... it's pretty sad that you "despise" our laid-back culture. And I'm sorry it's such an "ordeal" to get home and escape such an awful culture. Yes, things are less convenient here than in the US and this can be frustrating for newly-arrived Americans. Sometimes I miss America's convenience as well. But again, it's not about being better or worse (cultural imperialism as someone mentioned above), it's just different. How terrible that we should actually let our poor, minimum-wage check out operators go home at a decent hour to be with their families in time for dinner!!! Yes, it has it's drawbacks and there are quite a lot of things that could be done better, but overall I'm extremely proud of our laid-back culture -it makes Aus a great place to live, work and play -for everyone, not just the privileged at the top. As great as America is, there are some pretty strong downsides to your hyper-competitive, hyper-capitalistic culture as well, in case you didn't notice...
Point 5... Tax sux 'ey. I don't know about American tax at all but don't forget the Australian financial year (and therefore when you do your Australian tax return and stuff) goes from July 1 to June 30 the next year. Afaik, that was just done (in accordance with our awful laid-back culture) so people don't have to do heaps of lame tax stuff around christmas/new years/summer hols.
Jayden says
Oh yeah! And I forgot to mention, cheek kissing is pretty rare in my experience (growing up in Aus my whole life). It might be a bit of an upper-class/Sydneysider thing. Or maybe your friends have European families or just like to feel all cultured and sophisticated... At any rate, it is certainly not generalisable as an Australian trait.
Overall, I agree with Chris above that you should try to get out of Sydney for a bit if you can (and take an open mind). Sydney is like our poster city, sure, but it's also pretty different in many regards to other parts of the country.
Dee says
I am an American living in Australia also - Totally love it here and can honestly say there are very few things that I miss about the US - Things like high crime, poor public transportation, slave wages, and bad weather. I do miss my family and friends there, but I keep in touch with the internet so that isn't a huge issue either.
I am just starting to look for work since my visa was granted only a couple of weeks ago - I am finding that I may need to take classes here since the difference in education seem to be enough to warrant it, but it's something I pretty much expected.
I have met with a few surprises - I find that I haven't been able to get my head around driving on the other side of the road (and the car!), so I have made use of the wonderful public transit system here - FAR better than I could have ever dreamed, and not certain I will ever need to have car or insurance payments - Awesome :)
Australian do speak differently, but I have found they are as interested in my accent as I am theirs - I have been impressed with the fact that they seem to have the same way of speaking anywhere in Australia, different from the US as Americans speak differently depending on where in the US they are from.
I think the most interesting difference is that Australians are just Australians. There are no Chinese-Australians, Indian-Australians, or (God forbid) white Australians. Everyone here seems to be united in their Australian-ness - something which I have found to be quite refreshing.
Just a few observations from a fellow expat :)
TheBigOne says
Except having a car means you can go on you're OWN schedule and not rely on the buses schedule like if the bus is late or something goes wrong mechanically with the bus.
Having a car doesn't mean you can't ride the city bus as you can choose to have days you don't drive in order to save gas money but be sure to run you're car once a week for a short distance For instance just a few miles to keep the oils mixing so they won't settle and rust.
The only thing that is wrong with cars is the people who don't take basic car of their cars and wonder why they won't start properly. I mean care of their cars!! I am tired am down with a sore throat.
Dad takes good care of our cars and we have a mini van since 2001 and it hasn't had any problems even though Dad takes it in every six months for basic service though it helps that we also keep it in the garage as the humidity makes things rust more.
Australia may be different though since it's much drier which is a BIG bonus on you're end.
Dee says
O yes - and the prices here, while they are higher than the US (still in sticker shock at times, even after 2 years LoL) - please consider that wages are higher here. Not only that, but, in general, no one is living on tips here. No $3 per hour and surviving on tip money - most jobs in Australia pay a living wage. This includes fast food, wait staff, valet drivers, etc.
When you take those things into consideration, actually the [rices are not that bad. It definitely woke me up to the lies Americans are fed daily about how raising the minimum wage in the US will destroy the country. :)
Kate says
Hi, I'm an Aussie living in the US to an American husband. We're thinking of moving back to Oz after 15 years here and are doing our research. It's interesting to hear your perspective. Things have definitely changed in terms of cost of living compared to the Australia I knew in the early 90s. Sydney has always been expensive, but it seems everywhere else is doing its best to catch up.
I laughed at your characterization of Christmas. I feel the same way (except in the opposite sense). Christmas isn't Christmas without hot weather and backyard cricket, although my family will roast pork, turkey, serve a big ham with ten salads and have 25 people to lunch. No beach Christmas for us. We've had white Christmases galore here in Wisconsin and they just make it hard to travel anywhere. But it's all relative. I completely understand how it just doesn't feel like home when that's what you've grown up with.
Having a family when you're overseas is very difficult. We have two young boys, one with a disability and having no family nearby has been very difficult. That said, services are better here for kids with disabilities in Wisconsin (I'm not going to say the US as it varies from state to state). You definitely feel the distance when your relaives are so far away and the kids have cousins they've never met.
Thanks for the headsup to the taxes headache. Will look into that. I know there are accountants who can do international tax returns in Oz, but I'm sure they charge a premium. What a pain!
Cheers,
Kate
Kevin McSloy says
Thanks Brooke.
I appreciate your sharing some of your Expat perspectives on Australia.
I've never been to Australia. Would like to learn more about your Expat perspectives on Australia.
But first. By way of introduction.
I'm from the overfed, culturally depraved, stoned out of our minds in CO/WA/CA, overachieving, gun loving, militaristic, capitalistically insensitive/cruel, materialistically over focused, environmentally antagonistic and otherwise internationally chauvinistic and self righteous U.S.A. Did I miss anything good like racially hateful and wife beating plus dog frying/eating for dinner? Also, some of us still like V-8's (the engine, not the drink) and to burn rubber, damn the environment. Not me, however. Never. I prefer V-12's. The drink. (You mix 12 shots of Beam with...............)
You ever read, 'A Year in Provence" by Peter Mayle? Could you write, 'A Year in Sidney' by Brooke? I assume you are a real person behind the camera? You look like one. Assuming you are a real person, you could write of similar experiences in novel form. Then I could buy/read your book and trash you for not being as good a writer as Ernest Hemingway. Or as well traveled.
In the meantime, how about smaller assignments to warm up on and to add to your blog? Some random suggestions. They could lead to a novel and an appearance on Oprah's show or book list or sumtin gud.
5 Australian foods I like and 5 I hate.
5 Stupid Things and 5 Smart Things That Aussies Do. (Get funky, imaginative here)
5 Ways to Piss Off and 5 Ways to Make an Aussie Happy (Apparently you know one of the ways to make at least one of them 'happy'......most of the time.
5 Bad and 5 Good Aussie TV Programs. (I assume they watch Aussie TV while surfing or fishing for sharks? That's my limited U.S. perspective anyhow.)
5 Good and 5 Bad Things Indigenous Australians have to say about the 'Johnny Come Lately Settlers from Europe.' ('Go home' is not allowed!) They haven't all been killed off yet, have they?
5 Excellent Australian Junk Yards Worth Visiting (They do have junk Down Upper, don't they? Include lots of photos.)
5 Australian plants I love and 5 I think suck and be sure to note which ones will get you high.........and approximately how high they get you..........and if they can be grown in the U.S........and how to grow them.
Etc. Just food for thought. If you could do this all in a poetic form or two, I'd appreciate it. (I don't like rhymers, though. Too pedantic.)
Luck Mate!
Kevin
Tim says
Maybe you guys can help me if you are still around. I'm trying to put a,package together to send for a family friend living there. The kids are missing a lot of their American food. They are 15 and 18. I'm sure mom and dad miss a lot of stuff as well. Any ideas on what I should get.
Amber says
I really dont understand why some of the Australian people are getting upset by some of the comments made, for instance speaking of Christmas not being the same is not anything negative against the Australian people, she is stating that it is not the same for her, just as it would not be the same for the Australian people to be in another place on the holiday. I dont know if people's guards are just up because the comments are from an American, or if this is truly offensive, which I dont understand since the Australian culture is laid back, " No Worries"... If I am missing something please enlighten me.
Just trying toi understand... oh and by the way, this is somewhat sad to me to learn that some Australians do not like Americans, since for 1. We are all decendents of Britian (for the most part.) and 2. I have never met an American that disliked an Australian simply because they were Australian... sad...
TheBigOne says
You actually are doing a good job trying to understand. The best thing to do is NOT try to understand. It's called having a *double standard*. I didn't vote in the USA Primary Elections because both parties are corrupt and the few people who speak out about it gets shouted down by the media or ignored.
The person I really wanted nobody listened to.
Dan C says
Great article. As another Illini considering a possible move to Sydney, it was interesting hearing from someone who has already done so is helpful. It's funny hearing from the people acting insulted because supposedly this article is so "negative". My my perspective I was looking for a Pros vs Cons list and was amazed at how positive it was. I was like "wow, she has virtually no negatives". I guess there are overly sensitive and argumentative types everywhere, but most of what I hear about Australia is overwhelming very good. The one thing I do find odd is the complaining that our pop culture is invading. Last I heard we live in free countries and it's up to us what entertainment we follow. None of it is forced on us. We just have a lot to export.
TheBigOne says
I want to let you know that you're NOT lucky minimum wage is *higher* and in fact you couldn't be further from the truth. When minimum wage goes up *especially without any *real* money to back it up* it makes everything else go up.
Truckers have to pay more to get the food and stores have to pay the truckers more to shelf the foods you like to eat. Companies have to decide on shrinking their inventory they don't really need vs firing people they don't really need in which the cost goes down to the consumer *You*.
Whoever told you minimum wage making things better is either misinformed or is lying to look good. Even *smart* people can deceive by telling you only *Half* the story.
In fact the other problem besides minimum wage as I mentioned is money not backed by anything real and this applies to ANY country that chooses to go off the gold and silver standard as then you have NO standard which is worse as it is only backed by the confidence of the people.
If people stopped having faith in paper money everything would go to chaos and make the 2008 collapse look small.
The Baltic Sea Index which reflects trading around Europe and is a very good reflector of the economy just before the 2008 collapse did a SHARP drop. Literally a free fall in the spring.
On the Pacific side that trades with Japan half the fleet was sold almost overnight and Dad *since I was young* payed attention and knew there was going to be some kind of collapse.
The only reason the 2008 crash didn't free fall is because of printing money which DELAYED it but not stopped it. The Bankers are afraid themselves of the economy collapsing as they will have no peons to do the *dirty* work for them.
That is the short version actually as I doubt you will even read past the first paragraph or misquote things and name call me even though I am not calling you *racist* or *Biggot* or whatever the looney Liberals use.
TheBigOne says
I looked at it this year and compared it to 2008. Guess what? It just did a sharp drop after January and tried to do a small rise in April but that didn't last and fell again. Only a really tiny gain versus a major drop.
It was making a small recovery since 2011 but this year it literally free fell.
I am not sure what it's doing on the Pacific side as I am not sure what to search for.
TheBigOne says
In other words there is going to be some really wonky things going on in the economy late summer/early fall so when the Australia media starts hinting of it you will know why. You heard it first here!
Keep you're eyes and ears open.
Helen Conner says
Loved your article on living in Australia. I'm planning on coming there soon and I have visited. I have experienced some of those things and I'm glad you put it all into writing. I LOVE Australia!!!
david says
Hi
Me and my wife have dicded to start planning the move over to aus we know it will take a while would you recommend visiting first? We also plan to bring our little dog not sure he will like the hot weather too much as he carnt breath as it is lol (he's a pug) snort snort anyway any advise anyone can give us it would be much appreciated. I am a polyethylene pipe welder by trade and my wife a carer I will be looking for a job before we start an prosess . thanks
owen the australian says
so I think Australia is a good place im actually German and moved to Australia and liked it and I love the laid back attitude of Australia its good I disagree with allot of what you just said
Gary C says
Thanks for this page. I have a lot of questions about relocating to this great country. My situation is different than yours. I have no Australian girlfriend (although I've met a few over my 55 years that I'd like to have been :) so I'll have to do the bring some serious bucks and don't displace any native workers thing. That's what I was searching for when I found your web page. I hope you greatly enjoy living there. I envy you.
Serhat Engul says
Thanks for the great tips. It's nice to know all these because I have been dreaming about settling to Australia. one of my best friends already there studying. She was also mentioning that it's hard to get used to some cultural differences.
Magaly De La Luz says
Does the working holiday visa work for any jobs in Australia? Or just some? Also how did you find employment using the working holiday visa?
t says
I am also an American expat who is moving back to America soon after living here for four years and studying here. Australia is like California in the 50's with a large helping of in your face racism and xenophobia. I am exhausted by the anti American anger and rants as well as having to defend my my Asian and Islamic friends from verbal and physical abuse that we encounter on a daily basis. The person further up who was ranting about how you should go home if you don't like it typifies everything that I hate about this country. For those who are thinking of moving here, yes it is wonderful in many ways but it is also shockingly culturally regressive in many ways. On a final note, my mom is an Aussie (though she moved to America nearly 50 years ago). So I am not just some unfairly biased, arrogant Yank. I came here with a very open mind. I am expecting Aussies to go on rage filled rants below me about how Australia is the most superior country and history and I should F off if I dont like it.
Ellie says
I'm a LA Californian considering moving to Sydney, Australia for love! Beach Christmas is normal for me, I'm fine with taxes and all the cultural differences. Living in LA most people are extremely open minded and embrace cultural differences. Based on the thread above my biggest concern is racism and hate towards Americans? How bad is it? I'm extremely optimistic and social. I've traveled all over the world and made lots of friends so I never thought of this as an issue...
Marcia says
I am considering moving there. I a Brazilian naturalized US citizen. I am glad that none of the comments dissuaded me from trying to move. The taxes would be the most concerning. I am used to holidays in opposite seasons. It will feel like home.
Kathy Nunn says
I moved to Australia - it is a great place! If you want to move to Australia, and you are not an Australian citizen, you will need to get a valid Australian visa. If you are thinking of moving to Australia, you have to allow enough time for your visa to be processed — usually about 6-8 months. Expatriates moving to Australia from Europe will generally find that the cost of living in Australia to be relatively high when compared with that of their home country.