Emigrating to Australia

Moving to Australia isn’t an easy decision due to its distance from the UK and many visit the country many times before making the decision to call it home. However, it is championed as one of the best expat locations in the world and praised for its laidback lifestyle, job opportunities and public healthcare.

Moving to Australia from the UK

Whatever your reason for moving to Australia, we know that your home will not be completed without your belongings. With decades of international removals under our belt and with second-to-none Australian removals partners, we are able to conduct the most efficient moves down under. Our knowledge of Australian customs and visas is extensive and there is nothing we cannot help with when you move to Australia from the UK.

Transit Options

Although eight to 12 weeks can seem like a long time, shipping your belongings to Australia is the safest, easiest and most affordable option – particularly if you are moving a lot of items. However, if you need your belongings much sooner Britannia can arrange to have them flown over. Whether you opt for sea or air transit, your items will be handled with the utmost care and in perfect condition when they reach your new home in Australia.

Australia Imports

Shipments of household goods and personal effects are allowed duty-free entry into Australia if you have owned and used all items for at least 12 months prior to importation. Like all international moves, there will be lots of paperwork prior and post customs. However, Britannia Movers International will help you with the entire process.

You and each member of your family must hold a valid passport and visa to enter Australia.

Australia Customs Restrictions

Australia has very strict rules about what can and cannot be brought into the country. The government import guidelines are out in place to protect the ecosystem as Australia has a high dependence on their crops and harvests. Furthermore, they are dedicated to protecting the citizens of the country. The following items are prohibited:

Dangerous breeds of dogs

Psychoactive substances

Suicide devices

The following items are restricted. This means you will need written permissions to bring the goods into the country:

Antibiotics

Cat and dog fur products

Drugs and narcotics

Endangered animals and plants

Firearms and ammunition

Growth hormones

Fish and toothfish

Hazardous waste

Knives and daggers

Money boxes

Pencils or paintbrushes

Tobacco

Pet Relocation to Australia

We know that the prospect of life abroad without your pet(s) doesn’t bear thinking about. Pets are part of the family and no home in Australia is complete without them. Britannia work in partnership with a specialist shipper of animals who will be able to assist you in getting your pets to Australia, including all required vaccinations and documentation needed. Australia is very strict about the import of animals so utilising the skills of our trusted partner will save any anguish.

Most pets will require the following:

To be a minimum of 12 weeks of age

Microchip

Pet passport

Rabies vaccination

Tapeworm treatment (dogs only)

Importing a Car into Australia

If you want to take your car with you to Australia, this can be arranged with Britannia. However, the vehicle must be granted import approval and it is subject to duty. You may also have to make modifications to your vehicle to ensure it’s compliant with Australian standards as well, so be sure to do thorough research before making the decision to import your vehicle.

Money Transfer

When relocating, you will almost certainly need to transfer money from the UK to Australia or make international payments before your arrival. Britannia International Movers can recommend reputable foreign currency exchange services to help protect you from exchange rate fluctuations, and save you time and money on international payments.

Travelling to Australia from the UK

Flight times from the UK and Australia vary dramatically depending on stopovers. The quickest one-stop flight between London and Sydney takes close to 22 hours whereas some other options could take as long as 55 hours. When booking your flight always keep an eye on the length of your stopover. Some are as short as 55 minutes whereas others are 23 hours.

The most common stopovers for those who are Australia include Dubai, Tokyo, Singapore and Canada. However, this will depend on the airline you choose to book your tickets with. Most passengers tend to book with Qantas, British Airways, Etihad Airlines, Emirates, Virgin Australia, KLM and Cathay Pacific.

Regardless of the tiring journey ahead, we expect you will sleep soundly once aboard and dream of your new life in Australia.

Australia Visas

If you want to live and work in Australia you will need a visa. All strict, the Australian government have made the application process very clean and concise. The Australian Department of Immigration website has a clever visa finder tool that will help you whittle down all the visas until you find the correct one for you. However, this is also something Britannia International Movers can assist you with.

To live in Australia permanently, expats have the following options:

Skilled work visa (sponsored or nominated)

Skilled work visa (not sponsored or nominated)

Distinguished talent visa

Invest or business visa

Parent, child or family member visa

Partner or spouse visa

If you are at all confused about your visa options for Australia get in touch with us today on 0845 600 6661 or visit the Australian Department of Immigration website.

Living in Australia

Hailed as one of the world’s most popular countries to emigrate to, Australia has countless draws that make it a fruitful place to live. Expectational education, personal freedom, uninterrupted sunshine and outdoor pursuits are just a few of the reasons why many head down under.

Australia Weather

Due to its size, Australia is home to a variety of different climates. However, for the majority of locations, the weather is favourable all year round and many move to the country to benefits from its weather. Unlike most countries which have a fixed seasonal calendar, Australia has two; wet season or dry season.

Generally speaking, the northern portion of Australia has a tropical climate, consisting of a hot and wet summer and warm and dry winter. Further south, summers are milder with pleasant breezes and winters tend to be much wetter and cooler.

To give you a snapshot of Australia’s climate, take a look at the information below displaying each location’s average monthly temperature and number of rainy days.

Sydney

Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Temp °C 23 23 22 19 16 14 13 14 16 18 20 22 Rainy Days 16 14 15 12 13 13 11 10 11 13 15 14

Perth

Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Temp °C 25 25 23 19 16 14 13 13 15 16 20 22 Rainy Days 5 4 5 7 12 15 17 15 15 9 7 4

Darwin

Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Temp °C 29 28 29 29 28 26 24 25 28 29 29 30 Rainy Days 22 22 20 10 3 1 0 1 3 8 13 18

Alice Springs

Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Temp °C 29 28 25 20 15 12 11 16 20 23 26 28 Rainy Days 6 6 4 3 4 4 3 3 3 6 8 9

Australia Jobs for Expats

Australia has a strong economy and with unemployment figures hovering around 5.5% there are plenty of opportunities for work. Australia tend to decline visas to those who cannot provide Australia with a trade. Therefore, medical staff, teachers and construction professionals all seem to find work easily in the country. Generally speaking, if you are highly skilled there will be opportunities for you, especially in manufacturing and tourism roles.

Salaries in Australia tend to be much higher than that of an equivalent job in the UK and expats can expect around a 30% increase in income. However, Australia is notorious for having a more expensive way of life.

Finding a Job in Australia

Due to Australia’s buoyant economy securing employment is much easier than in the UK. One of the best ways to find work is to research companies and approach them with your CV, even if they aren’t advertising. You’d be surprised how many people will make room for a valuable addition. Some of the most popular recruitment agencies include Hays, Australian Recruiting Group and Adecco. Job boards such as Seek, Job Search and Blue Collar are another great way to seek roles.

Australian Education

The standard of education in Australia is world-renowned and many parents move solely for the benefit of their children. The Australian government are devoted to the constant development and growth of both the private and public education sectors. Expat parents and children will be able to pick from four schooling options; public, faith-based, private or international.

The vast majority of children in Australia, around 60%, attend public schools. Just like the UK, these are free. However, temporary residents may have to pay a small fee until their residency is granted. Other than this, only necessities such as school uniforms, stationery and the odd school trip will need to be catered for. Parents who see themselves remaining in Australia for the foreseeable future find public schools a much easier way of integrating their children into Australian life and making local friends.

Private and independent schools in Australia are said to benefit from higher standards of teaching. However, due to the government’s active role in education, there is little in the way of difference between free and paid for education.

Independent schools are much less available in Australia compared to other popular expats

Cost of Living in Australia

Like neighbouring New Zealand, many find that the cost of living in Australia is higher than that of the UK. However, with salaries increased by an average of 30% for most expats, many find that finances are not an issue.

Australia Currency

The Australian Dollar is the country’s official currency and is often shown as AUS, $A or (most commonly) $. Each dollar is made up of 100 cents and notes come as 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 AUD. Denominations of coins include 1 and 2 AUD and 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

Opening a Bank Account in Australia

When you move to Australia it is best to open a bank account within six weeks, otherwise, you will need to provide extra identification which might be hard to get hold of given your recent move.

Interest rates and perks vary between providers and many are keen to attract new customers, particularly expats. It is best to shop around for the best offer. However, some of Australia’s popular choices include ANZ Bank, Westpac, National Australia Bank and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

As long as you have all the correct documentation for opening your account (check with your favoured provider) you will find it a very easy process in your local branch.

Cost of Everyday Items

Check out some of the items you are likely to purchase regularly whilst living in Australia below. Prices are shown in Australian Dollars and converted to UK pounds so you can see how prices match up.

Item Price $A Price Converted to £ Milk (1 litre) 1.41 0.84 Loaf of white bread 2.53 1.50 Eggs (12) 4.45 2.64 Bananas (1kg) 3.05 1.81 Chicken breasts (1kg) 10.18 6.04 Bottle of wine 15 8.90 Pair of quality jeans 95.90 56.88 Ladies chain store dress 62.84 37.27 Nike Trainers 132.48 78.58 Cinema tickets (2) 36 21.35 Gym membership 63.19 37.48 Broadband internet 71.54 42.44

Australia is a big country and anyone looking to travel further than regionally should prepare for long journey times and expensive ticket prices depending on the mode of transport. However, on the whole, city transport in the country is championed as very affordable.

Investing in a car is a luxury many expats often choose, particularly as the country is dependent on road travel. For this reason, all roads are well maintained and signposted. VW are a popular car brand in the country and a basic Golf will set you back around $25,000 (just over £14,000). Petrol is much cheaper, with a litre coming in at around $1.31 (78p).

Domestic flights are an affordable way of covering large distances in Australia. Last minute internal flights can be snapped up for as little as $50. Long-haul buses journeys tend to be more expensive and take considerably more time.

Local and regional buses are cheap and easy to use. They share similar fare prices with the likes of European cities and savings can often be made by purchasing a travelcard or season ticket. Melbourne has a suburban metro system and passengers can use a myki card to use the service – very similar to a London Underground Metro card. They just needed to be topped up when you travel. A myki card costs $6 (£3.56) and can be topped up with any amount you wish.

Renting in Australia

Securing a rental property in popular cities such as Sydney and Melbourne can be somewhat stressful as the market moves very quickly. Securing a home you like with a deposit is key if you are 100% sure you have found the right home. Understandably, properties in Australian cities are much more expensive than those which are more suburban or rural.

Buying a House in Australia

Many expats who plan on living in Australia for life tend to purchase a property. More often than not, what they spent on a house in the UK will stretch much further in Australia if you steer clear of the central locations of cities.

Purchasing protocol varies a little from state to state but, generally speaking, it is best to approach estate agents with a budget and arrange a mortgage pre-approval to check you are financially able to secure a home.

A popular method of buying a home in Australia is via an auction or private seller. However, the final purchase usually involves mediation through the estate agent managing the property. If not, a more traditional approach (similar to that of the UK) is available too.

Expats should remain aware they will be required to pay Stamp Duty on their purchase price. However, first time buyers are usually exempt.

Australian Culture

A laid-back way of life is custom down under. The Australian people are very down to earth and making friends with your new neighbours won’t be an issue as Australian’s place a high value on relationships. Having a good sense of humour is key and you must be prepared to invest more time in socialising. Authenticity and sincerity are two traits that Australians cherish in people, whereas pretentiousness is frowned upon.

The Australian Values include:

Respect, dignity and freedom for all people

Everybody is equal regardless of race, religious beliefs, sexuality, political viewpoint etc.

Freedom of speech

Freedom of association

Freedom of religion and secular government

Equality under the law

Equality for men and women

Equality of opportunity for all

A spirit of egalitarianism that embraces mutual respect, tolerance, fair play and compassion for those in need and pursuit of the public good

All of these values are inherent to the Australian way of life and are part of the country’s heritage. Many of them stemming from teachings delivered by the indigenous people.

Australian Aborigines

Around 30,000 years ago, a group of people migrated to Australia from somewhere in Asia. This is how Australian aborigines came to be. Today, there are only 400,000 aborigines in Australia, making up around 2% of the population.

Languages of Australia

Interestingly, Australia has no official language. However, it is largely monolingual and English is the most widely spoken language. Expats will often hear Australian English; recognised for its twang and quirky sayings. Australian slang is known as Strine and can take some getting used to!

Whilst the majority of the population use English as a primary language, 19% do not speak English as a first language at home. Many Aboriginal Australians use one of 70 indigenous languages remaining and many immigrants speak Chinese, Spanish, Greek, Italian and Vietnamese.

Australian Food

Barbecues are a rite of passage in Australia and you best be prepared for prime meat, crisp salads and plentiful beer. Iconic and traditional Aussie food can either be grown or hunted and this stems from aboriginal self-sufficiency. The meat pie is the de facto national dish and the delicious beef and gravy mix is encased in buttery flaky pastry.

Australian food is simple, fresh and wholesome. The concept of eating in Australian culture is all about community and sharing so expect meals to be things that can be cooked en masse. However, fish is also a huge part of many Australian diets and influence from England means fish and chips is a huge favourite!

When it comes to something sweet down under, many enjoy a mug of something hot with a TimTam. These chocolate cultural icons are similar to a British penguin bar; two chocolate biscuits sandwiching a soft chocolate centre and dipped in milk chocolate. Another popular nibble is the traditional Lamington. These small sweet sponges are filled with jam, dipped in chocolate and rolled in desiccated coconut.

Public Holidays Australia

There are 9 national public holidays per year in Australia:

New Year’s Day – 1 st January

January Australia Day – 26 th January

January Good Friday – changes annually (usually March/April)

Easter Monday – changes annually (usually March/April)

ANZAC Day – 25 th April

April Labour Day/May Day – 1 st May

May Queen’s Birthday – 12 th June

June Christmas Day – 25 th December

December Boxing Day – 26th December

Supplementary to this, each state has its’ own calendar of local holidays.

Explore Australia Further

Chances are, if you are considering a move to Australia, you have your heart set on living in a particular location. Perhaps it is one of the famous costal locations, or maybe you prefer urban living? Explore some of Australia’s most popular expat retreats below.

Moving to Brisbane

Located in the Sunshine State of Queensland, Brisbane is a tempting offer for expats with the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast just an hours’ drive away. Move to Brisbane for tranquil beach vibes with a metropolitan edge. Read more.

Moving to Melbourne

Melbourne boasts sunshine all year round and beautiful beaches. However, it is one of Australia’s most contemporary locations. It is a perfect location for those wanting to climb the corporate ladder and find great job opportunities. Read more.

Moving to Sydney

When many think of Australia they envisage the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Whilst Sydney is a city, it has incredible beaches and countless cultural sites to explore. Read more.

Moving to Adelaide

Adelaide has won the award for the most liveable city in the world three times, therefore it must be a contender for your move to Australia? One of the greenest cities in the world, Adelaide is fast becoming a popular place to emigrate. Read more.

Moving to Perth

City life in a remote area, isn’t that what many dream of? Life in Perth can offer you just that. It is home to many British expats and Britannia International Movers can help make your move seamless. Read more.