Moving to Australia: A Checklist

Migration to any foreign country can be stressful – and Moving to Australia is no exception. However, if you prepare ahead of time, you can avoid the headaches that can plague the moving process. Here is a checklist of things you need to do to help you along.

Before moving to Australia

Do not wait until the last minute. Start organizing once your migration application is approved. Here are some to-do’s:

1. Complete all the legal and financial matters that affect you. It’s a good idea to set up a bank account that you can access from both Australia and your old country.
2. Put together a list of the contact details of your relatives, friends, and sponsors in Australia so you can easily call should you need any help when you arrive. If you already know your new numbers in Australia, leave them with your friends and family in your old country so they can contact you.
3. Prepare all your pertinent documents: original birth certificate, original marriage certificate, and your original medical records. You may also need your work records if you are working in Australia. Are you Moving to Australia with your children? Make sure to bring their old school reports.
4. Make sure that the electrical gadgets and appliances you bring with you meet Australian standards, and that household and personal goods meet Australia’s custom’s laws. Animal and plant materials are usually not allowed. Check if your old country limits the amount of cash you take with you. Declare large sums of overseas currency at the Australian customs on arrival.

Once you arrive

1. Have all your documents ready for inspection by the immigration desk.
2. Change money at the arrivals hall. Have several $20, $10 and $5 notes, plus $2 and $1 coins. These will be most used.
3. If you do not have a sponsored house or apartment waiting for you, you can book short-term accommodation at the airport.  Costs vary depending on the location and the type of accommodation, but it is fairly easy to find one that fits your budget. That’s one of the great things about moving to Australia – the cost of living is not as high as other developed countries, but the quality of life is among the highest in the world.

Understanding Australian culture

Moving to Australia means getting used to the Australian culture – and doing so quickly. Luckily, Australia is a friendly and tolerant country that welcomes people from different backgrounds. It should be easy to get used to your new lifestyle.

The prevalent “Aussie culture” is strongly influenced by American TV, which is quite popular in the country. The influx of immigrants from neighboring Asian countries also gives this emerging culture an Eastern twist. Sports is a big part of the Australian way of life – especially football, rugby, and cricket.  Make sure you know a little about Australia’s sporting rivalry with the United Kingdom – an interesting dynamic that started during British rule and has culminated into the intense battle for “Ashes” series. Sports talk alone can gain you many new friends, making moving to Australia just a little bit easier.

Ready To Make The Move To Australia?

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