Australia is a very popular travel destination for tourists from all around the world. At the same time, it is a very popular destination for those that want to move to another country.
We can say that Australia’s culture is quite similar to European destinations like the UK. However, this does not mean that differences do not exist.
If you are considering moving to Australia, you need to think about the following vital things.
Practical Things To Take Into Account
For starters, there is a very strong possibility that you will need to get rid of a lot of items before you move out. Few people actually figure out how much before they make a list. This is why you need to make your list.
As a general recommendation, plan your move to Australia around 3 months before you leave your current country. This allows you to remove everything that is not actually needed in the new country. You want to sell all the furniture you do not ship, the clothes that are not needed, and practically anything that you will not take with you on your relocation.
In the event that you might return to your country in the future, make sure that you keep some money safe in an official savings account. This can help you to buy brand new things when you get back.
When there are some items that you cannot move to Australia, storage is a necessity. The garage of a friend might be a good choice but there is a good possibility that you will have to seriously consider renting some storage space.
You want to plan storage way in advance. Think about how much storage will cost and plan your finances accordingly.
Finally, you will need to ship everything to Australia. Because of the nature of the new destination, moving to Australia surely involves some sort of shipping. Besides the large items, you want to also think about the small things that you will miss, like your favorite coffee. Remember that there are some important laws that have to be respected when referring to customs. Due to this, make sure that you always work with shipping companies that also offer customs brokerage services.
Mental Things To Take Into Account
It is always important that you learn as much as you can about Australia before you start planning your move. For instance, one thing that shocks many is how hot the country is. When you come from a country that is wet, this is something that you absolutely need to remember and prepare for.
Another thing that you have to be ready for is that there will be some cultural differences that you have to prepare for. A great way to do this is to find people that come from your country and moved to Australia. This should be done in advance so that you can make friends as early as possible. However, make sure that you do not overdo it.
Remember the fact that expats oftentimes get caught up in a world that is very familiar to them. Because of this, they do not interact with locals that much. In Australia, this is a huge mistake because the locals are a treat to be around.
Get Your Finances In Order Before The Move
Usually, it is a very good idea to keep one bank account open in the country that you move from. The same does not apply for credit cards and you have to pay off the loans that you have. The reason why you want to keep a bank account open is to have a safety cushion and some money available locally in the event that you want to go back, even for a short visit.
It goes without saying that you will also need to open a bank account in Australia. This requires some specific documents and you should open the account way before you actually move. If you have a job in the country, you surely need a bank account to receive your wages.
Remember that credit history checks might be in order. Since you come from another country, it is normal to have some difficulties proving your history.