Moving abroad can seem like a daunting, scary thing. It’s the fear of the unknown and not even knowing where to begin to start the process. I definitely had thousands of different thoughts running through my head trying to make a decision. I read lots of blogs and articles to only realize I was not alone. Despite what your friends and family might say, moving abroad is one of the best decisions a person can make. It will be one of the biggest challenges of your life and in turn will make you an even better person. So ignore whoever gives you any shit or doubt about your decision and go for it!
For those that want to move to Australia but don’t know where to start, here are a couple of pointers to get you started:
1. Apply for your visa.
Australia is one of the best countries to move abroad to. It’s not just the stunning beaches that attracts people here but the government makes it very easy for young citizens of other countries to live and work here for 1-2 years under their two visa programs: Work and Holiday and Working Holiday.
- Work and Holiday: 1 year
- Can only work 1 job every 6 months
- Working Holiday: 1-2 years
- Can only work 1 job every 6 months
- 3 months farm work required after 1 year
There is a difference between the two depending on what country you are from so make sure to check out the following website for more info on which visa you are allowed: https://www.border.gov.au/
2. Find a place to live.
Luckily for me I was able to move in with my boyfriend who already had a place but there are some good resources to help you find some roommates to live with prior to your move:
3. Find a job.
Because of working visa restrictions, there may be some limitations towards what kind of jobs you can get but it’s very common for travelers to work in restaurants, bars, or even the corporate world. I ended up doing majority of my work at a corporate office getting experience in multiple different departments but no matter what kind of job you are interested in there are some resources to get you started on your search:
4. Set up a bank account.
You will need to start a bank account if you plan to work and make money. There are a few main banks to choose from but Commonwealth is the most common and easily accessible. Their website has great tips on moving to Australia and setting yourself up so definitely use this as a resource. I know it was a great help for me!
5. Apply for your Tax File Number (TFN)
You might need to apply for a TFN through the Australian Government website for tax purposes if your employer requires it. This is easy to get through the the following website: https://www.ato.gov.au
6. Get a phone plan.
You can’t get too far without cell service especially when you are applying for work so it’s definitely advised to get a phone plan. I recommend unlocking your phone before you arrive so you can use a sim when you set up a plan. Monthly plans are also pretty affordable at around $30AUD/month. Check out these companies:
7. Buy a car.
If you live outside of the city and need to commute, buying a used car is a great solution especially if you want to take some road trips for travel. I bought a used car for $2k AUD which had very little issues and even resold it for the same price at the end of my year. Something to note is you must register your vehicle for the year which is quite expensive compared to the US (around $700AUD), but comes with insurance for the 3rd party. Here are a few resources to search for used cars:
8. Get involved.
Moving to a new country is fun and exciting, but it’s definitely a challenge when you leave the comfort of your family and friends behind. I was fortunate enough to know some people in Perth before my move but it’s important to get involved to make new friends and keep yourself busy. There are times when it can get lonely, but that’s okay it’s completely normal. Try and make new friends at work, volunteer, or join an expat group! The people in Australia are very friendly and love to have a good time so enjoy the ride, keep an open mind, and take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity.
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