Moving to a foreign country is always challenging. You have to adjust to a new system of medical care, familiarize yourself with a different culture, and in some cases learn a new language. If you are considering moving to Australia from your home country, there’s a lot to learn about the Land Down Under before you go. We’ve broken down the basics of life in Australia so you can have peace of mind before your big move.
Invest in Travel Insurance
No matter if it’s a vacation, business travel, or starting a new life abroad, make sure to get travel insurance when booking your international travel. Having a travel insurance plan covers a trip cancellation, lost luggage, and even medical emergencies. Your current medical coverage in your home country—whether that’s the United States or somewhere else—won’t cover you abroad so you need travel health insurance.
Browse travel insurance companies and research types of travel insurance online to find the best travel insurance policy for your trip. A travel insurance plan helps with medical expenses when you are in a foreign country, whether that’s related to a medical evacuation, accidental death, and other forms of emergency medical care.
Medical coverage isn’t something you can live without, so be sure to have a health insurer. Trip interruptions and flight cancellations are possible so make sure to be prepared and avoid surprises with travel insurance.
Universal health care
Unlike medical insurance plans in the U.S., the Australian government offers universal health care. That means medical care is free there. If you are a permanent resident, you can access the medical insurance plan called Medicare. With this kind of medical coverage, medical services are free of charge. So any kind of medical treatment you have won’t come with costly medical expenses and medical bills. Australia has reciprocal agreements with some countries—like New Zealand and the United Kingdom—so visitors and ex-pats can access Medicare as well. Unfortunately, ambulance rides and medical repatriation aren’t covered by the medical insurance policy so having a travel health insurance plan is crucial, especially in case of a medical emergency.
What to Pack
So what should you bring with you to Australia? You don’t want your baggage to be too heavy, but it is also hard to pack light when moving abroad. The weather varies across the country—some areas are hot and sunny and some regions are rainy, cold, and even have snow!
Check the weather forecast for the place you plan to live in. Pack layers, clothes for winter and summer weather, and a pair of walking shoes. You don’t want to be charged for overweight luggage so don’t bring too much! You can always get what you need while you are there.
Where to Live
Property prices have risen in Australia in recent years. The real estate market is experiencing a boom so housing prices in Australia are expected to increase. More Australians are planning on buying real estate or investing in a mortgage, signaling the housing market is recovering. This is due, in part, to the Reserve Bank of Australia cutting rates. Based on income and wages, Australian house prices are relatively high compared to other countries.
Real estate is the most expensive in Sydney. The average house price in Sydney is $955,000 and in Perth, it’s $500,000. Property investors are sure to take advantage of the housing market boom, but if you are not interested in buying property now then renting is just fine. Consider using apartment search websites like domain.com, stayz.com.au, and realestate.com.au for short and long-term housing options.
