Moving to Australia
International Moving Guide
Embarking on a journey down under is a remarkable chapter in anyone’s life. A combination of anticipation, opportunity and the thrill of the unknown are just some of the emotions at play when moving to Australia. So with the expertise and dedication to seamless moving experiences, you can trust Purdie Worldwide to guide you through every step of your move to to the land down under. From the bustling streets of Sydney to the serene landscapes of Perth, let us pave the way for your smooth arrival and new beginning in this sun-kissed haven.
Discover Australia
before you Move
What first attracted you to the idea of moving to Australia? Was it the iconic landmarks of the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef? Or were you drawn to the cultural melting pot of Melbourne, or the rugged beauty of the outback?
Regardless of your reasons for moving to Australia, you better be prepared to be enchanted by the kaleidoscopes of climate, ranging from the Tropical heat in the north, to the temperate climates of the south. Whether you like the idea of the golden beaches of Queensland, or the arid expanses of the Red Centre, Australia offers a rich tapestry of landscapes to explore.
Don’t forget the vibrant expatriate community spanning multiple nationalities and backgrounds, where you’ll find a welcoming and diverse atmosphere where ever you’re headed down under. So take the time to connect before you embark on the next chapter of your adventure and embrace the cultural fusion that makes Australia truly unique.
Australian Statistics
- Currency - Australian Dollars (AUD)
- Languages - English
- Population - approx. 25.69 million
- No. of British Ex-Pats - 961,000
- Popular Cities - Canberra, Perth, Sydney & Adelaide
Cost of Living in Australia
| Cost of Living | Australia | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Family Cost of Living | $5,368 | $5,140 |
| Family Rent | $2,278 | $2,363 |
| Food Expenses | $545 | $500 |
| GDP per Capita | $65,100 | $46,125 |
| Transport Expenses | $265 | $151 |
| Life Expectancy | 83.3 | 80.7 |
| Quality of Life | 94 | 90 |
Costs pulled from LivingCost.org
Important Things to Know
when Moving to Australia
• Renting/Buying in Australia
When you first move to Australia you are allowed to use temporary housing like hotels, hostels or an Air BnB until you’ve found your feet. From there you can look at more permanent living options. During the initial stage of the move, we’d always recommend renting first. The average price for a rent in Australia is $580 as of 2024. This price increased 11.5% from the data in 2023, so there’s a healthy rental market that’s capped at a national level.
• Bank Account
In order to complete money transfers and transaction in Australia, you’ll need a Australian bank account. To open a bank account in Australia you’ll need to provide identification documents, such as a passport or drivers licence, as well as proof of address, such as a utility bill. Most major banks in Australia allow non-residents to open accounts. The most popular banks for non-residents moving to Australia include the Commonwealth Bank, ANZ and Westpac. Be sure to look at any fees and charges that may be included in the account before you start transferring money back home.
• Healthcare
Funded by income tax, Australia has it’s own public healthcare system in place called Medicare. This offers free or reduced rate appointments, but you still have to pay for any medication. If you’re just visiting Australia, then you can use this service for free if you’re a UK citizen. However, if you’ve moved to Australia, you need to have been paying income tax before you can access Medicare. There is also Private Healthcare options for those wanting to cover off any unexpected medical bills.
How can I move to
Australia from the UK?
Although it was founded as a prison colony, ironically Australia now has a notoriously strict immigration policy, making harder than ever to become an Australian citizen. However, moving to Australia with Purdie Worldwide, we make it plain sailing! If you’ve got family connections to Australia, have desirable skills, or have an Australian employer sponsoring you, then moving to Australia just got a whole lot easier!
There are many different types of visas on offer when moving to Australia. you can find the complete list on the Australian Government website. However in this article we’re going to focus on the top 3 most popular visas for citizens moving to Australia from the UK.
- Family Stream Permanent Residence Visa – This is for applicants with partners, children or relatives of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
- Work-Stream Permanent Residence Visa – This is for foreign nationals with an Australian employers sponsoring them to work in Australia.
- Business or Investment-Stream Permanent Residence Visa – This visa caters for entrepreneurs wanting to start a new business or invest in the Australian economy. A sponsorship from a government agency is usually required to apply for this visa
Becoming an
Australian Citizen
There are several requirements that must be met before you become a Australian Citizen. The majority of applications have a cost involved to them, with a written test and interview as the final stage of the process. Find out exactly how much this costs on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
The most common ways to becoming an Australian Citizen are as follows:
• are a permanent resident living in Australia
• were born overseas to a parent who is an Australian citizen
• were born overseas and adopted by an Australian citizen outside Australia
• lost your Australian citizenship and would like to resume your citizenship
Check out the Australian Home Affairs website for more information on how to become an Australian Citizen.
Planning Your Move to Australia:
Research Removals Companies: Select a reputable removals company experienced in international moves to Australia. Seek recommendations, read reviews, and compare quotes to ensure a reliable and efficient service.
Inventory and Packing: Make a detailed inventory of your belongings and decide which items to take with you. Consider selling or donating items that you no longer need. Pack your belongings securely and label the boxes for easy identification during unpacking.
Transportation: Depending on the volume of your possessions, consider sea or air freight options. Sea freight is cost-effective for larger shipments, while air freight is faster but more expensive. At Purdie Worldwide, we will guide you through the logistics process and help you choose the best option for your situation.
Customs and Import Regulations: Familiarize yourself with customs regulations for importing personal belongings and household goods into Australia. Ensure you have the necessary documentation, such as an inventory list, packing list, and proof of ownership, to clear customs smoothly. For example, if you’re looking to move to Australia, knives, animals, live plants and even rice are not permitted.
Move to Australia
with Purdie Worldwide
