Moving to Australia? 6 challenges you need to know before moving

Welcome to the land down under, mate! Making the decision to move to Australia is like riding a kangaroo – it’s a big leap! But before you start packing your bags and practising your Aussie slang, it’s important to approach this move with a sense of wisdom.

And by wisdom, we mean doing your research and planning. You don’t want to end up living in a camper van down by the river, do you? The cost of living, finding a job, and visa requirements are all essential things to consider before booking that one-way ticket.

But don’t worry, we won’t leave you hanging like a koala from a tree. With some proper reality checks, your move to Australia can be a ripper of an adventure!

Your job skills may not be transferrable

Not only will your existing skills be evaluated by an assessment body (which, by the way, can cost you thousands of dollars), but there are also rules about the minimum working experience and sponsoring companies that you need to follow. And if you don’t have any local experience? Tough luck, mate.

Who cares if you’ve coded your way through the dark web and back? If you haven’t done it in Australia, you might as well be an amateur. It’s almost like they think we code with our toes or something. But hey, at least they don’t make us do it upside down, right? Or do they? Hmm, it’s just one of those mysteries of the Aussie hiring process.

Getting a PR in Australia is a long road

Here’s the tea – trying to get a Permanent Residency in Australia can feel like trying to navigate through a forest of red tape. It’s like trying to get into an exclusive nightclub with a bouncer who only lets in people with an Ivy League education and a trust fund.

If you’re a student or graduate looking to make Australia your permanent home, the reality is that it’s not going to be an easy task. Even if you’ve completed your studies in Australia, simply applying for permanent residency won’t cut it. Instead, you should aim to obtain a Student Visa and gain industry experience while studying.

And if you’re not from Australia, forget about using your home country qualifications – companies might not sponsor you due to certain rules. You might as well bring your piggy bank because you’ll need to shell out some serious cash for further education.

Your best bet is to apply for a working holiday visa, secure a job, and hope for sponsorship before your visa expires. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a successful migration. Patience and persistence are key.

But if you do manage to jump through all the hoops and get that coveted visa, it’s like winning the lottery of security. You won’t have to stress about job-hunting after losing your job and you’ll have more time to sip on that chai latte while watching the kangaroos hop by.

Be prepared to pay a lot for rent

Ah, the wonderful world of renting in Australia. It’s like a game of Monopoly, but instead of competing for properties, you’re competing for the right to have a roof over your head. And just like Monopoly, the game is rigged in favour of those with more money. Don’t have the cash to outbid your competition? Tough luck, mate. You’ll just have to settle for a damp, mouldy shoebox in the middle of nowhere.

But wait, there’s more! Tenants are also at a disadvantage in terms of protection, with landlords holding all the power when it comes to kicking them to the curb. Don’t you just love a fair and equal playing field?

You might be interested in: The truth about why rental prices are so damn high

Housing standards might be an issue

What do Australians and Goldilocks have in common? They both know what it’s like to struggle to find housing that’s just right. Housing standards in Australia leave a lot to be desired, with builders seemingly cutting corners left, right and center. Cheap materials, poor insulation, and dodgy ventilation are just the tip of the iceberg.

This might not be too much of a problem in sunny Queensland, but for those in colder regions like Tasmania or Victoria, it’s a different story. Thanks to the shoddy construction, residents are left with dangerously low household temperatures during winter, something even a bear would be scared to hibernate in. And don’t even get us started on the black mold…

Let’s just say, with housing like this, the three little pigs might have been better off building houses out of straw.

Taxes

Well, folks, it’s time to face the music and accept that we’ll be handing over a big chunk of our hard-earned cash to the taxman. But don’t worry, it’s not just because the government wants to fund their expensive avocado toast habits.

We’re talking about universal healthcare, National Disability Insurance Scheme, and Old Age Pension, folks. Yes, your taxes are going toward ensuring that your fellow citizens can access medical care, protect themselves in case of disability, and retire in a financially sustainable way.

You might be interested in: 7 tips to maximise your tax refund in Australia

High cost of living

You see, Australia is like a distant outpost on the planet (opposite of Svalbard, but with similar issues).

All your stuff must travel a long way to reach Australia – and that doesn’t come cheap. The cost of transportation alone can make your wallet weep.

However, aside from transportation, Australia also guarantees a minimum wage for its workers – currently at AUD20 per hour – which can add up to business expenditures. Thus, it’s wise to consider these factors and tread carefully in terms of spending while in the land down under.

So, you’ve got your sights set on moving to the land down under…
You’ve heard about all the great things Australia has to offer – beaches, sunshine, kangaroos, the whole shebang. But you’re also aware of the harsh realities that come with moving to a new country. Fear not, my friend. It’s not the end of the world. Sure, things might seem daunting at first, but there are people who have successfully made the move and lived to tell the tale.

And hey, if you need a little extra support, don’t be afraid to lean on your company or community. They’re there to help you through the tough times. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not hop on over for a working holiday to dip your toes in the waters before diving headfirst into the deep end? The choice is yours, mate. Good luck!

Before you go…

So, you’ve decided to make the move to Australia, huh? Well, let me tell you, mate, life down under can be pretty costly. You’re already shelling out a fortune for Vegemite and Tim Tams, so the last thing you want to do is let your hard-earned cash fly away due to pesky foreign currency exchanges and outrageous bank fees.

*rates are for display purposes only.

Lucky for you, there’s a solution – Instarem. With this handy-dandy service, you can send money overseas without breaking the bank (pun intended). Don’t let the kangaroos get a hold of your cash, mates. Use Instarem and keep your funds safe.

Download the app or sign up here.

*Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with products or vendors mentioned.