Hey, I was born in the United States, but I'm moving to Australia for a couple years to see how things go down there, anyway is there anything in paticular that I should know before moving down there?
2007-10-29 13:34:46 · 29 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Australia ➔ Other - Australia
Oh, I'm moving to Victoria. :P
2007-10-29 15:19:41 · update #1
G'day
Aussies are a great bunch to get on with, treat everyone with respect just as you would like to be treated and you will be fine. Am disgusted on all the answers here about animals - please ignore.
To sum EVERYTHING up in one, this website has it ALL.
http://www.justlanded.com/english/australia
Living, working or studying in Australia - The Australian Guide covers topics like visas, housing, jobs and finance.
Also take a look at http://www.workingin-australia.com
Immigration for Australia - http://www.immi.gov.au
Australian Government - http://www.australia.gov.au
If you have a trade that Australia is short on you have a better chance, for Aussie skilled jobs go to http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/index.htm
Cheers
2007-10-29 18:28:38 · answer #1 · answered by • Koala • uʍop ɹǝpun 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you should forget all the stereotypes, and the load of crap answers regarding animals that kill you and just come with an open mind. Australians are well known for their friendly, down to earth manner with most people - and for good reason. You will find, as a previous answer said, that it isn't hot continuously, especially in Victoria, and that you won't encounter wild animals every day. You should make some kind of travel plan while you're here to head to the other states - Queensland has amazing sights such as the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef (unmissable), New South Wales has Sydney and The Blue Mountains for example, and there is too many other incredible sights to list here :) What you should know, as when you move to any country, is don't keep going on about how things were so much better back home - it won't be appreciated. Of course, every country is different, so don't be surprised when you cant' get your local cough medicine (I'm a bit concerned that someone thought they'd be able to? Weird), and embrace the differences. My favourite thing about going to a new country is seeing everything that is different - so while you'll have to go to a speciality shop to get Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, you'll slowly fall in love in Allens Lollies as a temporary replacement.
You'll love Australia as most people do - it's a gorgeous country with loads of opportunity and plenty to see. Grab a copy of Lonely Planet: Australia and read up.
And can you bring me some Hershey's?
2007-10-29 15:36:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Hi, i've lived in australia all my life. A few things you need to know are, it is not ALWAYS hot here. Well depending on where you're moving to. I live in victoria and it mostly rains up until summer. Aussies are very down to earth and get along with foreigners very well. Although you will find alot of racism if you are black, because aussies are'nt used to it.
if you're after a job here, you don't need college, as not many people actually goto uni. (unless youre a lawyer or something)
I think australia would be very much like your country so there's probaly not much to to know before you come over.
And NO kangaroos do not jump out onto freeways, unless you're in the bush. And sharks attacks happen as much as they would in any country. And we have do have hot toned aussie bodies lol (but mostly in queensland).
2007-10-29 13:45:37 · answer #3 · answered by kylienic29 1 · 2⤊ 2⤋
yeah, learn to include Wanker or dropkick in your vocabulary. Like some of the answers on here are needing those responses
Dont believe one of them about not getting feedback. We will be in your face if need be, and you will know where you stand with most of us Australians in your place of work or circle of friends we are not deterred about getting in peoples dials about things. Just ask Ron Casey.
Oh and about someones answer as to pharmaceutical needs and the cost of medicine at a Brisbane Pharmacy, yeah right. We have one of the best health systems in the world and every medical need covered, so you dont have to bring that stuff from America (so pass on Walgreens), I found it wasnt strong enough anyway the stuff I used to buy from CVS or walgreens whilst in the States. Oh and you dont need a social security card when visiting the doctor or filling out a job application or waiting in line at the DMV whilst a million Mexicans want to register their Cadillac El Dorado Low riders.You will have a great time here in Australia and you will find that half the stuff you need in America you dont need here. Just a sense of humour, the ability to give things a go and the absolute compulsory participation in paying out on and taking the mickey out of the rest of the world.
2007-10-29 15:19:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
You need to get in touch with the Consulate to make sure that you have the correct visa and entry stamps etc. Sydney is the most popular and expensive place to live with its fantastic beaches and great Harbour. Its currently spring here and summer is coming so lighter clothing is needed, although make sure you bring something in case of a cold snap and an umbrella in case a wet summer gets predicted. I hope you enjoy your stay here!
2007-10-29 13:41:04 · answer #5 · answered by Penny J 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People here aren't as friendly or outgoing as Americans. You will have to work harder to make friends.
We can be quite parochial and one-eyed about our country. Don't keep going on about how much better the US is in this way or that. Well that's just common sense.
We think we are different to and better than Americans. Neither of those things are true, but please don't correct us!
People will generally see you as loud and pushy, which are not valued traits here. If they have a problem with you, they generally will not tell you to your face, so it's hard to get feedback.
We do have our fair share of idiots. You have been warned!
You will probably be happiest in a big city like Sydney or Melbourne. They are more cosmopolitan than lots of other places here.
There is no tipping, so service is not always the best.
People will try to wind you up with stories about snakes / sharks / drop-bears and so on. We get a thrill from scaring strangers. Don't hold it against us :)
Individual rights are not very protected. If the police want to stop you and breath- and drug-test you and search your car, they basically will. It's different to America.
But if you can just relax and take it easy, and get to know people, then you should have a great time :)
2007-10-29 13:48:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋
Be very careful !
If you are a 'tradie' then you will find it no problem to get work , but if you are professional then odds are you will struggle to do what you used to do.
FYI, Ozzies are a parochial lot and seemingly intollerant to certain nationalities - it thus becomes quite hard to get networked if you are on yr own like we were. My wife and I have been here over 2 years and despite applying for hundreds of jobs , we remain unemployed (in our chosen profession) and have to do 'manual labour' work at minimum wage to get by.
Just be careful I'd say, and choose where you live very, very carefully.
2007-10-29 15:43:34 · answer #7 · answered by mminoz 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Where in Australia r u planning on moving too....
Cause each State is different!
2007-10-29 15:10:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Where are you going to move to? What in particular do you want to know?
Edit - Victoria is a lovely state. If you are moving to Melbourne you should get into AFL (Australian Rules Football) as it is huge in Melbourne/Victoria. Melbourne is a very cosmopolitan place. It has a huge Greek influence. It's a very pretty city. Here is some info you might find interesting.
http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au/ViewPage.action
http://www.travelvictoria.com.au/victoria/
http://www.travelvictoria.com.au/victoria/overseasvisitors/
Welcome to OZ!
2007-10-29 13:38:05 · answer #9 · answered by sydney77 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Check this site out, It gave me alot of info when I was thinking about moving
http://www.bcl.com.au/movetoaustralia/default.htm
2007-10-29 13:38:32 · answer #10 · answered by alongfortheride 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋