Australia, officially The Commonwealth of Australia is the largest country in Oceania and the world's sixth-largest country by total area. Australia is a multicultural country consisting of people across the globe who has migrated to this country. It remains a very popular expat and migrant destination and is one of the best places in the world to live because of its low population density, high standard of living and the unpolluted atmosphere.
What is the official language in Australia?
If you speak English, you wouldn’t have any trouble communicating or commuting or working or conducting business in Australia as English is the official language in Australia.
How much do Australians spend on rent?
Before you move to Australia, it is advisable that you do a thorough research on a suitable place to live in Australia. Renting a house in any of the main cities or the sought-after suburbs will cost you high. If you arrive independently, as a first step, you can temporarily rent a furnished accommodation. Please find the approximate cost of renting a house in various cities of Australia.
| City | Median rent | Property type | Average weekly salary | Rent as percentage of salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $530 | House | $1,728.80 | 30.66% |
| Sydney | $525 | Unit | $1,728.80 | 30.37% |
| Melbourne | $430 | House | $1,669.80 | 25.75% |
| Melbourne | $420 | Unit | $1,669.80 | 25.15% |
| Brisbane | $400 | House | $1,632.90 | 24.50% |
| Brisbane | $380 | Unit | $1,632.90 | 23.27% |
| Canberra | $550 | House | $1,832.80 | 30.01% |
| Canberra | $470 | Unit | $1,832.80 | 25.64% |
| Adelaide | $385 | House | $1,527.00 | 25.21% |
| Adelaide | $305 | Unit | $1,527.00 | 19.97% |
| Perth | $365 | House | $1,858.10 | 19.64% |
| Perth | $310 | Unit | $1,858.10 | 16.68% |
| Hobart | $450 | House | $1,502.20 | 29.96% |
| Hobart | $380 | Unit | $1,502.20 | 25.30% |
| Darwin | $490 | House | $1,775.40 | 27.60% |
| Darwin | $385 | Unit | $1,775.40 | 21.69% |
You may need to do some paperwork before you rent a house, so ensure that you carry proper identity proof and various other documents regarding your visa and living status in Australia. Tenants are usually required to pay a month’s rent in advance, plus a deposit, which is usually equivalent to an additional month’s rent. Most of the rental properties are unfurnished, however you may get second-hand furniture from various websites that list them. You can find rental properties in websites like RealEstate, Rent, Domain etc.
Schools in Australia
With reference to the earlier point on rentals, if you are bringing your kids to Australia you may want to choose a locality with easy access to schools. Public transport routes and proximity to schools should be checked. Government schools or Public schools as you call them are free to attend for permanent residents.
Finding employment in Australia
There are plenty of job opportunities at all levels in Australia. Unemployment in Australia is exceptionally low. You can start searching for jobs in websites like Indeed, Seek etc. If you have any specific industry or company in mind, you can keep a watch on the career section of such organisations and apply as and when a vacancy of your choice arises.
Health insurance in Australia
You should first check if you are eligible for a Medicare card. Most of the PR holders will be eligible. Visit Australian Government Department of Human Services or Department of Health for more details on Medicare card. Medicare is free and it entitles you to use public hospitals for free. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Service (PBS) is a scheme for people with Medicare that provides a discount on the cost of prescription drugs.
Pets
Cats and dogs can be imported to Australia under strict conditions designed to manage biosecurity risks. For the import conditions applicable, view the step-by-step guides and the pre-export preparation calculator. All cats and dogs must stay at the Mickleham post entry quarantine facility in Melbourne for at least 10 days. They will have to stay longer if there are issues that increase the biosecurity risk.
Driving in Australia
You must have a valid driver’s licence to drive in Australia. You are always expected to carry it while driving. International students & workers can drive in Australia with their home country licence given it is valid. To know more about driving in Australia read through.
