Moving To Sydney? Don’t Lose Sight Of These Important Relocation Tips

Every relocation, let alone an international one, brings a long list of unknowns, so, like many other folks planning to move, you may feel overwhelmed by what comes next. Go over all the necessary documents, ways you can find a job or home, the cost of living, and you will be able to tell if it is worth moving to Australia. Additionally, answering questions such as How much does it cost to move to Sydney? and What salary do you need to live in Sydney? will be crucial to a successful relocation. Moving to Australia will bring some novelties to your lifestyle, but don’t start panicking. With our list of tips for an international relocation, you will surely become a Sydneysider in no time.

Benefits of Moving to Sydney Australia From the USA

According to the Bureau of Statistics, around 90,000 Americans are living in the Land Down Under. What attracts expats from the USA to the largest country in Oceania?

Some may be impressed with the growing economy. Data from the World Bank shows that the country’s GDP will continue to grow at a rate of 3% in years to come. Furthermore, low unemployment rates and growth of salaries, making this a great spot for all career chasers.

Australia is one of the best places to live abroad with family because it is very safe. Statistics from the Overseas Security Advisory Council show that violent crimes are relatively low. There are fewer than 100 reported cases of murder, armed robberies, and sexual assaults per 100,000 people nationally. Even though Sydney is a metropolis with more than five million residents, it still has low crime rates as the rest of the country.

Additionally, this is a multicultural metropolis, where you won’t feel like an odd one out. Embrace diversity, and you may learn something about different cultures and languages. After all, 38.2% of people speak a language other than English at home.

Finally, when you relocate to the Land Down Under, you will be able to bask in the sun, enjoy beautiful beaches, and pick up some hobbies such as surfing or netball.

Is Moving to Sydney a Good Idea?

Even when you know it is time to relocate overseas, you can still have some doubts. Figuring out how to move abroad and how to live there will make you less anxious. Staying in the most populous Aussie metropolis has many benefits that will make your relocation worth the trouble. It is an excellent spot for career chasers, families with kids, and young folks looking for high-quality education. No matter who you are and what you are looking for, you will surely find it in Australia’s Harbour City, that’s why relocation is a good idea.

Prepare All Important Documentation for International Moving to Sydney, Australia

Before you can move on to actually planning a relocation, ensure that you can legally enter and reside in the country. In other words, you must obtain all the documents needed to travel abroad. To be able to enter and stay as an expat, you are required to get a visa first. Naturally, each country has some specific requirements, which leads you to your first step – find out what you need to get an Australian visa. Only after that can you start boxing up things or hire packing services and let experts do that for you.

Step One: Learn About Special Requirements When Moving to Sydney, Australia

There are various types of visas and work permits that you can apply for. Therefore, your first task would be to find out what visa you are eligible for.

However, these are a few universal requirements that you’ll have to meet regardless of the type of visa you are applying for:

• Official recognition of skills and qualifications– carried out by the relevant Assessing Authority
• Health check– depends on the country of origin, visa category, etc.
• Character requirements and Australian Value Statement– proof of a clean criminal record.

Probably the most popular among Americans is the temporary work visa, suitable for skilled workers whose skills and qualifications are officially recognized by the relevant assessing authority. For this type, it is also necessary to provide proof of sufficient healthcare arrangements.

Get to Know the Overall Cost of Living in Sydney Australia

This is one of the best countries to live in, but still, before you pack up your bags and head to the Land Down Under, go over the cost of living. When you know the prices of utilities, housing, groceries, and transportation, it will be easy to manage your monthly budget.

First things first, Aussies use the dollar as a currency, but not the same one we use in the US. The AUD dollar is the fifth most traded currency in the world, and when you relocate it, you will use it on a daily basis.

Let’s start with utility bills you will have to pay every month. Basic utilities such as heating, cooling, garbage, water, and electricity for a 915 sq ft apartment are, on average, $145. ADSL internet will additionally knock $50 out of your pocket.

When you want to prepare a meal, know that a beef round is $6, while a gallon of milk is $4.40, and a carton of eggs is $3.40. Share a three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant for $72, or get a combo meal in McDonald’s for $8.60.

Let’s face it, Harbour City is not the most affordable spot in the country, and housing plays a major role in the overall expenses. However, if you explore the market, you will surely find a property that will fit your needs and budget.

Explore Housing Options or Find Someone to Guide You Through the Housing Market

Adjusting to a new country after relocation can be tricky, so it’s essential to find a cozy place that fits you, for starters. First of all, you should be prepared for relatively high costs, whether you choose to rent or buy a place. If you’re having trouble finding an affordable property that meets your expectations, don’t forget that you can turn to a real estate agent to guide you through the process.

Whether you eventually go for renting or buying, you should have at least a rough plan of how much you’re going to spend on your house per month. According to Numbeo, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center is about $1,890. A residence of the same size somewhere outside the central area is, on average, $1,340 per month. For those looking for a bigger place, the rent for a three-bedroom apartment can be close to $2,225 outside of the center. However, if you have saved enough money to buy an apartment, the price per square foot is about $955 in the center and about $540 outside of the center.

Cost of Living in Sydney Compared to Other Cities in Australia

The country has five cities with more than one million inhabitants. If you are still on the fence about becoming Sydneysider, go over the costs of living in the biggest places, and figure out which one is the best fit for you. To help you make an educated decision, we compared Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide’s prices of renting and buying a property as well as basic utility costs.

Decide Which Part of the City You’re Going to Live In

When moving across the world, you will ideally find a neighborhood close to your office or school so that you don’t waste precious time commuting every day. But even if that’s not possible, find one that has a good connection whether you decide to drive or use public transport. Furthermore, there are different neighborhoods suitable for young professionals and families. So, if you’re having trouble deciding, let your priorities decide for you.

Some of the Best Neighborhoods That Can Be Your Future Home

When you determine your priorities, you will be able to narrow your choice down and come one step closer to finding the neighborhood that is a perfect fit for you. Even at this point, it can be tricky to reach your final decision. To help you do it, let’s take a look at some of the top-rated neighborhoods and suburbs that you should consider first:

• Paddington – one of the most elegant neighborhoods where streets are lined with Victorian architecture houses and buildings. Full of upscale boutiques, cozy cafés, trendy bars, and many art galleries worth visiting.
• Balmain – Balmain has become one of the most popular suburbs after recent gentrification that has made it an excellent place to move to. It is particularly popular among young professionals.
• Kirribilli – an affluent suburb only 14-minute drive away from the downtown area. It’s rather convenient for those relocating with kids, as there are numerous schools nearby, as well as plenty of parks where you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

Thoroughly Explore the Job Market

One of the most important things to do before you relocate is to check out job opportunities. Given the prosperous economy of the capital of New South Wales, it is highly likely that you will find several excellent options to choose from, no matter your qualifications. Additionally, the labor market lacks skilled workers, so all qualified applicants are more than welcome.

Some of the thriving sectors that you should consider first include finance, education, healthcare, and information technology. Over the past few years, some other sectors have developed significantly, too, including mechanical engineering and the legal sector. Here are some of the top employers, according to Business News Australia:

• Commonwealth Bank (CBA)
• Westpac Banking Corporation (WBC)
• Woolworths Limited (WOW)
• Goodman Group (GMG)
• Brambles (BXB)

Even though it probably won’t take you long to land a job, that doesn’t mean that you should wait until the last minute to start looking for one. No matter where you’re relocating, it’s always advisable to start exploring the options well in advance, at least two months earlier. Even before you start looking for international moving services and picturing your future life, you should know for sure that you have a job waiting for you there.

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Sydney?

When you negotiate with your employers about the salary, it helps to know how much money you will require to live comfortably, and what are the average wages. According to ABS, full-time workers earn around $1,280 on average per week. While the annual wage is around $56,230 before taxes. The comfortable salary will depend on your overall lifestyle. If you are used to high-class dining and expensive clothes, you will have to earn more than average so that you could support your lifestyle.

Be Sure You Find the Most Convenient Method of Transport

There are many fantastic things about this metropolis, but truth be told, public transport may not be one of them. There is a well-developed network of buses, trains, light rail, and even ferries, all serving the area and connecting the Central Business District with the surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs. However, public transport is not that reliable, so even though in theory, various lines can get you from point A to point B, it can easily happen that a bus is late, or a train breaks down.

The more reliable option is to go for a taxi or Uber. If you’re not that thrilled about spending money on these every day, you should think about overseas vehicle shipping, as it will be much more convenient to use your own car to get around the city. Regardless of the method of transport you eventually choose, keep in mind that one thing remains the same – congested traffic.

There’s a Way to Avoid Traffic Jams

The main problem with getting around the Harbour City is that, wherever you head, you are likely to get stuck in traffic at some point of your route. The rush hours are the worst part of the day to find yourself in traffic. An excellent way to avoid the stress caused by congested traffic is to go by bicycle. Cycling is encouraged here, so you might as well join an increasing number of Sydneysiders who choose this healthier and less stressful mode of transport.

You Can Rely on High-Quality Healthcare

One of the major reasons why people from all around the world decide to expat and settle in to the Land Down Under is the world-class healthcare system. With top-notch healthcare, you’ve got no reason to worry about a thing when you relocate to Harbour City.

There are about 50 public hospitals and clinics in the entire metropolitan area. Public healthcare is tax-financed, and it covers most medical services, except for prescription drugs, for instance. However, that shouldn’t concern you because these are cheaper than in many other countries due to government subsidies.

In addition to public healthcare, there is also a private healthcare system. In case you only get a temporary visa, for instance, you will need to get private health insurance because you will not be eligible for the public one.

Get Your Health Insurance on Time and Keep It up to Date

Even though the entire healthcare system is well-developed, you shouldn’t relax too much and expect to get everything done in a day. Just like with any other procedure, obtaining your health insurance takes time, so be sure you apply for one early enough and keep in mind that there might be certain restrictions. Check which services are covered by the insurance and which are not.

Rest Assured That the Quality of Education Is High

Are you relocating in pursuit of knowledge? Some of the best universities in the Land Down Under are located here, such as the University of New South Wales and Macquarie University. Besides, if you’re considering taking your kids to this metropolis, you could hardly choose a better place for their education.

Given that some of the most prestigious educational institutions are located here, you’re probably wondering about the fees. The great news is that schooling is free for all permanent residents. However, those who manage to stay there only temporarily may be required to pay some administration fees.

Find the Best Type of School for Your Kid

Depending on individual preferences, there are several types of schools that children can attend: public, private, faith-based, or international. It’s also somewhat common for students to pick single-sex schools here.

When it comes to public schools, students are usually chosen depending on zones or catchment areas. Some private schools are quite popular, so in that case, you should apply as early as possible.

Faith-based schools are often considered some kind of a middle ground between private and public ones. Catholic primary and high schools are the most popular, as they have a rather good reputation. As for international schools, these are, naturally, most popular among expats. While there are many benefits of sending a child to an international school, you should also know that the fee for this type of school is the highest.

Enjoy a Variety of Entertainment Options

If there’s one thing for sure when relocating to Harbour City, then it’s the sheer number of entertainment options. You can never get bored here. From various festivals all year long to concerts and art fairs, there are all kinds of options when it comes to entertainment. When you want to go out, there will be plenty of restaurants, bars, and pubs to explore. And, of course, don’t forget about the long, movie-like beaches where you can relax and leave all your troubles behind.

When you pick such a fantastic place with so much to offer to be your new home, it really is difficult to decide where to go first once you relocate. Here you can find some of the most popular attractions to check out:

• Harbour Bridge
• Harbour Cruises
• The Royal Botanic Garden
• The Tower Eye
• Barangaroo Reserve
• Hyde Park
• Palm Beach

Figure Out How Much Does It Cost to Move to Sydney From Across the World

The Land Down Under is classified as an island, meaning that most international moves are made via boats. If this is your choice for shipping belonging, remember the average prices of the move will vary depending on the many factors. The average price of shipping things from Los Angeles is around $1,080 while sending off your belongings from New York will set you back for around $2,730. A more expensive, but faster option would be flying your goods in, and you will need $2,290 if you are sending your things from LA, and $2,530 if sending them from NYC. However, don’t keep guessing, call professionals, and ask them for a free quote.

Moving to Sydney NSW Is the Beginning of an Exciting Adventure

Naturally, you feel a bit overwhelmed, and you’re wondering about how to live in another country, to begin with. However, getting used to something better has never been much of a problem, so you will probably get accustomed to the new surroundings much sooner than you think. There are always ways to keep in touch with your friends after relocating abroad, so there’s no need to despair. Plus, people here are so open and friendly that you’ll be able to find a pleasant company without much trouble.

Furthermore, you get to rely on excellent healthcare and education. Choose from a variety of charming and cozy neighborhoods, and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities at sandy beaches.

Just be sure to prepare all the necessary documents in advance and obtain a proper visa. In case you’re planning to take your furry friend, too, remember that there are some special requirements when relocating with your pets overseas. Considering the cost of living here, it is advisable to find some ways to save money when moving internationally, but don’t forget that it will be worth every penny. So, are you ready to pack your bags, head to this fantastic country, and become a true Sydneysider soon?