Ten Tips for New Arrivals to Australia
Are you here to visit, study or work? If yes, this article of our top ten tips might prove helpful to read before you land down under.
Before you leave home, check to see if your country has an agreement with Australia that would allow you to utilise the universal healthcare system known as Medicare. If not, then be sure to get travel and health insurance, which is a requirement for many visas. Most importantly, it will give you peace of mind as you explore and adventure.
If you are planning to travel around the country, know that it is probably much bigger than you imagine. As such it can be very helpful to plan your trip, as you might need to take planes, trains and automobiles. Being organised can help you make the most of your time and money!
If you would like to settle somewhere for a while, start by choosing a budget to help narrow your search. Gumtree, Airbnb, Flatmates.com.au or local Facebook groups can be great resources for finding accommodation.
If you have work rights but do not yet have employment then Gumtree, Seek and a number of other sites can prove useful for work opportunities. But do not underestimate the power of doing things the old-fashioned way either if you are set on living in a particular area. Especially for hospitality or retail, walking around with your resume to make a personal connection in shops is the way that many Working Holiday makers find a job.
It is fairly well known that Australians drive on the left side of the road, but did you know this also applies to walking on sidewalks? Though it is fine to walk on the right side, locals will appreciate you going with their flow.
If you are going to be in the country during the summer, be prepared to feel the incredible power of the sun in Australia. While sunscreen and a hat may be sufficient for some, for others wearing long sleeves or staying in the shade is more advisable. Until you have felt the tingling burn of the midday summer sun, you may underestimate just how strong it is!
Conversely, know that there is winter in Australia. Very much so, in fact, depending on what part of the country you choose to live in or travel to. You could experience temperatures that require a warm jacket and other items of clothing to keep you warm. Check out the weather trends for areas that are of interest to get a better sense of what to expect.
On a related note, many older homes in Australia are not properly insulated to withstand the colder temperatures. This means warm clothes and heaters (that can be a strain on heating bills) might be needed for those cold winter nights and mornings. We offer this so you can be prepared with your wardrobe and your mindset!
Utilise Op Shops if you are on a budget and need to find warmer clothes, or anything really. An Op Shop (short for opportunity shop) is a retail store run by charities. People donate their unwanted items to be resold in order to raise money for the charitable organisation. You can find clothing, bedding, books, music albums, videos, bric-a-brac and even furniture in some cases. You can get a deal, keep items from going to the landfill and know that your money is going to a good cause… pretty win-win-win if you ask us!
Above all else, simply be open to new experiences and a new way of life in this laid-back country. Be curious about Australian culture, including food, their love of sport, their wildlife and their humour, and you will be rewarded with wonderful friendships and experiences.
