Moving to Australia from the US? Here's Everything You Need to Know from My Baggage - The Worldwide Shipping Experts!
For a long time now, Australia has been a popular place to relocate to. Its sheer size makes it instantly appealing. From incredible cities like Melbourne and Sydney to popular expatriate destinations like Adelaide and Brisbane, Australia has its urban metropolises and stunning natural landscapes. Of course, everybody knows about famous natural sites, like the Great Barrier Reef, the Blue Mountains, and Uluru, but day-to-day life in Australia is also excellent.
With sunshine, a healthy outdoor lifestyle, good work prospects, and fair pay, skilled professionals are lured to Australia.
You may be wondering, "How to move to Australia?" Then, you're in the right place. Whether you're just beginning to think about moving to Aus or have already decided on a life in the southern hemisphere, this guide will help clarify things.
Australia – or as it is often referred to, OZ or the Land Down Under – just so happens to be one of the most popular holiday and emigration destinations in the world. Each and every year, thousands of people travel to and from Australia for numerous reasons; whether it is to relocate with family, work, study abroad, or to enjoy a relaxing holiday.
Moving to Australia requires alot of thought and planning. It’s a huge step for anyone, and finding all the information can be overwhelming. But don’t worry - thousands of people make this move every year, and we’re here to help you.
There are many things to consider, including conducting research, exploring the job market, managing your finances, finding and applying for the appropriate visa, and ensuring that all your personal effects arrive safely. In this Ultimate Guide on Moving to Australia, we’ll take you through these steps to help you prepare for this adventure.
In this guide we’ll cover:
We’ve designed this guide to inspire you and provide useful information for your relocation to Australia. It's important to keep in mind that this information is subject to change and may vary based on your individual circumstances, such as your citizenship. Therefore, we highly recommend that you conduct your own personal research to ensure your move is a seamless one.
Whatever your interests might be, there is a wealth of things to see and do in Australia. It’s the perfect destination if you crave the adrenaline rush of extreme sports, or perhaps if you’re an avid animal lover, or even if you simply crave quality time at the beach.
Surfing and Snorkelling – Without a doubt, one of the most popular draws of Australia is the stunning Great Barrier Reef. It is bestowed with a massively diverse and vivid marine life, making up the world’s largest coral reef system. You can literally immerse yourself in the world of the Great Barrier Reef through activities such as snorkelling and scuba.
If surfing is more your thing, you might be enticed by some of Australia’s incredible coastlines. The beaches in Australia range from epic, to downright heavenly. The Twelve Apostles in Victoria is undeniably one of the most spectacular stretches of coast to be found anywhere on earth. Even the big city beaches are great – and how many places can say that? Though, arguably, one of the best beaches in Australia is Bondi; a world-famous beach and a surfers’ paradise. Located in Sydney, Bondi Beach boasts favourable weather all year long and offers other activities, too, such as shopping and coastal walks.
Witness the wildlife – Australia is world-renowned for its wildlife, and getting to see it up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can witness massive whales and adorable bottlenose dolphins in Monkey Mia, or you can watch the world’s smallest penguins in Philip Island, or spot emus, koalas, kangaroos, and more in Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve.
Touch the sky while skydiving – If you crave adventure and adrenaline, skydiving is one of the most popular adventure-seeking activities to partake in Australia. Some of the best places for skydiving in Australia includes Wollongong, Rottnest Island, Sydney and York.
Australia is a unique and diverse country in many ways, including but certainly not limited to the culture, climate, geography, and history. The country’s broad diversity is reflected in its food, lifestyle, cultural practices, and experiences, making it a one-of-a-kind destination. With so many amazing places in Australia, it's nearly impossible to choose 'the best' - it all depends on you!
There’s no doubt that relocating to Australia can be a life-changing experience. Although it can be a thrilling prospect, it can also be slightly daunting. It certainly doesn’t have to seem quite so terrifying, however, if you’re dreaming of making the journey to the Land Down Under, here are a few important things you should put plenty of research into first.
The standard of education across Australia is world-renowned, and for very good reason. Each year, students from all over the world are enticed by the state-of-the-art teaching facilities at institutions such as the University of Melbourne or the University of Sydney.
Just like the UK, public schools are free. Though it may be important to note that temporary residents may have to pay a small fee for primary education in Australia until full residency is granted. There are also many private schools and international schools. That said, due to the government’s active role in education, there is little in the way of difference between free and paid-for education, which is ideal for many expats.
Moving to Australia for University? My Baggage makes it easy with our hassle-free Student Shipping service. Trusted by thousands of students, it’s fast, reliable, and cost-effective.
Australia is a huge country, so getting around really depends on where you are and where you’re wanting to go. The good news is, there are many options available.
Prefer to Drive? No problem, Australia has an amazing road network, ideal if you’re wanting to explore on your own terms.
The Public Transport network is also extensive, with many bus and rail services throughout the country.
If you would rather just head to the Airport, there’s a great domestic offering in Australia, with multiple airlines offering many flights connecting all major cities.
Australians have a reputation for leading a laid-back way of life. The ‘no worries, mate’ mentality is omnipresent in all parts of multi-cultural Australia. Generally speaking, they are very down to earth, place a high value on relationships, and are welcoming of expats from all around the world. It really goes without saying that you are likely to fall in love with Australia from the very moment you arrive, and the more Australians you meet, the more you will come to truly appreciate their honest, direct, and well-intended nature.
A prominent part of Australian culture is undoubtedly the food, and it certainly has no shortage of incredible food at that. It is not uncommon to be invited to a barbie (BBQ) – in fact, you could almost say it’s a rite of passage in Australia. That’s because the concept of eating in Australian culture is very much centred around community and sharing.
Did you know? Australia has no official language. Despite that, English is still the most widely spoken language. It is closely related to the English of Britain; however, there are a few notable differences in spelling. Though, it is worth noting that expats will often hear Australian English; renowned for its slang (“Strine”) and quirky sayings. Many immigrants across Australia speak a range of other languages including Chinese and Greek.
When relocating to Australia, My Baggage can help you ship a number of items. Using our door-to-door service you can send Luggage, Boxes, Bikes, and Golf Clubs. This is an ideal solution when shipping oversized items to Australia, saving you a lot of time and avoiding those expensive excess baggage fees at the airport.
Making the move down under but want to make sure your pets will be just as happy too? Luckily for you, we’ve ranked the top five pet-friendly cities in Australia based on number of vets, pet stores, pet friendly hotels, and annual cost for a dog. With approximately 280 days of sun a year, sunny Brisbane takes the top spot with a score of 416, thanks to the huge number of vets in the area, as well as a whopping 51 pet-friendly restaurants!
With the top five including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and the Gold Coast, you can move to Australia knowing you’ll be surrounded by beautiful scenery, glorious weather, and your four-legged friends can enjoy it too. However, the average cost of owning a dog is on the higher side with yearly costs setting you back by $1,198.
Take a look at our study for more information and a full ranking of the best cities to live in with your pets.
| Rank | City | No. of Vets | No. of Pet-Friendly Restaurants | No. of Pet Stores | No. of Pet-Friendly Hotels | Avg. Annual Cost for a Dog | Pet Passport Required | Score /675 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brisbane | 141 | 51 | 63 | 36 | $1,198.00 | N | 416 |
| 2 | Sydney | 109 | 44 | 164 | 55 | $1,198.00 | N | 412 |
| 3 | Melbourne | 67 | 23 | 84 | 109 | $1,198.00 | N | 388 |
| 4 | Gold Coast | 22 | 48 | 53 | 50 | $1,198.00 | N | 383 |
| 5 | Perth | 51 | 24 | 54 | 1919 | $1,198.00 | N | 369 |
Australia just so happens to be one of the most popular countries in the world to emigrate to, with thousands of people moving there each and every year for an abundance of different reasons, whether it be for work or otherwise. It goes without saying that taking the leap and relocating to Australia can be a monumentally life-changing experience.
Life in Australia offers incredible opportunities; from work, to travel, to education and so much more. Not to mention the fact that there is truly an abundance of things to see and do, from visiting famous, stunning landmarks to snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef.
Australians tend to welcome expats from all over the world with open arms; they have a reputation for being laid-back and friendly, and it couldn’t be more true. And, with such a multi-cultural society, you’ll be far from feeling like a fish out of water. In fact, each and every year, Australia celebrates diversity on what is known as Harmony Day (21 March).
There are numerous airlines, offering many different routes for those looking to reach Australia. In fact, you can actually fly non-stop from Europe to Australia! But if you do prefer to break your journey up, there’s plenty of options when it comes to stop-over cities, including amazing places such as Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, and many more - you may choose to just connect here, or take a few days to take it all in.
If you are travelling on a connecting flight to Australia, your baggage is typically checked through to your final destination if your flights are booked on the same ticket. However, this can vary between airlines, and you might sometimes need to collect your baggage and check it in again for your next flight. With potential flight delays, tight connections, and busy airports, your baggage might not always make the flight even if you do. This is why more people are choosing to ship their luggage ahead and travel light.
Remember, when you’re moving to Australia, it's important to book your flights as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might not be able to leave when you want or could be faced with sky-high airfares.
Every passenger arriving into Australia must pass through customs, to which a valid passport or accepted travel document must be presented. You’re also required to complete and sign an Incoming Passenger Card (IPC), which is usually provided to you on your flight.
Only Australian Citizens can enter the country without a visa. All other passport holders must obtain a valid visa before travelling to Australia. The rules are slightly different for Citizens of New Zealand, you can find out more here.
It’s important to obtain the appropriate visa in advance and adhere to its conditions. Although visa requirements vary, most require proof of adequate Travel/Health Insurance and sufficient funds throughout your stay in the country.
Do items shipped with My Baggage go through customs?
Any personal effects or gifts that you ship to Australia with My Baggage will also need to be processed by customs. Don’t worry, My Baggage offers a simplified customs process when shipping to Australia. We’ll generate your digital customs forms for you to complete, and then we’ll submit them to the customs authority on your behalf, saving you a significant amount of time.
Though it may be one of the most laborious processes when it comes to relocating to Australia, sorting your immigration as early as possible must be made a top priority. That’s because, in order to enter Australia to live and work permanently, you must have the correct type of visa. Thankfully, Australia’s visa application process is very clean and concise (in comparison to many other countries across the world). In fact, the Australian Department of Immigration has a clever visa finder tool online, making it easy for you to find the appropriate visa for you and your relocation circumstances. There are many different types of visas, though the following are some of the most commonly gained:
Obtaining information and arranging your visa as soon as possible is crucial as it can take several weeks, or even months in some cases.
Click on the button below to be directed to the visa finder tool from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Make your Move to Australia an easy one with My Baggage
My Baggage offers a convenient and affordable international moving service to Australia and to over 200 countries worldwide, across over 1,000 routes. With hassle-free door to door shipping, full online tracking and dedicated, unrivalled customer support available.
We understand that when it comes to your luggage and personal belongings, it’s only natural to feel some apprehensive about handing everything over to a removals driver. At My Baggage, we strive to provide an international moving service you know you can trust.
International removal services offer the transportation of your belongings from one country to another, often by air or by sea freight, aiding you to uplift your life to a brand new destination. Although costs can quickly mount up, depending on the scale of your move, there’s no doubt that traditional international removals services are the perfect option if you need to ship large, bulky items including beds, sofas or even your car.
Container shipping is typically the most affordable international removals option. Although it can be an exceptionally slow voyage – you could be waiting for up to two months for your belongings to arrive with you in Australia – you will make significant savings when you opt for sea freight over air freight. It’s important to be aware that some international removals companies will deliver your belongings straight to your door, and some may require you to set up transportation to and from the ports both departing and on arrival.
Air freight is a much faster option of transporting your items, though as it is typically priced by weight and volume, it is the more costly option of the two. Again, some international removals companies will offer a full door to door delivery service, whereas some may require you to arrange the transportation of your items to and from the airports yourself.
The thought of moving all of your worldly belongings to a new country to live is nothing short of absolutely daunting. Thankfully, there are a number of removals options out there to choose from which can help to make your relocation process run as smoothly as possible. When it comes to planning your relocation, it’s important to make yourself aware of the different options available; as some will suit your personal needs better than others.
My Baggage offers a new approach to transporting oversized items such as bicycles, musical instruments, and sporting equipment to Australia. Shipping your oversized items to Australia with My Baggage is the easiest and most convenient way to avoid extortionate oversized/overweight baggage fees from your airline; we help you to avoid having to haul your bicycle or similarly oversized item through train stations, taxis, and airports. As well, My Baggage can often be much more cost-effective than hiring an entire international removals company for just a few items. Shipping oversized items with My Baggage is an efficient and affordable way of transporting them to their destination.
Shipping your belongings to Australia with My Baggage is effortless. Our easy to use online booking system is available 24/7 and takes just a few short moments to complete. Simply start by obtaining a quote straight from our website. Once you’ve booked, we’ll send you some shipping labels to print and attach to your items. After that, you can sit back and relax as we take care of everything else for you. It really is that easy.
