Perth, Australia

Digital Nomad Life in Australia

By Betsy Burlingame

Summary:

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How do I meet people in Australia?

When we asked people living in Australia about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expatriates in Australia often join social clubs and activities such as hiking, skiing trips, cycling and sailing. There are also many networking and coffee meetups available which are designed to help expats meet other like-minded people in their area. Expats could also look to join groups or organisations that are directly related to their line of work as well as music, art, language and other cultural groups. Additionally, volunteering is a great way to meet people and give back to the community. Online forums and social media groups are also fantastic avenues for expats to connect with one another," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Australia.

"Depends on the interests of the person - but I know that a good variety are listed on www.newcomersnetwork.com (this is a Melbourne based website that offers information free of charge)," explained one person living in Melbourne, Australia.

What is life like in Australia?

When we asked people living in Australia what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Locals are friendly and it is easy to find your way around. Meeting people can be difficult at first and it is important to be outgoing here," explained one expat living in Adelaide, Australia.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Australia can vary greatly depending on their chosen location. Many coastal cities such as Sydney and Melbourne offer an exciting mix of city life and stunning beaches, while plenty of small towns and rural areas offer a more peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In general, the living costs in Australia are quite pricey compared to other countries, however as a digital nomad you may find many ways to reduce living expenses. It's also important to consider the impact of visa requirements when relocating to Australia. There is a variety of work visas available and Australia's high quality of life and vibrant cultural mix make it a popular destination for those looking for a new home or lifestyle change," said one person in Australia.

"Sport is very popular, especially amongst men. Women enjoy a variety of activities. Cafes, eating outdoors and enjoying the theatre are also very popular," said one expat who made the move to Melbourne.

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Where should I live in Australia?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Neighborhood by walking around in it. Looked through the Sydney Morning Herald website for homes; talked to real estate agents," remarked one member in Sydney.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Australia is to research online. Popular websites such as realestate.com.au, Domain, and flatmates are great places to start looking for rentals and share housing alike. Another option is to enlist the help of a local real estate agent in the area who can give you an up-to-date overview of the current housing market. Additionally, joining local Facebook groups and online communities devoted to the areas you are interested in can give you firsthand information from other locals. Finally, search and connect with Australians on social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc. to source contacts and get recommendations," explained one expat living in Australia.

What do I need to know before moving to Australia?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Australia, they said:

"It is ranked as the world's most livable city. Many expats travel the world and end up here," explained one expat living in Melbourne, Australia.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Australia?

"The sun, blue skies and the outdoor lifestyle. Having a pool. Growing tropical plants and fruits. Having parrots in neighbouring trees. Living in thongs," explained one expat living in Brisbane, Australia.

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BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.

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BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Australia?

"People's attitudes - very different to what I've been used to, and I still struggle. The majority of people in QLD have never left their state, let alone the country, yet it's regularly and loudly touted as the best country in the world. Immigrants are viewed with suspicion and there's a borderline aggressive nationalism. Image, money and coming first is everything, whatever anyone tells you about Aussie's laidback nature... Yep, I'm definitely still in the rejection of culture stage!," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Brisbane.

"One challenge that expats in Australia often face is the lack of familiarity with the local language; Australia has a unique way of speaking English, often incorporating slang and colloquialisms, which can seem difficult to absorb for many expats. Another challenge that expats often confront is the tendency of Australians to be very direct in conversations and to address each other in a casual manner; for some expats, this can come across as confrontational or unprofessional. Finally, it is common for expats to struggle with the ‘mateship’ culture in Australia; this concept of shared camaraderie means that Australians are more likely to rely on each other’s help and support, which can be a struggle for those not used to the culture," explained one person living in Australia.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Australia for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Australia for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a long-term visa or residency program depending on your circumstances. Some popular options include the Skilled Independent visa, a Student visa, or a Retirement Visa. You will also need to apply for a tax file number and, in some cases, an Australian Business Number. Depending on your visa type, you may also need to undergo a health examination, police check, and provide evidence of financial stability," explained one expat living in Australia.

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BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.

BlueCross BlueShield Global SolutionsBlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Australia?

We asked people in Australia if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"No I didn't. I'm not sure that is possible with Australians they are so laid back," remarked one member in Brisbane.

"It is important to respect Australia's cultural diversity. Respect Indigenous Australian culture by understanding the Stolen Generations, the history of land dispossession and the effects of colonisation. Avoid using condescending language such as 'mates' or 'g'day' to All Australians, as this might be perceived as patronising. Refrain from commenting on the accents of Australians. Similarly, respect social and cultural boundaries, such as only entering someone's home after being invited, and respecting the personal space of others. Finally, trying 'Australian' delicacies, such as Vegemite, kangaroo and emu, can be a great way to experience the culture," explained one expat living in Australia.

"Yeah...it's not bathroom it's dunny or toilet if out and about. Don't ask for a napkin or spaghetti with sauce..you'll get ketchup on your noodles. Always read the menu before ordering..a hamburger in the states has a little less on it then a hamburger in Australia...Beet root and fried egg are good..but not on a hamburger. Don't ask the Aussies why they have a Union jack on their flag. Don't mention the fact that the amount of flies in the air and the onse attacking your eyes, mouth, nose and ears in droves reminds you of hanging out at the back of a meat processing plant where they dump the body parts in an open trash can...er bin. Get used to not picking money up off the ground unless you yourself dropped it, otherwise God only knows where it has been and what it's landed in when it dropped," said one person in Alice Springs.

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BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.

BlueCross BlueShield Global SolutionsBlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
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What are healthcare services like in Australia?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Australia, they replied:

"Healthcare services in Australia are provided by both public and private providers. The public healthcare system is funded by the Australian government and is available to all Australian citizens and permanent residents. It provides access to a range of services, including hospital care, primary care, mental health services, and preventive health services. The quality of public healthcare in Australia is generally high, with a focus on providing quality care to all Australians. Foreign residents are also able to access the public healthcare system, although they may be required to pay for some services. Expats in Australia can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. They may also be able to access private healthcare services, depending on their visa status," explained one expat living in Australia.

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BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.

BlueCross BlueShield Global SolutionsBlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Australia?

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the laid-back lifestyle and friendly people in Australia. They also enjoy the country's diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and abundance of outdoor activities. Additionally, the country's strong economy and excellent healthcare system are attractive to many expats. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the cost of living in Australia to be quite high, as well as the distance from other countries. Additionally, the climate can be quite extreme in some parts of the country, with hot summers and cold winters," said one digital nomad in Australia.

"This city is a highly developed financial city with a high level of education, convenient transportation and a high quality of life.Healthcare and banking are well developed.Elegant environment, suitable for tourism," commented a person living in Melbourne, Australia.

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BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.

BlueCross BlueShield Global SolutionsBlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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