Immigration Tips: Americans Moving to Australia

There has been a record number of Americans showing interest moving to Australia, the recent survey shows that almost 5,000 Americans have relocated to Australia in 2010, which was a record number; job opportunity and family reunion are the 2 primary reasons.

However, many Americans do not have good grasp of the difference in Australia, and assume the lifestyle is almost identical in Australia, here are some tips for you to assess about moving to Australia, and also relating to settling in the new country.

1. Taxation System

The very first thing many Americans are shocked is the Australian taxation system. While the average salary is not bad in Australia, when they receive their first pay check, a large portion (30% to 40%) is deducted automatically, there is also a 10% compulsory superannuation (pension fund), which will be deducted from your pay-check. So, make sure when you negotiate your salary package, understand if it is before or after the superannuation, and also work out what is the net income after tax and decide if it is worthwhile for the relocation.

2. Healthcare

Many assume Australia is a complete free-healthcare system. The healthcare system (Medicare) is actually quite a myth in Australia. It does cover the basic doctor consultation visits (known as GPs); but it does not cover a lot of drugs, or any specialist visits, nor does it cover dental cares. You maybe surprised to know that most Australian families actually need private healthcare, and it is not cheap, for a family of 4, you will be looking between $300 to $400 a month for a good complete healthcare package. Some companies do offer healthcare as part of their package, which is highly recommended.

3. The Banking System

Unlike the US market where competition is everywhere especially in the financial services industry. Australia has a very tight banking system controlled by the 4 banks. As the result, there is very little choice, and there are various banking charges, this can add up to a significant cost over time. In addition, the interest rate is very high in Australia, you can have savings up to 6.5% per annum which is a great news, but not so for mortgage borrowers, which needs to pay close to 8% in mortgage.

4. Understand Different Government Charges

Another cost that is not known to many Americans are the government charges. In addition to the 10% GST incurred on everything in Australia; there are hundreds of government related charges '" stamp duty on property & mortgage is the biggest cost when comes to property purchase in Australia; there are also different government charges in utilities, car registration, car insurance, home insurance and others.

5. Driving

You need a car in Australia to get around; the public transportation system needs a major upgrade to service the overall population growth. Remember, Australia is driving on the other side of the road, which can be confusing for first time American visitors.

6. Weather & Climate

Australia is actually the driest place on Earth; its average humidity is even lower than that in Sahara. You may not feel that if you live in the coastal cities. However, summers can be very long, in some places, it can last for 7 to 8 months; there is generally just 2 seasons '" winters are short and mild and no snows.

7. Sports & Leisure Activities

For sports lovers from the US, you will not get much coverage at all. Australians do not play baseball, nor hockey or NFL, and they have a small basketball league called NBL, which is much smaller and less competitive than NBA. Their football is rugby or Aussie Rules, which are the 2 national sports for Australia; as well as cricket.

Overall, it is a nice place to live, but with much smaller economy-of-scale, Australia can be a very expensive place for some Americans; so it comes down to your salary / income level. Some Americans have been shocked by the living cost in Australia and leave 1 or 2 years afterwards, and travelling can be very expensive. If you are relocating from the US, try to negotiate travelling cost as part of the package.

Australia is relatively safer place if you choose the right area, crime rate is generally acceptable in most cities apart from the crime-areas; do your research by asking the locals and avoid these areas.

Relocation is a big life-time event, do a lot of research and participate in forums before making your final decision.