A British man living in Australia has shared his top tips to ensure a smooth move for those looking to relocate Down Under.
Ross Johnston emigrated to Queensland with his wife, Sam, and their two young children in 2020 during the pandemic, and has declared the move has ‘changed their lives’ for the better.
The father-of-two has since set up a YouTube channel, That Johnston Life, where he regularly shares the highs and lows of their new journey in Australia with his 26K subscribers.
In a video uploaded in 2023, Ross issued advice to Brits looking to follow in his footsteps and make the big move to Oz, highlighting seven helpful tips to ensure a seamless transition to Aussie life.
From visas, to tipping, to the staggering cost of groceries, Ross talked through the socioeconomic and cultural differences between the UK and Australia, whist offering suggestions on how to navigate any potential problems.
Read on to discover Ross’ seven need-to-know tips before moving Down Under.
Ross Johnston emigrated to Queensland with his wife, Sam, and their two young children in 2020 during the pandemic, and has declared the move has ‘changed their lives’ for the better
Cost of living
While the cost of living is often a hot topic in the UK, it’s also a significant consideration in Australia.
In the video, Ross warned of rising grocery costs, out-of-season produce, and increasing rent and utility bills.
However, there is some good news for meat-lovers – chicken prices have remained stable.
Ross advised doing thorough research before making any purchases, whether big or small, as it’s easy to fall into the trap of paying over the odds when settling into a new country.
Visas
Ross stressed the importance of ensuring that you’re eligible for the appropriate visa before moving to Australia.
He suggested using professional migration services to guide you through the process and help you secure the correct documentation.
This will ensure you avoid the risk of having your visa revoked later on.
Ross stressed the importance of ensuring that you’re eligible for the appropriate visa before moving to Australia (stock image)
Medicare
Australia offers a universal healthcare system called Medicare, which covers essential and urgent hospital treatments at no cost to residents.
However, it doesn’t cover everything. New arrivals may need to take out private health insurance to cover additional medical expenses.
Similar to the NHS, Ross highlighted the benefit of ‘bulk-billing’ doctors, who bill Medicare directly for services rather than the patient.
Weather
While Australia is known for its golden beaches and sunny climate, the weather can be unpredictable.
Winters can be surprisingly cold, and the scorching summer temperatures can lead to dangerous wildfires.
Ross advised future residents to be prepared for extreme conditions and to invest in good-quality sunscreen to avoid painful sunburn.
While Australia is known for its golden beaches and sunny climate, the weather can be unpredictable (stock image)
Tipping
Good news for those used to the pressure of tipping in other countries, such as the United States, as Australia has a much different approach.
Ross reassured potential expats that tipping is not expected or necessary in restaurants and bars.
In fact, Australian workers in the hospitality industry are paid enough not to rely on tips, unlike in countries such as the U.S.
Public holidays
Public holidays in Australia work similarly to the UK, with many businesses closing for the day.
However, there’s a twist – some businesses will also apply a surcharge for their services on these dates.
It’s essential to check local holiday schedules and plan accordingly to avoid unexpected charges or closures.
Fees
As a new resident in Australia, it’s likely you’ll face a variety of additional fees.
For instance, some banks charge for maintaining an account, and certain retailers may charge a fee for card payments instead of cash.
Interestingly, even the way you use your card matters – using your card by tapping it rather than inserting it could save you a few extra dollars.
