Comments on: Why Australia?: Financial Implications Of Our Move Overseas

By: Cynthia Daly

Cynthia Daly — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:55:30 +0000

I admire you and your spouse for doing exactly what you wanted to do at this point in your lives. You will have more than enough time to get back into the rat race if that is what you choose to do. I am inspired and enocuraged by this article. I have always thought about living outside of the US but allowed so many friends to discourage the thought. Please continue to keep us posted. I can live vicariously through you and your family during this joyous adventure.

By: 27 Last Minute Considerations Before Moving Across The World | Man Vs. Debt

27 Last Minute Considerations Before Moving Across The World | Man Vs. Debt — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:48:12 +0000

[...] Financial Implications On Your Budget - Depending on your destination, certain areas of your budget may need serious [...]

By: LizM

LizM — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:05:37 +0000

Good luck with the move.

Re: walkie talkies – have you considered just taking your existing cell phones (you will have to get used to them being called mobile phones by the way) to Australia and buying new SIM cards? You can buy a $30 sim card which includes $30 worth of calls from Vodafone. Other carriers probably have similar deals but whenever I have people come vist (I live in Sydney) from US & Canada (which is quite often as my hubby in Canadian) we just buy them an Australian SIM and they use their existing phone and Vodafone has always worked for me – though coverage in FNQ (far north Queensland) might not be as good as in Sydney.

Also, although to some extent things can be more expensive here (clothes, some groceries, etc) I actually find that a lot of other things are cheaper. For example, our sales tax (GST) (which is the same Australia-wide and is 10%) is included in every price so what you see on the ticket is what you pay. You also don’t have to tip for anything (you can in a restaurant or for a taxi if you really want to but it is in no way expected) which reduces some prices by 15%. The idea of tipping a hairdresser for example makes most Aussie’s laugh. As wages here are much higher (our minmum wage is $15.37/hour) one, you don’t need to tip and two, people can afford the higher prices.

In the end these things really add up and although I defintley find some things in North American much cheaper it is usually things that rely on purchasing power. i.e. white goods and electronics are going to be much cheaper because US/Canada can ship a product from China in quantities of 100s of millions due to the populations however Australia only has 20 million people so prices are bound to be higher as you are shipping a smaller quantity. But, fresh foods can often be cheaper as, because we have year round good weather we don’t have to import a lot of stuff. You’ll be enjoying lots of bananas, fresh seafood (if you eat it) and tropical fruits up in Cairns!

By: Sean

Sean — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:01:30 +0000

Awesome story guys. I found your site through a link on Chris Guillebeau’s page. I am looking forward to seeing how everything works out! I have thought fairly seriously about moving to Australia myself and trying to find a job at a resort in the Great Barrier Reef. We’ll see if I can actually make it happen, hopefully you’ll be able to teach me a thing or two about the process!

Sean

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:19:28 +0000

I might add:

The USD is going to get weaker against the AUD in the near term, if you can buy some AUD now, I think you ought to consider it.

Secondly, sunblock? Not in FNQ. I seem to be able to surf or bump around all day in QLD without sunscreen (except for zinc on my face) and I do not get burnt – atmosphere thicker?

In Melbourne, you get absolutely FRIED without sunscreen.

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:16:55 +0000

I live in Melbourne, and having visited the US a few times, I can tell you
a) petrol here is more expensive
b) food is cheaper, cleaner and way, way fresher

You’re going to lose your head over the seafood in Cairns, the fishing available and the fresh, fresh mangoes, avocados, bananas, macadamias…

My +1 and I are heading to FNQ soon, I’ll hit you up.

tim @ heresy

By: Kai Mikkelsen

Kai Mikkelsen — Fri, 22 May 2009 05:10:33 +0000

Congratulations on making such a big decision. Australia is an incredible place, and I’ve had the fortune of visiting 3 or so times. Cairns in particular was a favorite of mine, but I’ll admit to some bias; I’m a scuba diver, too.

I think you’ll love it.

By: Baker

Baker — Fri, 22 May 2009 01:58:29 +0000

Sean, sound awesome man! My wife is the very same way. I’m not sure we are ready for the language-barrier quite yet. I think we would like that process of learning and adapting, but we are using Australia as a test before we get too risky!

By: Baker

Baker — Fri, 22 May 2009 01:56:52 +0000

I’ve checked out that site, but have forgot about it. I think you told me about it before. I really need to head back over so thanks so much reminding me!

By: KeyOfGrey (Sean)

KeyOfGrey (Sean) — Thu, 21 May 2009 22:38:54 +0000

Hey Adam, great site with some great tips! Coincidentally, I'm planning the same sort of move-and-figure-it-out-when-we-get-there scenario with my partner but we're going to Osaka, Japan. I visited there over 10 years ago and loved it, and she loves submerging herself in new cultures. Funny enough, I'm at the "selling the car" part of your list, and that will hopefully clear out my debt. Tough times to be selling though... Good luck with your trip and I'll definitely keep following your posts. Cheers! KeyOfGrey (Sean)’s last blog post..oobject’s list of worst keytar videos