In 1606, Willem Janszoon became the first known European explorer to set foot on the continent of Australia. Later that year, the Spanish explorer Luis Vaz de Torres passed through the strait that would later bear his name. In the 17th century, nearly thirty other Dutch navigators traveled south to explore the coasts, naming the region New Holland.
Serious settlement efforts in Australia did not begin until 1770, when Lieutenant James Cook charted the eastern coast for Great Britain and submitted a report recommending the colonization of Botany Bay. Eventually, this region would become Sydney.
In 1788, the first British fleet to arrive in Australia established a penal colony in Botany Bay. Over the course of the next century, the British would establish several more colonies along the coast of Australia, while explorers ventured into the interior to discover what lay there. Agricultural opportunities and a gold rush would inevitably lead to prosperity in the future.
If you are contemplating a major life change, then you should consider the following pros and cons of living in Australia.
A Summary of the Benefits of Living in Australia
1 In Australia, you can enjoy a high standard of living.
Particularly if you settle in one of the cities on the eastern coast, the available wages in Australia are exceptionally high if you possess a specialized set of skills. Even with the lower value of the Australian dollar in comparison to other global currencies, it is not uncommon for immigrants to earn significantly more in Australia than they did in their home country. Add in the social protection programs and other financial safeguards that exist here, and you’ll find that it can be a very pleasant place to reside.
2 The Australian healthcare system is of superior quality.
Australia has one of the highest-quality and most-extensive healthcare systems in the world. Private and public institutions are available here, and the hospitals are equipped with cutting-edge technology. If your country offers a reciprocal healthcare agreement upon your arrival, you will be able to access the government-run expenses system so that your healthcare costs are manageable.
The average cost of public health insurance per individual is 2% of their income, which is withheld through payroll taxes. Private health insurance costs approximately $2,000 annually. About 1,300 hospitals and 5,000 pharmacies are included in the system.
3 Australia’s hospitality is typically warm and welcoming.
As the majority of Australians are hospitable, you need not fear the glares you might receive in other countries as an immigrant. There is a strong history of expatriates settling here dating back more than a century, so the only requirement is a willingness to embrace the local culture. If you are extended a hand in friendship, you are expected to return it. Even if you speak excellent English, it may take some time to learn the local slang, but you’ll find that it won’t be long before you feel like you belong.
4 The Australian educational system is world-class.
When you move to Australia, the public school options for your children are free through the 12th grade. Generally, the textbooks are also provided as part of the educational opportunity. In terms of effectiveness, the system currently ranks fourth in the world, above France, Switzerland, and the United States. Even though it can cost up to $40,000 per year to send a child to private school in this country, you can rest assured that the public school system will provide your family with an excellent education.
5 If you qualify, the citizenship process is relatively straightforward.
In order to pursue citizenship, you must become a permanent resident once you begin living in Australia. In comparison to other nations with a comparable standard of living, the procedures you must follow are more straightforward. You must demonstrate that you are proficient in English, and you must have resided in the United States for the past 48 months. Then, you must pay the fees, which are less than $500, and pass the citizenship exam.
6 There are numerous types of work visas available for application.
In lieu of a single work visa program, the Australian government provides multiple avenues for you to follow if you wish to begin living in the country. Although navigating the paperwork requirements can be difficult, this benefit makes it possible for almost anyone who wants to move here to do so. The skilled immigration route is typically the most lucrative, but you may also qualify for temporary, investment, and business visas.
You may also qualify for a family visa if you are married to, intend to marry, or have a “committed relationship” with an Australian permanent resident or citizen. This individual will serve as your sponsor for the next two years, supporting your housing and financial needs.
7 Numerous Australian cities are among the most livable in the world.
Many of Australia’s cities are ranked among the most livable places in the world, so you will have a variety of options to consider when deciding where to settle. Many of them host multiple sporting events throughout the year, and cycling and running are popular activities in areas with designated trails and lanes. Even though some of the smaller towns lack activity, living in Sydney or Melbourne will allow you to enjoy entertainment options comparable to those found throughout the world.
8 Australia’s beaches are fantastic.
It is difficult to top the experience you will have when visiting an Australian beach. Even those who have traveled the world agree that this country has the best beaches. Due to the fact that it is the world’s largest island nation, there are more than 10,000 different beaches to explore. Many of them are undeveloped, allowing you to experience the rustic, natural environment that has existed there for millennia. There are golden or white sands, clear waters, and an abundance of surf for water sports.
You will find that even the urban beaches in Australia are quite lovely. There is no better way to spend a hot summer day than in the cool waters that surround the country.
9 It is possible to explore the Outback.
Even though there are obstacles to overcome when traveling through Australia’s Outback, it is arguably the most pristine natural environment on the planet. It is a tranquil, gorgeous land whose unique landscapes can take your breath away. From the boab trees to the red dust, there are vast stretches of nothingness, expansive blue skies, and distinctive rock formations to observe. There is also the opportunity to investigate the indigenous culture that existed here for eons before European settlement. It is one of those locations that does an excellent job of penetrating the skin.
10 Australia’s animal life is unique in comparison to the rest of the world.
If you reside in the United States, then you may encounter a deer while driving. When you first begin living in Australia, you may encounter a kangaroo while driving. You can visit a koala sanctuary, meet some wombats, and don’t forget the Tasmanian devil! Except for opossums and wallabies, Australia is the only country in the world where you can almost always encounter marsupials.
Consequences of Living in Australia
1 The Australian legal system permits creditors to compel bankruptcy.
If you owe more than $5,000 in Australia and your creditors are unable to collect, they can force you to declare bankruptcy. During this court proceeding, you will lose a variety of assets to repay the debt you owe, including your home, land, antiques, luxury electronics, tax refunds, and funds in your bank account exceeding $1,000. There are also certain occupations that you cannot perform during the three-year bankruptcy period. There will even be restrictions on how much you can earn.
2 The Australian housing market can be difficult to navigate.
Since 2008, Australia’s housing market has been one of the hottest in the world, rising at one of the fastest rates of any country. This nation weathered the financial crisis without much difficulty, so the value of its economy never suffered as severely as in Europe and the United States. Even if you move to a rural area of the country, you may need to make a substantial investment to save for a down payment.
3 To qualify for a visa, you may need to pass a medical examination.
If you have tuberculosis, HIV, Hepatitis, or AIDS, you will not be able to immigrate to Australia via the skilled worker visa program. Additionally, you must be under 45 years old when you submit your application for this immigration opportunity. Children under the age of 11 are not required to undergo chest x-rays, but you must provide local doctors with your children’s immunization records before a visa is issued. Due to these requirements, pregnant women cannot typically finalize their visa application until after giving birth.
4 To reside in Australia, you must meet certain character requirements.
If you are contemplating a move to Australia, you must demonstrate “good character” as part of the visa requirements. If you decide to pursue skilled migration or become a temporary migrant, a professional will review five important considerations with you.
Your criminal history must be disclosed as part of the application.
You cannot associate with individuals who have engaged in or committed criminal acts.
A refusal to abandon criminal behaviors, attitudes, or choices.
Your general behavior must be exemplified by excellent moral choices.
Assessor determined there is a risk of stalking, harassment, or intimidation.
Australia defines a “substantial criminal record” as a sentence of one year or more in prison, two or more terms of imprisonment, or an acquittal due to a lack of mental capacity.
5 The cost of living in Australia is relatively expensive.
There are variables, such as the size of your family, that can affect your overall cost of living in Australia, but it will be higher than in the majority of other countries. When you move here, you may need to allocate approximately $600 per person, per week for all of your expenses. Even more so if you are relocating to Melbourne or Sydney. The rates are comparable to those in the United Kingdom or the United States, but this would result in an increase of more than 500% for an immigrant from India. You will need to investigate the various communities on the continent, including the more remote communities in the west, to determine if there are affordable options available.
6 The experience of living remotely in Australia can be difficult to manage.
Due to its unique geographical position, Australia is both a country and a continent, so there are no formal land borders to manage when you move here. There are a few countries that share a maritime border with the country, including New Zealand, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands, but there is a greater need to manage isolation here than in other parts of the world.
You will encounter this problem as a result of the vast distances between many Australian cities. Perth, which is located on the country’s western coast, is more than 1,000 miles away from the other major cities. There are time zone differences to manage, just as there are in the United States, but you must also consider their local time. You may be 17 hours ahead of your family members.
7 You might not be able to immediately obtain a mortgage in Australia.
Australia is one of the most difficult countries in the world to obtain a mortgage in order to purchase a home. If you are immigrating to this country, the standards for citizens become even more stringent for you. You must seek approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board as the initial step. Then you will need to locate a bank that will provide a lending product to a foreign investor, as the majority of the country’s largest banks will not.
If you are able to obtain a mortgage, you can anticipate an interest rate of up to 8%. The majority of lenders require an LTV of 70% or less, which means you’ll need a substantial down payment. For the first few years of your move to Australia, if you do not already have a substantial nest egg, renting is likely the best option to consider.
8 When traveling between states, you should anticipate flying to your destination.
Australia and the United States are roughly the same size when measured from coast to coast. Whereas a classic American road trip can be an enjoyable journey through a variety of cities and cultures, the interior of Australia is a vast wasteland. There is only one primary road that will take you from Darwin to Adelaide through the interior of the country, and there are only a few towns along the way that can provide you with supplies. If you wish to travel to Western Australia, you may choose to follow either the northern or southern coast, as there are no significant east-west roads.
This is why the majority of Australians choose to fly from one side of the country to the other. If you find yourself in a position where this course of action becomes necessary, your cost of living will increase significantly.
Verdict on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in Australia
There are numerous reasons to love living in Australia. The beaches in this country are spectacular, you will have access to a modern lifestyle, and the high standard of living can be quite alluring. It is one of the world’s most beautiful places to explore. If you already speak English, assimilating into their society won’t take long.
The primary challenges of living here are the time difference, the country’s geographic location, and possible interactions with local wildlife.
Many expats who weigh the advantages and disadvantages of living in Australia conclude that it is the best decision for themselves and their families. There is a strong likelihood that you will reach a similar conclusion after contemplating and applying these key points to your own life.
Topic: 18 Pros and Cons of Living in Australia
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