Australia has a long history of welcoming UK arrivals with open arms ― and with well over a million UK nationals currently living in Australia, you’ll have no trouble feeling right at home.1
Whether you’re taking a gap year, setting out on a working holiday, or looking to create a permanent home down under, here’s what you need to know to get settled in.
Australia’s strong economy and laid-back lifestyle make it an attractive destination for working holidaymakers from the UK. And Australia isn't just for backpackers. There are a range of visa options for employer-sponsored workers with in-demand skills, as well as for students, family and business immigrants.
To find out more, check out the Department of Home Affairs website.
Whether you’re planning to rent or buy, Australia has home options to suit everybody – from charming cottages in remote beachside towns to luxury apartments in bustling city centres.
As in the UK, housing prices vary greatly between cities and regions. Housing costs in Sydney now rival those in London, with median home prices typically more than double Hobart’s.
You can get a head start on your accommodation by doing some research online with popular property websites. Then, when you’ve narrowed down your search, we can help you further with a free, customised Property Report on your chosen location or property.
Whether you’re a student, backpacker or skilled migrant, Australia has plenty of job opportunities on offer. You’ll need to check your visa for any restrictions on the type and amount of work you can do in Australia.
It’s easy to start your job search online before you arrive. There are websites that cater for skilled workers, and a variety of job boards and specialist sites geared towards backpackers. Learn more about finding a job in Australia.
Depending on where you choose to live, Australia’s cost of living can be even higher than the UK’s2, so it’s good to be prepared.
The Australian government’s Study in Australia site has a useful overview of typical living costs, along with financial requirements for student visas. You can also use our handy foreign exchange calculator to find out how much you need in UK Sterling at today’s exchange rates.
In general, the Australian Government recommends new immigrants arrive in Australia with at least AU$5,000 to support themselves while they settle in.3
Fortunately, our International Premier and Retail Banking team can help you move your banking to Australia and answer any questions you might have. You can also open an Australian bank account online up to 14 days before you arrive in Australia.
Things you should know
1 Australian Bureau of Statistics, Migration Australia, 2015
2 CoreLogic RP Data, Hedonic Home Value Index, February 2016
3 Deutsche Bank Research, The Random Walk, Mapping the World's Prices, April 2015
This article is intended to provide general information of an educational nature only. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as financial product advice. As this information has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should, before acting on this, consider the appropriateness to your circumstances.
