Relocation Guide: Australia Our guide to living and working overseas
Australia Overview
Australia is the world’s largest island and also the world’s smallest continent. The diversity in the landscape ranges from beautiful tropical rainforests to sandy desserts, rugged mountains, great beaches and unique Australian bushland. Famed for great weather, excellent quality of life and vast space, Australia is also multicultural and full of charisma.
Air Energi in Australia
Our Australian office was first established in 2003, in Perth, and was then followed by the Brisbane office in 2009. We have a small team based in Brisbane, supported by the Assignment Support team in Singapore.
Australia’s Largest Cities 1. Sydney New South Wales 2. Melbourne Victoria 3. Brisbane Queensland 4. Perth Western Australia 5. Adelaide South Australia 6. Gold Coast Queensland 7. Newcastle New South Wales 8. Canberra New South Wales 9. Wollongong New South Wales 10. Sunshine Coast Queensland
Oil and Gas in Australia
Australia is fast becoming a hotbed of oil and gas production. Key LNG projects support Australia’s strong gas production, export potential, world class regulatory structure and solid risk environment. Over US$80bn worth of LNG projects are scheduled for start up in the region over the next five years, ensuring that the region will become a major player. 1
Geography
Australia is one of the driest countries on Earth, however it is also very mountainous with beautiful rainforests and has a snowfield the size of Switzerland. Australia also has world-renowned beaches great for surfing, while the country is also rich in reminders of its prehistoric aboriginal art and Victorian colonial architecture. The majority of Australia’s population is settled along the coastlines including the eastern, southeastern and northwestern strips.
Climate
Due to the large span of Australia, the country has two climate zones, the tropical zone and temperate zone. The tropical zone is active in the northern part of Australia and provides two seasons summer, which is the humid wet seasons and winter which is dry and warm. The southern areas of Australia have a temperate zone which consists of the four seasons. As Australia is located in the southern hemisphere the seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere (USA, Europe). Summer - December to February, Autumn - March to May, Winter - June to August, Spring - September to November. Over the past decade, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia have been affected badly by drought.
Banking Information
Currently, the Australian banking sector is dominated by four major banks: Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, National Australia Bank and Westpac Banking Corporation. Banks are generally open 9.00am to 4pm Mon-Thu; 9:00am-5pm Fri. In some states selected banking facilities are available on Saturday morning. General office hours www.airenergi.com
including post offices are 9am-5pm, MonFri. ATM cards can be used in Australia at both ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) and at participating retail locations, so long as they have been enabled for international access. Your ATM card must carry either the CIRRUS, PLUS or STAR international ATM mark or the Interlink or Maestro POS mark. Travellers should contact their bank at home for information on availability and service charges.
Credit Cards
The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates. Use may be restricted in smaller towns and country areas and small retail shops. Australian currency is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents equals one dollar).
Accommodation
Migrants to Australia will typically rent a house for 6 or 12 months while they get settled and then most will buy or build their own house. The process of building a new house is something that most migrants will not have been through before, but in Australia, a land of rapid population growth, it is common. If you have permanent residency, then you can buy an existing house or buy land and build a new house without any further authorisation. Comfortable apartments in Australia are available as well as long term one bedroom or two bedroom apartments in Australia. It is common for expats in Australia to start the relocation by staying a few months or more in a short term furnished flat.
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Where to Settle
Northern Territory (NT)
The Northern Territory is 1.4 million km2 of wild beauty and still carries the marks of an asteroid that hit the earth 300,000 years ago. Near the state capital, Darwin, is the 5 million acre World Heritage Kakadu National Park, famed for its unique bird life, rugged beauty and aboriginal art.
Western Australia (WA)
The state of Western Australia covers the whole of the western third of the country. It has one of the most diverse climates in Australia – from grasslands to English countryside settings, to coastlines with the scenic tranquillity of Pacific islands. Rich mineral and petroleum resources drive the state’s economic growth, evident in the prosperity and lifestyle of the capital city of Perth.
South Australia (SA)
South Australia, situated in the central, southern part of the country, is famous for its wines, beaches and stunning national parks. With 4000km of sunny coastline, and the famed vineyards of Barossa Valley, South Australia creates a Mediterranean charm.
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria, located in the southeast corner of Australia, is a melting pot of cultural diversity, with as many as 175 languages spoken. With almost 90% of residents living in cities and towns, Victoria is Australia’s most urbanised state.
Tasmania (TAS)
Island state Tasmania is a living museum of ancient aboriginal art and early European settlements. Tasmania has a relatively unspoiled natural environment and is famed for the sprawling wilderness of this World Heritage Area.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
ACT is a self-governing inland territory located inside New South Wales and is home to the Australian capital city, Canberra. Canberra, designed by American architect Walter Burley Griffin, is a city of circles and rectangles, wide streets and boulevards.
New South Wales (NSW)
The eastern state of NSW is home to mountains, beaches, islands, national parks and the largest population of all the Australian states. Its biggest city, Sydney, is famous for the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Bondi Beach.
Queensland (QLD)
For the adventurous, there is no better place for fishing, diving and snorkeling. Located in the northeast of Australia, and home to the Gold Coast and Brisbane, Queensland is a popular tourist destination.
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Cost of Living * This is an approximate guide only
Typical costs for a family of 4 living in Australia:
Per Week
Mortgage / bills $585 Food $250 Takeaways, eating out $100 Healthcare $54
2. Refrain from gardening
The Sydney funnelweb is notoriously aggressive and is often found in garages, backyards and near swimming pools, as they are attracted to water.
3. In the event of a spider bite
Food & Drink
Get to an emergency room as soon as possible. It is crucial to identify the spider, so ensure you can describe it or take the (preferably dead!) spider with you in a plastic bag, so that the medical facility which treats you administer the correct anti-venom. Some bites can make you really ill or in some cases kill at an alarming speed.
National Specialties
Snakes
Australia’s cuisine is rich in influence from its aboriginal past, making it possible to try foods that you will not encounter anywhere else in the world. Recently restaurants have made greater use of indigenous foods, for example kangaroo, emu and crocodile. Aboriginal food has yet to become widespread in restaurants, but if you fancy something a little more adventurous, witchetty grubs and bogong moths (roasted in a fire and eaten like a peanut), are not for the faint-hearted!
Beer and Wine
Australia used to be considered a beer drinking culture, however its’ vineyards have become increasingly more revered in the last decade. Across Australia you can visit vineyards that grow most varieties. Beer is still probably the beverage of choice for a lot of Australians, probably due to its cooling properties. Nowhere more than the Northern Territory, where a few renowned breweries are based. Alcoholic drinks are not sold in supermarkets (at least not in WA) - they are generally sold in “bottle shops”, which may be attached to a pub/hotel or may be a separate shop. Some of the supermarket chains do have bottle-shops as a side-line, located near the main store.
Etiquette
Suits are usually worn by office workers in Sydney and Melbourne. Brisbane office workers may wear shirts, ties and shorts; visitors should wear lightweight suits for the initial meeting. Prior appointments necessary. Punctuality is important. A great deal of business is conducted over drinks. Best months for business travel are March to November.
Poisonous Insects
Australia is famed for its unique flora and fauna, including dangerous insects, however you need not panic, so long as you know how avoid them. Funnelweb, Redback and Whitetail spiders: As a visitor, you will find it hard to distinguish these insects, so it is perhaps best to avoid spiders altogether.
1. Check shoes and socks
Spiders may attempt to go indoors when the ground is wet and hide in shoes and socks, so put on footwear only when you’re sure it’s free of them. Check bedding and towels before use. www.airenergi.com
Snakes are rare in the city areas, but if you do come across one of Australias’ many species of snake, the saying is: ‘Say G’day and walk away’. Despite the fact that a lot of venemous snakes exist out here, an average of only one person a year dies from a snake bite.
Flies & Mosquitoes
Flies can be a nuisance, hence the famous Australian cork hats. Most homes have fly screens so you can leave a door or window open but keep flies and other bugs from coming into the house. It is a good idea to use insect repellents on your skin, screen your sleeping areas and, if socialising outdoors after dusk, cover your skin where possible. Permethrin room odorisers and sprays on clothes and bed-nets will also help to keep mosqitoes at bay.
Airlines
The three main airline companies offering flights around Australia are: Qantas Airlines, Virgin Blue, Jetstar and Regional Express (REX). Qantas offer flights to a large number of towns and cities in all states and territories within Australia. Virgin Blue and Jetstar are budget airlines, offering flights to a number of cities in every state and territory within Australia. Rex is the largest independent regional airline in Australia, providing flights within New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.
Area: 7,686,850 sq km Population: 21.2 million Population Density: 2.8 per sq km. Capital: Canberra Language: Primarily English Religion: 42% Christian Currency: Australian Dollar (AUS$) Oil exports: 2.225 million bbl/day Gas exports: 107.3 billion cu/m
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Public transport
Trains connect most places around Australia, although they don’t offer as extensive a service as Greyhound buses.
Driving in Australia
The best way to explore is to hire or buy your own vehicle. Australia is well serviced with car rental and car hire services. There are hundreds located across the country. As a general rule, you are able to drive in Australia, as a visitor on your existing driving licence for a maximum of three months after arrival in Australia. However specific rules do vary across each state. Due to the vast size of Australia and the large driving distances, you must bear in mind that travel between places may take a lot longer than you expect. It may not look far on a map, but be assured that it is. However, considering its size Australia offers a very good transport network covering most places.
Healthcare
In Australia, the health care system has two main parts, there is the public health care system which is called Medicare and there is a private system which consists of a network of privately owned and operated hospitals, medical centres and health care providers, the cost of which can be partly covered by private health insurance.
Medicare
Medicare is the national healthcare system for Australian residents, and migrants. Under
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Medicare, patients can be treated at a public hospital at no charge, and also have access to subsidised treatment by doctors and other health professionals. The length of time you have to wait for public hospital treatment will depend on the urgency of your condition. It is also important to know that Medicare does not provide dental treatments, optical items or unnecessary ambulance transport.
Meet and Greet
Private Healthcare
Working in Australia
There are a number of privately run hospital facilities in Australia, However costs can be expensive. A few days in hospital for routine treatment can add up to thousands of dollars in doctors fees. With private health insurance you can be covered for a range of everyday health services such as dental, physiotherapy, optical and medically necessary ambulance services, and generally waiting lists are shorter.
Vaccinations
There are no vaccinations required for Australia, although it is recommended that you update your Tetanus and Polio jabs and yellow fever jabs.
Once in Australia, we will invite you to meet with us to discuss any questions and queries you may have. Our goal is to ensure that your transition is a smooth and happy one. Once you feel a little more settled, we will assist you with setting up an bank account, organising full time accommodation and helping you fit into the local expat community.
Once you have received an offer of employment from our client, our Assignment Support Team will generate a contract between yourself and Air Energi. As we are an agency, you will be entering into a business to business relationship with us and would be providing your services to our end client. in addition to your initial contract, we would also help you with enquiries on rate increases, and any other concerns or questions you may have.
Emergency Numbers
The national telephone number for all emergency services in Australia including Ambulance / Fire / Police 000
Logistic Support
Prior to your start date, we will be in regular touch with you to advise on the status of your visa, obtain documentation required, and to generally see how you getting on with your impending move.
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Tra vel Tips Be prepared
Generally, overseas travellers are more likely to be injured through unintentional injuries than to be struck down by exotic infectious diseases. In fact, accidents and traffic collisions are the most frequent cause of death among travellers, so ensure you have good insurance and if you are hiring a vehicle, ensure it is in good working order.
Copy your documents
In the unfortunate event of your luggage going missing, or your passport / wallet is stolen or lost, it is a good idea to have copies that can help you with re-issues. Take 2 colour photocopies each of your passport, plus visa stamps and documents, driving licence, important prescriptions or other ID documents. Make 2 sets of the documents and keep these copies separate from your main luggage, preferably in 2 separate bags. It is also a good idea to copy scanned or phtocopied documents to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home knows how to access it in case of an emergency.
Vaccinations
Check with your medical practitioner on what vaccines are required before your travel. Due to your medical history, you may require more than one dose, or you may need boosters for childhood vaccines. Check the latest travel advice and travel bulletins for your destination before you depart, and also while travelling, so you can ensure you have the latest information. Common diseases contracted by travellers include those which are the result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or not practising safe sex, plus a number of mosquito or tick-borne diseases endemic to tropical areas. Be sure to take measures to avoid being bitten such as wearing light-coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs, regularly applying an appropriate insect repellent and staying in mosquito-proof accommodation or using bed nets.
Taking medicines with you Book a checkup at your doctor or dentist, before you leave. If you wear glasses or contacts lenses, bring an extra pair of glasses and your prescription. Persons taking prescription medications should make sure they have an adequate supply for the trip, and/or bring their prescription, making sure it includes the medication trade name, manufacturer’s name, generic name, and dosage. Please also be aware that certain medicines are forbidden in Dubai, such as Codeine. Please check that any medication you are taking is legal and if you are unsure please contact us and we will check for you. Prepare a simple medical kit of over-the© Air Energi 2013
counter medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, antiseptic, diarrhoea medication), bandaids, thermometer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. When travelling overseas with medicine, (including over-the-counter or private prescription) it is important that you talk to your doctor and discuss the amount of medicine you will need to take. Carry a letter from your doctor detailing what the medicine is, how much you will be taking, and stating that it is for your own personal use. Leave the medicine in its original packaging so it is clearly labelled with your own name and dosage instructions. If you have to inject your medication, inform your airline before you travel and, if necessary, arrange a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to carry them.
Your health on long-haul flights
Keep important medication with you in case your luggage goes missing. To help avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT): drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and whilst seated, stretch and rotate your feet and lower legs. Walking around the cabin at regular intervals will help.
Scuba Divers
If you have been scuba diving, don’t travel in an aircraft for at least 24 hours after your final dive.
Coping with Jetlag
Factor the effects of jet lag into your itinerary. In order to cope with Jetlag you should get a good deal of sleep before your journey. It is also important to rest as much as possible during your flight. Planning to arrive at your destination as near to the time when you normally go to sleep will also help with the adjustment. If you are able to plan your itinerary allow time on arrival for adjustment or plan meetings at similar times to back home. Some people advise changing their watches to destination time when they get onto the plane. While this helps many people, for those who are on regular medication, such as diabetics, watches should remain on home time until you are able to adjust your medication to local times on arrival at your destination or as suggested by your health advisor. On arrival at your destination get active as soon as possible, as exercise has been proven to improve productivity. Adjust your meals and activities to local time as soon as you can. Exposure to light is also a good way of naturally allowing your body to adjust. If you need to take a short nap, do, it will help refresh you, but don’t forget to use an alarm clock or wake up call to get you up!
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Lost Luggage
If you happen to lose your baggage on arrival at your destination airport, tell the airline immediately and get suitable compensation. Agree on an amount you can spend on essential items that you will need and give them an address to deliver the luggage to when they find it. It is wise to make a copy of your passport details and any other important papers or vaccination certificates that you are carrying with you when you travel. Leave them in a safe place in the office or copy to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home either a partner or friend knows how to access it in case of an emergency. You will need photo identification even for air travel within the UK.
Personal Safety
Be aware of your surroundings at all times; thieves will use many tricks to distract you - wiping something off your shoulder while an accomplice is picking your pocket, getting young children to surround you while they plan to rob your belongings. Trust your instincts, especially when visiting countries where a high poverty rate comes along with high petty crime rates. When not attending meetings, try to blend in with the crowd when out and about - try not to look like a visitor! When enjoying the local nightlife, guard your food/drinks and keep your wits about you. Beware of the fact that you will be an easy target after a few too many drinks. Avoid walking home to your hotel late at night, even if it is close by. Get a taxi. Don’t take shortcuts through poorly lit areas, it pays to trust your instincts in these situations. Keep your wits about you when making new friends - men and women may come across very friendly indeed if you are the route to an easier life. Be careful of telling people where you live.
Unsafe Water - What to do
If travelling to more remote areas with poor sanitation - only drink boiled water, hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, canned or bottled carbonated beverages, beer, and wine. Ice may be made from unsafe water and should be avoided. It is safer to drink from a can or bottle of beverage than to drink from a container that was not known to be clean and dry. However, water on the surface of a beverage can or bottle may also be contaminated. Therefore, the area of a can or bottle that will touch the mouth should be wiped clean and dry.
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Frequently asked questions Do I need a visa to enter Australia? Yes we will make these arrangements for you in advance and keep you informed at all times. Can I take my family with me? You will need to apply for a residence permit. Again, we can assist you with this. Do I need a local bank account? Most banks offer a ‘migrant account’ while in the UK. You can transfer funds to it for your arrival. It is also useful when obtaining a driving license, or credit. Will I need a medical? You may be asked to complete a medical examination for the client you are working for, before you go. Will you provide medical insurance? No, you will need a personal medical insurance scheme, but we will help you where possible to set this up.
Contacts Brisbane Office Air Consulting Australia Pty Ltd Level 4 Riverquarter Building 46 Edward Street BRISBANE QLD 6000 +61 7 3056 0900 Perth Office Air Energi Level 6 218 St Georges Terrace PERTH WA 6000 +61 8 6140 2480
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