Living in Australia, hints and tips from one expat to another

Essential hints and tips for anyone considering living in Australia

By Caroline Robinson

What is it really like, living in Australia?

“The best decision I have ever made”

I relocated from Yorkshire to Sydney back in 2012, having never been to Australia and not knowing anyone in Sydney… some would call it a hasty decision, I would call it the best decision I have ever made.

Thinking about my time in Australia I have come up with some essential hints and tips for anyone considering living in Australia.

Creepy Crawlies

Let’s get straight to it – I am terrified of spiders and anything with more than 4 legs, luckily there are measures that can be taken (and I took them all).

Mortein spray is an essential bug spray for any home.
You can get your home sprayed by a specialist once or twice a year which stops any creepy crawlies (you can even get your car sprayed if you wish).
Fly screens – on EVERY door and window are essential and most homes have them / are easy to install.

Christmas in summer?!

Yes, it is true you, will be having Christmas day in the height of summer, if you’re like me, you can be cooking a roast in 30 degrees + heat (thankful for air-con). Most people like to start the day meeting friends/family for sunrise at the beach grab a coffee and then have a BBQ, lots of fresh sea food, kick back and relax (Santa hats are obligatory).

Most places reduce hours or shut down over Christmas as this is also the kid’s school summer holidays, and it’s a lovely time of year to switch off and enjoy the stunning Australian lifestyle.

However, don’t despair the Aussie’s have created a winter alternative for all us expats, called “Christmas in July” so that we can have another Christmas celebration in winter. Pubs and restaurants will get the decorations out and will offer Christmas menus and everyone gets together does a secret Santa, dusts off the Christmas hats, puts their winter clothes on, and gets lost in the festivities.

Coffee anyone?

Once you have had Australian coffee you can’t go back… there I said it! And anyone who has been to Australia will tell you the same.

Home comforts? Fear not!

The Australian supermarkets, such as Coles and Woolworths have international isles where you will find Bistro Gravy, Paxo Stuffing, Teabags, Pot Noodles, and much more. There are also specialist international stores where you can get all your home comforts including English chocolate. Bad news guys… the chocolate in Australia tastes different, so you will be hunting down that English chocolate before you know it!

Let’s talk about the food

The food in Australia is incredible, there is no other way to describe it. Whether you want a burger, sushi, seafood, or Asian food, you will have so many choices. All the food is so fresh and delicious, you will soon forget about any home comfort food. I am always happy to give recommendations and talk about food!

Tipping in Australia?

Most restaurants in Sydney will add the service charge onto the bill so you will want to check for that, also hospitality staff do not rely on their tips like in America, so it’s purely preference as to whether you want to tip. However, unless I had a terrible experience, I would always tip between 10-15% of the bill.

Would I do it again?

In a heartbeat.

The pleasure of meeting friends for sunrise down the beach, coastal walks, or sitting having brunch watching Whales or Dolphins; will far out way any fears. I can’t stress enough how it never gets old being able to see these sites and always makes you feel lucky to live in such an incredible place.

It’s a different way of life, one that accommodates an outdoors, social lifestyle, excellent for families, singles, or friends making the move.

There is so much to see on your doorstep. Each state is so different. From beautiful cities, stunning beaches, and lovely countrysides offering excellent wineries/hikes, rainforests, the outback… there is something for everyone.