What Do I Need To Know About Moving To Sydney?

Looking to make the move in Sydney, Australia, but don't know where to start? Alternatively, perhaps you're hesitating because you want to know for sure if Sydney is the best place for you to live before accepting a job offer that could change your life forever.

You can count on us to take care of it!

This page is supposed to be a basic guide to Sydney, with all the relevant details (to make moving less of a stress-induced headache).

Sydney, as is well-known, is Australia's largest and most populated city, with an expected population of 4,926,000 by the year 2020 (about a third of whom will be foreign-born) (source: Macro trends).

Sydney is the state capital in New South Wales and consists of its massive 658 suburbs, 40 LGAs, and 15 contiguous districts (NSW).

Sydney maintains its annual prominence as the world's third-most-liveable city.

Manly, Bondi, Surry Hill, Newtown, and Crow Nest are a few of the best Sydney areas for expats, says Australia (also an expat who migrated to Australia). Domain can help you locate a reliable directory that meets your specific requirements.

The price of living around Sydney is sky-high, as it is in other major cities throughout the world, but it is still manageable and affordable with some careful budgeting and forethought.

Living In Sydney Abroad

Life in Sydney is quite simple to adapt to when compared to other major cities (especially if you come from a native English-speaking country). The mood is noticeably more laid-back than what most people from the United States, Great Britain, or Canada are used to experiencing, but other than that, there aren't many significant cultural differences to anticipate.

In general, the standard of rent in Sydney is significantly lower than in major international cities like New York, London, Paris, and Los Angeles. A good indicator of its general costliness is its consistent placement towards the top of rankings of the costliest expensive places to live abroad.

CBD stands for "central business district," which also happens to be the location of the majority of the country's jobs (Central Business District). The harbour is where the Sydney Waterfront and the Sydney Opera House are located. Almost no natives can afford to live in the central business district.

The approximate living costs in Sydney is wonderfully summarised in numerical form by International. If you're contemplating a move, don't forget to factor in things like utilities, cell plans, grocery cost, public transportation, and entertainment options.

We pay only $35 a month to Optus for an enormous 35 GB of data, and Yet scarcely use any of it, which is a huge savings over the prices That was used to in the United States. See what SIM-only phone plans Telstra, widely regarded as Sydney's best carrier, has to offer (for the highest price, of course).

Sydney has a well-deserved reputation for its exorbitant restaurant and bar tabs (although not nearly as bad as NYC or even LA). All prices in Australian Dollars (AUD) include tax and service charge, therefore be mindful of the exchange rate when making your purchase.

either habituated to the price increase or finding that, when converted to USD, groceries are actually cheaper here.

Most people would agree that eating out in Sydney is more expensive than they are used to, but discovered that it's actually cheaper than when You lived in Riverside County (although haven't lived there since 2013). You may discover both high-end and more affordable dining alternatives here, so it doesn't matter what your budget is like.

World Nomads is your best bet when it comes to international medical coverage (until you get things sorted out with your job and accommodation). Read this piece from Sydney Move Guide to learn about your other possibilities.

Visas And Other Documentation

Please check the Australian Government's Department of Ministry Of interior, Citisenship and Immigration website for the most up-to-date and accurate information on Australian visa requirements.

For the time being, due to the spread of COVID-19, Australia has suspended all visa application and processing times (shown below).

This is all just based on my own personal experience and not from any official sources.

Those who move to Sydney without first finding employment there will need a different set of documents and visas than those who do so.

A tourist Travel Document Authority (ETA) visa, which is electronically attached to your passports upon arrival, is required for most visitors to Australia for stays of up to ninety days in any given 180-day period.

Although the visa itself costs nothing, there is a $20 fee for the use of the government's online application system. Here you can research the visa requirements for your specific nation.

In contrast to other countries, Australia offers hundreds of different visa alternatives, including an extension tourist flow (which applied for and was granted earlier this year due to the pandemic).

You can't get a job if you're there on a tourist visa, though (or you can risk deportation). But since government is so stringent, I would not recommend coming here on a visitor visa in the hopes of landing a job "under the table." That which is acceptable in Southeast Asia is not appropriate in this region.

Other expatriates have received student and work visas once they arrive, but you should know that you'll have to do your homework if you want to get a job.

Most foreigners go to Australia on a Work Visa (Subclass 417), which is issued to young people between the ages of 18 and 30. It's the old one that lets you work and reside in Australia for a year (and occasionally more, depending on where you're from and if you're prepared to work on farms).

Visa criteria and expenses are different for each passport type; verify the specifics before applying.

Moving to Sydney was really easy and quick, especially when compared to my previous two countries of residence, Japan and Thailand (and there are no language barriers for you to stress about).

Job Search Advice

If you're looking for work in Sydney, either when you first get there or before you move there, We recommend taking use of the increased visibility of social media since my own transfer.

In addition to sites like SEEK and CareerOne, recruiters like Randstad, Bob Half, Michael Pages, Hays, and Adecco can help you land a job.

One such site is Sidekicker, which has been launched in conjunction with SEEK in response to the pandemic. It's a great resource for people looking for jobs in the public sector. The official government site also features job boards and information on working at Australia Post.

Make a Prezi show if you desire to be noticed. We drafted this in advance of leaving California, sent it via email and LinkedIn messages to acquaintances in Wellington, and learned a great deal about the labour market and available positions in the field.

If you're travelling to a foreign nation and starting from scratch, networking is more important than ever.

Sydney Public Transportation

While Melburnians are fond of riling up Sydneysiders about the city's public transport, we find it to be really straightforward.

Sydney's tap-to-pay system eliminates the need for cards; instead, you can simply link everything to your Apple or Google Music smartphone and scan while boarding or transferring trains.

Due to the fact that cash is always accepted at outdoor markets, this simplifies the process of making purchases (typically).

Regional trains between Sydney and other states (such as Melbourne and Brisbane) are also bookable, albeit they tend to be expensive and their schedules are subject to change.

Although the price of these tickets may be comparable to that of a domestic trip, travelling with Jetstar is typically the most cost-effective and time-efficient way to travel between states.

You should know as Sydney is a city that lends itself well to strolling. Sydney Harbour and the surrounding walkways are beautiful, but CBD looks like a lot cleaner New York City. Use this Meet event as a guide to plot out your walk from the Rocks to Glebe.

In addition, Uber is widely available, giving you the freedom to party well past curfew (when public transport services generally stop running).

Open to the general public in May of this year, the Sydney Metro is the largest transportation initiative ever undertaken in Australia. You just show up and ride; there are no schedules or human operators, and the trains are driven entirely by robots.

In the end, the addition of 31 new metro stations and over 66 kilometres of new metro rail to Sydney by 2024 will completely transform the city's transportation system.

Expat Living In Sydney

Overall, it's really easy and rewarding to live as just an expat in Sydney. It's a convenient way of life that's easy to adapt to for everyone, especially those for whom English is a first language.

Because of these factors, Australia is frequently cited as a top destination for international retirees. Don't let the sceptics' claims about the high living costs here stop you from following your heart; after all, you'll never know unless you do the necessary research and actually go.

Because everyone in Australia exudes a sense of relaxed cool, making friends is simple. Australians are kind and pleasant people who will go out of their way to assist you if you're genuine and grateful.

In spite of Sydney's status as Australia's most populous metropolis, the old adage about "working to live" rather than "living to work" still rings true. The work environment, for instance, is far more relaxed than everywhere else.

In comparison to other countries, considerable value is placed on mental health and the need for a healthy work-life balance (at least in my opinion).

Since Sydney is home to a sizable international community of expats, you can expect to make friends with people from all over the globe (perhaps not as diverse as Melbourne, but still up there).

Living in Sydney, or anywhere else in the world, can be an amazing adventure, but the quality of your time there depends entirely on you.

Things I Wish I Had Known Before Moving to Sydney

Do you feel like starting again in the land down under? If you're planning on relocating to Sydney, New South Wales, before you leave, check out our comprehensive moving to Sydney checklist.

Don't Skimp On The Sunscreen.

Summertime in Sydney is great because of the waves, the beach, the ocean, and the sunshine. Australia has a particularly low ozone layer, so even though you may be acclimated to some sun, you are at much greater danger of getting burned since more of the sun's harmful UV rays are reaching the ground.

Protect your skin by applying sunscreen daily and carrying a high-factor product that blocks both UVA and UVB rays with you at all time for touch-ups.

Choose A Beach.

How about you, are you a Bondi babe or a Manly ripper? Sydney is surrounded by MANY stunning beaches, some large and others small, some with great surf and others suitable for a leisurely dip, but a friendly rivalry has long simmered between two of the city's most famous beaches. Get to Bondi or Manly early so you may pick a favourite beach and weigh in on the heated argument.

Learn The Jargon

You'll quickly pick up that the locals in Sydney tend to shorten words and tack on a 'y' or 'o' to the end. Here are a few examples: the word for afternoon is shortened to "arvo," the word for barbeque is "barbie," and the word for flip-flops is shortened to "thongs."

Choosing A Residence

The younger parts of Sydney, such as Newton, Kingsford, and Enmore, tend to have lower rents and a more youthful atmosphere, making them ideal for students. You can find a room in a shared apartment using websites such Flatmates and Domain.

Winters in Sydney can be chilly, so you should search for a property with the double glazing and efficient heating. Remember that your college or university can also be a great resource for finding a place to stay.

Prepare To Fall In Love With Vegemite And Tim Tams.

Popularity has skyrocketed for Vegemite, an Australian savoury spread that, in my opinion, is inferior to the original British Marmite. If you want to fit in with the locals in Australia, you'll either have to learn to love Vegemite or master the art of changing the topic when the topic arises. Say something like, "Oh, Really would die for a Timmy Tam right now," to divert their attention with Australia's national chocolate biscuit.

Understand Your Healthcare Options.

Australians who are living there permanently are eligible to use the country's universal health care system, Medicaid, and visitors from certain countries are also permitted to use it temporarily. Overseas Health Center Cover (OSHC) insurance is mandatory for all students who are studying in Australia. This insurance will pay for things like doctor's visits, hospital stays, and medicines. Inquire about OSCH application support from your home institution when organising your study abroad programme.

How To Get Around

Various bus lines, a light rail system, a metro, and even a few boats make up Sydney's public transportation system. Travel planner apps like AnyTrip and Citymapper are just two of many available options. You can use a smart debit card or an Opal card, both of which are available at most newstands and convenience stores and can be loaded with money via a smartphone app. With an Opal card, you can save money on your fare.

Purchase A Local SIM Card.

Get an Australian Sim when you land to avoid expensive roaming fees and stay in touch with loved ones back home. SIM cards featuring 10GB of data are available from providers like OVO and Vodafone, while plans from Telstra include free or discounted international calls.

Jaywalking Is A (minor) Infraction.

There may be a fine if you cross the street somewhere other than a crosswalk or if you obstruct the flow of traffic. Prepare yourself to pay a hefty $75 fine if you're caught jaywalking across New South Wales.

Remember To Leave Sydney.

While the city itself can feel like a concrete jungle, there are plenty of options to escape the city and discover the natural beauty of New South Wales. You may drive or take the train to several destinations on the Illawarra Line that are located within in the Royal Nature Reserve and enjoy some fantastic bushwalking and coastline vistas.

Conclusion

Sydney is Australia's largest and most populated city, with an expected population of 4,926,000 by the year 2020 (about a third of whom will be foreign-born). The price of living in Sydney is sky-high, as it is in other major cities throughout the world, but it is still manageable and affordable with careful budgeting and forethought. Domain can help you locate a reliable directory that meets your specific requirements. Sydney has a well-deserved reputation for its exorbitant restaurant and bar tabs (although not nearly as bad as NYC or even LA). All prices in Australian Dollars (AUD) include tax and service charge, therefore be mindful of the exchange rate when making your purchase.

Optus is your best bet when it comes to international medical coverage (until you get things sorted out with your job and accommodation). Most foreigners go to Australia on a Work Visa (Subclass 417), which is issued to young people between the ages of 18 and 30. It's the old one that lets you work and reside in Australia for a year (and occasionally more, depending on where you're from). The official government site also features job boards and information on working at Australia Post. The Sydney Metro is the largest transportation initiative ever undertaken in Australia.

Uber is widely available, giving you the freedom to party well past curfew. Because everyone in Australia exudes a sense of relaxed cool, making friends is simple. The old adage about "working to live" rather than "living to work" still rings true. If you're relocating to Sydney, New South Wales, before you leave, check out our comprehensive moving to Sydney checklist. Australia has a particularly low ozone layer, so even though you may be acclimated to some sun, you are at much greater danger of getting burned.

The locals in Sydney tend to shorten words and tack on a 'y' or 'o' to the end. If you want to fit in with the locals in Australia, you'll have to learn to love Vegemite or master the art of changing the topic when the topic arises. Various bus lines, a light rail system, a metro, and even a few boats make up Sydney's public transportation system. Overseas Health Center Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all students who are studying in Australia.

Content Summary:

• Looking to make the move in Sydney, Australia, but don't know where to start?
• Alternatively, perhaps you're hesitating because you want to know for sure if Sydney is the best place for you to live before accepting a job offer that could change your life forever.
• Manly, Bondi, Surry Hill, Newtown, and Crow Nest are a few of the best Sydney areas for expats, says Australia (also an expat who migrated to Australia).
• Domain can help you locate a reliable directory that meets your specific requirements.
• The price of living around Sydney is sky-high, as it is in other major cities throughout the world, but it is still manageable and affordable with some careful budgeting and forethought.sydney2Living In Sydney Abroad Life in Sydney is quite simple to adapt to when compared to other major cities (especially if you come from a native English-speaking country).
• In general, the standard of rent in Sydney is significantly lower than in major international cities like New York, London, Paris, and Los Angeles.
• A good indicator of its general costliness is its consistent placement towards the top of rankings of the costliest expensive places to live abroad.
• We pay only $35 a month to Optus for an enormous 35 GB of data, and Yet scarcely use any of it, which is a huge savings over the prices That was used to in the United States.
• See what SIM-only phone plans Telstra, widely regarded as Sydney's best carrier, has to offer (for the highest price, of course).Sydney has a well-deserved reputation for its exorbitant restaurant and bar tabs (although not nearly as bad as NYC or even LA).
• All prices in Australian Dollars (AUD) include tax and service charge, therefore be mindful of the exchange rate when making your purchase.either habituated to the price increase or finding that, when converted to USD, groceries are actually cheaper here.
• Most people would agree that eating out in Sydney is more expensive than they are used to, but discovered that it's actually cheaper than when You lived in Riverside County (although haven't lived there since 2013).
• You may discover both high-end and more affordable dining alternatives here, so it doesn't matter what your budget is like.
• World Nomads is your best bet when it comes to international medical coverage (until you get things sorted out with your job and accommodation).
• Read this piece from Sydney Move Guide to learn about your other possibilities.
• Please check the Australian Government's Department of Ministry Of interior, Citisenship and Immigration website for the most up-to-date and accurate information on Australian visa requirements.
• For the time being, due to the spread of COVID-19, Australia has suspended all visa application and processing times (shown below).This is all just based on my own personal experience and not from any official sources.
• Those who move to Sydney without first finding employment there will need a different set of documents and visas than those who do so.
• A tourist Travel Document Authority (ETA) visa, which is electronically attached to your passports upon arrival, is required for most visitors to Australia for stays of up to ninety days in any given 180-day period.
• Although the visa itself costs nothing, there is a $20 fee for the use of the government's online application system.
• Here you can research the visa requirements for your specific nation.
• In contrast to other countries, Australia offers hundreds of different visa alternatives, including an extension tourist flow (which applied for and was granted earlier this year due to the pandemic).
• You can't get a job if you're there on a tourist visa, though (or you can risk deportation).
• But since the government is so stringent, I would not recommend coming here on a visitor visa in the hopes of landing a job "under the table."
• That which is acceptable in Southeast Asia is not appropriate in this region.
• Other expatriates have received student and work visas once they arrive, but you should know that you'll have to do your homework if you want to get a job.
• Most foreigners go to Australia on a Work Visa (Subclass 417), which is issued to young people between the ages of 18 and 30.
• It's the old one that lets you work and reside in Australia for a year (and occasionally more, depending on where you're from and if you're prepared to work on farms).Visa criteria and expenses are different for each passport type; verify the specifics before applying.
• Moving to Sydney was really easy and quick, especially when compared to my previous two countries of residence, Japan and Thailand (and there are no language barriers for you to stress about).moving to sydney Job Search Advice If you're looking for work in Sydney, either when you first get there or before you move there, We recommend taking use of the increased visibility of social media since my own transfer.
• One such site is Sidekicker, which has been launched in conjunction with SEEK in response to the pandemic.
• It's a great resource for people looking for jobs in the public sector.
• The official government site also features job boards and information on working at Australia Post.
• Make a Prezi show if you desire to be noticed.
• If you're travelling to a foreign nation and starting from scratch, networking is more important than ever.
• While Melburnians are fond of riling up Sydneysiders about the city's public transport, we find it to be really straightforward.
• Due to the fact that cash is always accepted at outdoor markets, this simplifies the process of making purchases (typically).Regional trains between Sydney and other states (such as Melbourne and Brisbane) are also bookable, albeit they tend to be expensive and their schedules are subject to change.
• Although the price of these tickets may be comparable to that of a domestic trip, travelling with Jetstar is typically the most cost-effective and time-efficient way to travel between states.
• You should know that Sydney is a city that lends itself well to strolling.
• Use this Meet event as a guide to plot out your walk from the Rocks to Glebe.
• In addition, Uber is widely available, giving you the freedom to party well past curfew (when public transport services generally stop running).Open to the general public in May of this year, the Sydney Metro is the largest transportation initiative ever undertaken in Australia.
• In the end, the addition of 31 new metro stations and over 66 kilometres of new metro rail to Sydney by 2024 will completely transform the city's transportation system.
• Expat Living In Sydney Overall, it's really easy and rewarding to live as just an expat in Sydney.
• It's a convenient way of life that's easy to adapt to for everyone, especially those for whom English is a first language.
• Because of these factors, Australia is frequently cited as a top destination for international retirees.
• Don't let the sceptics' claims about the high living costs here stop you from following your heart; after all, you'll never know unless you do the necessary research and actually go.
• Because everyone in Australia exudes a sense of relaxed cool, making friends is simple.
• Australians are kind and pleasant people who will go out of their way to assist you if you're genuine and grateful.
• In spite of Sydney's status as Australia's most populous metropolis, the old adage about "working to live" rather than "living to work" still rings true.
• The work environment, for instance, is far more relaxed than everywhere else.
• Since Sydney is home to a sizable international community of expats, you can expect to make friends with people from all over the globe (perhaps not as diverse as Melbourne, but still up there).Living in Sydney, or anywhere else in the world, can be an amazing adventure, but the quality of your time there depends entirely on you.moving to sydney (2) Things I Wish I Had Known Before Moving To Sydney Do you feel like starting again in the land down under?
• If you're planning on relocating to Sydney, New South Wales, before you leave, check out our comprehensive moving to Sydney checklist.
• Don't Skimp On The Sunscreen.
• Summertime in Sydney is great because of the waves, the beach, the ocean, and the sunshine.
• Protect your skin by applying sunscreen daily and carrying a high-factor product that blocks both UVA and UVB rays with you at all time for touch-ups.
• Choose A Beach.
• How about you, are you a Bondi babe or a Manly ripper?
• Get to Bondi or Manly early so you may pick a favourite beach and weigh in on the heated argument.
• Learn The Jargon You'll quickly pick up that the locals in Sydney tend to shorten words and tack on a 'y' or 'o' to the end.
• You can find a room in a shared apartment using websites such Flatmates and Domain.
• Prepare To Fall In Love With Vegemite And Tim Tams.
• If you want to fit in with the locals in Australia, you'll either have to learn to love Vegemite or master the art of changing the topic when the topic arises.
• Say something like, "Oh, Really would die for a Timmy Tam right now," to divert their attention with Australia's national chocolate biscuit.
• Understand Your Healthcare Options.
• Australians who are living there permanently are eligible to use the country's universal health care system, Medicaid, and visitors from certain countries are also permitted to use it temporarily.
• Overseas Health Center Cover (OSHC) insurance is mandatory for all students who are studying in Australia.
• This insurance will pay for things like doctor's visits, hospital stays, and medicines.
• Inquire about OSCH application support from your home institution when organising your study abroad programme.
• How To Get Around Various bus lines, a light rail system, a metro, and even a few boats makeup Sydney's public transportation system.
• You can use a smart debit card or an Opal card, both of which are available at most newsstands and convenience stores and can be loaded with money via a smartphone app.
• With an Opal card, you can save money on your fare.
• Purchase A Local SIM Card.
• Get an Australian Sim when you land to avoid expensive roaming fees and stay in touch with loved ones back home.
• Jaywalking Is A (minor) Infraction.
• Prepare yourself to pay a hefty $75 fine if you're caught jaywalking across New South Wales.
• Remember To Leave Sydney.