We're thinking about emigrating to Australia - what are the pros and cons?

Question

We're thinking about emigrating to Australia - what are the pros and cons?

Answer 1

Australia just like any other country has its pros and cons, im from Australia myself, born and raised, so i can base my answer to this question on my own personal experiences.

Pros:

* Australia is beautiful, the scenery is to die for.

* Any position you get employed in offers 4 weeks vacation per yr. and around 10 sick days. You almost always get paid overtime, you are acknowledged for the work you do, you also get paid double time, time and a half and triple time if you work beyond your scheduled hours and on public holidays. The rate of pay per job is competitive and the market is always there.

* Socialised medicine, you never pay a doctors bill in your life, regardless of your health problem. As long as you are entitled to medicare, which if you become a permanent resident and migrate to Australia, it is usually granted straight away once your visa is approved.

Cons:

* Each state you go to has a cost of living that varies, in Melbourne and Sydney for example the cost of living can be quite high, however other states arent so bad the cost of gas has skyrocketed.

* The real estate market is in a bit of a mess right now, rental properties are hard to come by, and buying a home has become almost unreachable.

* Be prepared for a lack of fast food restaurants as you guys have here in the states. :)

these are just a couple of the pros and cons, I hope i helped a little, you can also get more info on migrating to Aus by going to www.immi.gov.au cheers!

Answer 2

You don't mention where you are immigrating from.

So the only "con" I would suggest is that Australia is a d**n long distance from anywhere you care to nominate.  Even New Zealand is a three hour flight from the east coast.

It depends on your reasons for emigrating.

If you are from a war-torn country or an area of political unrest, then I'd suggest leaving your homeland is an option.

If you are approaching retirement age, and want to settle somewhere where the weather is better than your homeland, then (again) Australia may suit.

Whatever your reasons for moving to Australia though, just remember that the Land Downunder is isolated, and airfares are expensive.  So a quick duck home to see family for the weekend is not on the cards.

Answer 3

Medical:  If you are used to immediate medical treatment, then the Australian public health system is not that good.  We have waiting lists for many things.  Very similar to the UK.  Emergency treatment though I have found to be excellent.

Doctors Bills:  If you find a Bulk Billing Doctor, then you pay nothing, otherwise you pay about net $15- $20 a visit.

Dentists: You pay it all !  An average filling is about $250 for me.

Weather:  Fabulous

Food: Great

Driving:  so so.

Bottom Line:  It IS worth it, what are you waiting for... come on over :)