FAQ - About living in Australia

1. Why live in Australia? How do you compare to other countries?
2. What is the weather like? I've heard it's all sunshine and heat.
3. What wildlife am I likely to come across in Australia?
4. Who are the best mobile phone and fixed phone providers?
5. What is the procedure to rent a house?
6. How much will I pay in rent, bond etc?
7. Any hints for driving in Australia?
8. Can I drive with my existing driver's licence?
9. What must you do if you are involved in a car accident?
10. How does insurance work in Australia?
11. How do you get your power and other facilities connected?
12. What should you bring from your home country?
13. What are some hints to more quickly soak up the culture and learn English?

1. Why live in Australia? How do you compare to other countries?

   In a separate survey of 215 cities, research carried out by leading company Mercer found that Australian cities rate among the highest for quality of life with criteria including: political, social, economic and environmental factors, personal safety and health, education, transport and public services. Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane all feature within the top 25, ahead of cities like San Francisco, Paris, London and Montreal for all-round health, safety and good times.

   Back to top

2. What is the weather like? I've heard it's all sunshine and heat.

   Sunshine is certainly an attraction for many would-be settlers, though once again newcomers have unrealistic expectations of the weather. In fact, it is a land of extremes. Much of Australia is desert, so most people live on the coast. But more than a quarter of the coastline is in the tropics. It can be sweaty, hot and stormy. In the temperate zones where Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide are located, it can rain heavily for days on end.

   Back to top

3. What wildlife am I likely to come across in Australia?

   Australia has an amazingly diverse range of wildlife that naturally includes the koalas, kangaroos, wombats, kookaburras and dingoes that so many people associate with the country, not to mention those scarily big beasts - the crocodiles.

   Although Australia has many of the deadliest animals in the world including snakes, sharks and spiders you shouldn't come across the deadly varieties on a daily basis. Unless you visit the zoo, aquarium or run around in the outback you are unlikely ever to see them as, in most cases, they don't wish to be found.

   If you don't see them, you'll certainly hear such exotic birds as parrots, cockatoos and parakeets. They are in abundance, even in cities, all across the country, not to mention the fruit bats that live in the trees of national parks and gardens. You will also learn the familiar laugh of the Australian icon, the kookaburra.

   There are also over 300 species of shark in Australian waters. Most are not dangerous to humans; however, the fearsome great whites are present in some waters, but rest assured that shark nets are in use in many of the country's popular swimming beaches. Most shark attacks tend to occur at dawn or dusk, so it is advisable not to swim or surf during these periods.

   During the migration season whales can be spotted in key coastal areas throughout the country, as can turtles and seals.

   Kangaroos can be spotted in more rural areas where you are also likely to see wombats and possums.

   Back to top

4. Who are the best mobile phone and fixed phone providers?

   Many believe Telstra's Next G network gives you the best coverage if you want to travel around Australia. However it pays to shop around, as different providers offer different costs, services and products. Mobile phone providers in Australia include Telstra, Vodafone, Optus, Three and many more.

   Back to top

5. What is the procedure to rent a house?

   Most properties in Australian cities are rented through agents, whose main task is to vet prospective tenants. Always dress smartly when visiting properties or agents' offices in order to create a good impression. When registering with an agent, you need two forms of identification (e.g. driving licence and passport), written references from your employer and/or previous landlord, and character references. Agents usually contact all referees and may ask why you left your previous accommodation. If you have a pet, you may need a reference from your previous landlord stating that it was clean and well behaved, but animals aren't usually permitted in rented apartments. You must complete a registration form and should ensure that it's complete and correct in every detail, or you might jeopardise your chances.

   Single parents, students, the unemployed and young people have a tough time finding anywhere at an affordable rent and, if you're on a low income or are unemployed, you need to prove that you can pay the rent. If you pass muster, you may be given the keys to view a property in return for a $50 deposit and proof of identity.

   Back to top

6. How much will I pay in rent, bond etc?

   Rents depend on the region, city and neighbourhood. Rents are usually lower in rural rather than urban areas and, as a general rule, the further a property is from a large city or town, public transport or other facilities, the cheaper it is. Average rents tend to be highest in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin.

   Approximate weekly rents for unfurnished properties are shown below:

   • Studio/bedsitter | $140 - $200
   • 1-bedroom apartment | $150 - $275
   • 2-bedroom apartment | $200 - $400
   • 3-bedroom apartment | $275 - $500
   • 2-bedroom house | $225 - $500
   • 3-bedroom house | $325 - $650

   Fees and Bonds

   Most letting agencies and estate agents charge tenants a fee of two weeks' rent for a one-year lease and one week's rent for a six-month lease, which are the legal maximum fees. Usually, you're expected to pay one month's rent in advance, depending on the type of property and the rental agreement, plus a bond (see below) which is held against damages. Tenants must also pay a fee for the lease document, plus a deposit for electricity and gas. Beware of hidden extras such as a fee for connecting the electricity, gas or telephone (or a refundable deposit).

   When renting property in Australia, a bond (deposit) must be paid in advance. The maximum advance rent is generally two weeks or a month's rent, depending on the type of tenancy agreement and the state:

   • In New South Wales, the maximum rent advance is two weeks' rent, if the rent is less than AU$300 (US$233) a week; otherwise, four weeks.
   • In Queensland, the maximum is one month's rent for fixed term tenancies and two weeks' rent for periodic agreements.
   • In Tasmania, the maximum is one month's rent.
   • In Victoria, the maximum is one month in tenancies where the rent is less than AU$350 (US$272)/week.
   • In the Australian Capital Territory, the maximum rent advance is a month's rent.
   • In the Northern Territory, the maximum rent advance is one rental payment period.

   The tenant is in addition usually expected to pay a rental bond. Each state, except Tasmania, Western Australia and Northern Territory, has its own Rental Bonds office, and maximum rates for the rental bonds differ according to the rent, type of tenancy agreement and state where the tenancy takes effect.

   • In New South Wales, the maximum bond rate is quite complicated: four weeks for unfurnished premises, six weeks for furnished premises with rent of less than AU$250 (US$194) a week and an unlimited amount for furnished premises with weekly rents of more than AU$250 (US$194). Bonds must be lodged with the Renting Branch of the Office of Fair Trading.
   • In Queensland, the maximum bond is four weeks' rent, if the weekly rent is less than AU$500. For premises that charge a weekly rent that exceeds AU$500 an unlimited amount can be asked. Bonds must be lodged to the Residential Tenancies Authority.
   • In South Australia, bonds should not be more than four weeks' rent if the weekly rent is less than AU$250; otherwise, a landlord can ask six weeks' rent as bond. Security bonds must be paid to the Residential Tenancies Fund.
   • In Victoria, the maximum bond is four weeks' rent, for tenancies worth less than AU$350 (US$272)/ weekly. The Tribunal, upon application of the landlord, will determine the maximum bond for premises with weekly rent that exceeds AU$350. Bonds should be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bonds Authority.
   • In Western Australia, the maximum bond is four weeks' rent. In the Australian Capital Territory, the maximum bond is four weeks' rent. Bonds should be lodged with the Office of Rental Bonds. In the Northern Territory, the maximum bond is four weeks' rent.
   Back to top

7. Any hints for driving in Australia?

   Speed limits are 50-60 kilometres per hour (kph) in populated areas, and 100-110 kph on open roads - the equivalent of 31-37 and 62-68 mph, respectively. Differing speed limits are applicable in outback areas - refer to local signage for details. Speed limits in school areas are usually around 40 kph (25 mph). Seat belts are mandatory nationwide for drivers and all passengers.

8. Can I drive with my existing driver's licence?

   If you are a permanent resident visa holder and have a current driver's licence from another country, in English or with an official translation, you are allowed to drive for your first three months after arrival.

   After the three months, if you want to drive, you will need to have the appropriate driver's licence. This will usually require you to pass a knowledge test, a practical driving test, and an eyesight test. In Australia, drivers' licences are issued by state and territory governments. Refer to the below websites for further information:

   • New South Wales (NSW) See: Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA): http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/
   • Victoria (VIC) See: Vic roads: http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home
   • Queensland (QLD) See: Licensing and registration: http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/home/Licensing/Driver_licence/
   • South Australia (SA) See: Welcome to Transport SA: http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/index.asp
   • Western Australia (WA) See: Licensing services: http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/licensing/566.asp
   • Tasmania (TAS) See: Transport - TAS: http://www.transport.tas.gov.au/
   • Australian Capital Territory (ACT) See: Road transport information management: http://www.rego.act.gov.au/
   • Northern Territory (NT) See: Driver licensing: http://www.nt.gov.au/transport/mvr/

9. What must you do if you are involved in a car accident?

   It depends on how serious the accident is. For minor bumps you can normally just exchange insurance details with the other driver, and a couple of witnesses are good to help prove whose fault it was, in case someone tries to change their story later.

   For bigger crashes the police will be involved and if someone was hurt an investigation will take place so it will be out of your hands.

   If someone hits your car and drives off, if you or someone else got their number, then leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offence. They would be in big trouble, if caught.

   If you hit someone else's car and they were not present the correct thing would be, leave a contact name and number so that they can sort it out on their return, but this rarely happens, because panic sets in and you drive off.

   If police do not attend the accident, you should still report the accident to a police station. If in doubt, consult a general-use police phone line or visit a police station. Also consult your insurance company as soon as possible in order to have any claims processed as soon as possible. They may also cover any tow-truck costs incurred.

10. How does insurance work in Australia?

    In most cases you MUST have third party insurance on any car you own - this covers for any damage you may do to other people or property when driving - it does not cover you or your car. Other types of insurance such as first-party car insurance (covering you and your car), contents, property, and boat are all generally voluntary. If you are renting a property you will need to provide your own contents insurance in case of damage or theft, the landlord will not usually cover such things.

11. How do you get your power and other facilities connected?

    Generally each state in Australia is serviced by different companies when it comes to utilities such as electricity gas and water. In most cases you should be able to have the service recommenced upon making a phone application.

12. What should you bring from your home country?

    As touched on earlier, Australia is a nation of climate extremes therefore it is advisable to bring clothing suitable for cold, hot and medium temperatures.

13. What are some hints to more quickly soak up the culture and learn English?

    In order to avoid some of the problems you may encounter when adjusting to life in a new country, it is generally a good idea to buy the local newspaper, enroll in more advanced English classes, join a local worship/community/sports centre and make friends from a variety of backgrounds. You will more quickly understand how English is used locally especially since in different areas, you will find people speak different ie. slang.

If you have any more questions that you would like us to answer, please click here.