Before You Move to Australia

Before you pack up your things and move to Australia, there are a few things you should know and prepare for. Here are my Top Ten.

1. There are no solid stick or gel deoderants here. Everyone uses aerosol. Pack your favorite brand if this is important to you.

2. Tampons. Australians don't use applicators. It's gross. Some stores have started carrying the old carboard Tampax versions but they're almost just as bad. If you're particular (as I am), buy a lot of your favorite brand/type and take some with you. If you're smart, you'll also arrange to have some sent periodically (pun intended).

3. Brings lots of clothes. Clothes in Australia are super expensive (generally $120 for a dress shirt and $60 for cheap jeans) and if you come thinking you'll just buy new stuff, you'll be surprised at how little your paycheck buys you. And forget the same stores. There are hardly any American stores here. And keep in mind that Australian sizes are one size smaller than Americans (ie. an American 12 is an Australian 14).

4. In fact, just bring more money. Consider what you need and then double it. Don't ask questions. Just double it. You will need every extra penny. I promise.

5. Your dwelling: rent is paid weekly so if you think you're getting some super sweet deal because the ad for a 1 bedroom apartment said $350, think again. Over four weeks, that adds up to $1,400. This is why so many people decide to live in share houses (that's if you're single). Share houses here are strange because Australians will do whatever it takes to not share a room with anyone else. It's really quite common to have someone "rent" the livingroom--yeah, as in you share your bedroom with the rest of the house. An American friend of mine moved over here and intended to live with her friends but when they finally found a house, it was only three bedrooms. They decided to offer Colby the porch (though they assured her it was screened in). People here are desperate. Why not share? Who knows... Just a little warning though.

6. Tipping is not done in Australia which may seem like such a relief when you're broke but is quite a burden when you're not. Why is that? Because there is very little incentive to actually provide quality customer service if you get paid and treated the same no matter how rotten or fantastic you are.

7. Internet Service: prepare for a shock. Internet here is still purchased in metered quotas which means you purchase a data limit for each month. We pay for 50GB each month at $80 which is a lot. You can pay less like 25GB for $50 but you would be surprised at how fast you can go through that much data. Australia also has some of the slowest internet in the region which is much to their own shame. Fiber optic cable has not been laid in any orderly fashion and has largely been left to private companies to do themselves (which pretty much assures us all that it will never happen). You only choice is dial up or ADSL2 which you usually have to pay a line rental fee to the Empire (Telstra = Evil) in order to use. And Telstra will take their time in connecting you. Don't expect internet for at least 2 weeks. These are the Dark Ages.

8. As for mobile phones, you pay for each minute based on whether you call a land line or a mobile number (which are more expensive). Sometimes the cost per minute is almost nothing depending on the receiving number's service operator, but sometimes it can be as much as .25 cents per minute! It's quite silly and very confusing. There are no "pay for minutes" plans like in the US. In Australia, if you're on a plan contract with a service provided, you will confusingly pay something like $60 a month for $250 of credit but you will never know how much you've used up unless you go online to check your balance (which is never up to date). Pay as you go is not so bad but it still goes quick. At least you don't get stuck in two-year, abusive contracts... Prepare to meet the absolute most unhelpful customer service agents on earth.

9. Freecycle is one really good way to furnish your house or pick up little bits and pieces. One great thing about Australians is that they are generally very environmentally conscious and are quite happy to "recycle" their gently-loved items. We've so far acquired a couch, a rice cooker, a coffee pot, spare computer parts, rock climbing shoes (high quality), a GPS device, a travel Monopoly game, and a marble cheese slicer. It's seriously a good way to find those missing pieces because as I said, you'll need every last penny!

10. A recent study showed Australia has the world's highest food inflation. Food here is incredibly expensive and unless you plan on eating ramen each meal, budget for at least $200 a month per mouth (not including eating out money). And while we're talking about food, don't expect too many treats from home. While some American candies like Peanut Butter Cups and Hot Tamales are making their way into an increasing number of convenience stores, you won't find tortilla chips or Montreal Steak Seasoning in the store, though you will (thankfully) find Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in most Coles and Woollies and American mayo is making a splash here (Australian mayo is like pickled lard).