I went in 2009 when it was 2:1 as well. Prices in £ are a LOT higher now than they were then. Don't forget inflation on top of exchange rate fluctuations, plus I'd imagine some tax hikes on alcohol. The change in exchange rate has been much more marked than between the pound and dollar for example. Unless there is a drastic change in exchange rates I can't see myself going on holiday there again for the forseeable future.
Jobs in Australia
- Thread starter dominatrix1
- Start date
I went in 2009 when it was 2:1 as well. Prices in £ are a LOT higher now than they were then. Don't forget inflation on top of exchange rate fluctuations, plus I'd imagine some tax hikes on alcohol. The change in exchange rate has been much more marked than between the pound and dollar for example. Unless there is a drastic change in exchange rates I can't see myself going on holiday there again for the forseeable future.
Caporegime
Australia used to be a cheap prospect for Poms back in the ways when you could get $2.40 for £1.00. But it's not so easy now. Even with an exchange rate of 1.6:1, a lot of British immigrants simply can't do it. Some will come out here, struggle for a few months and limp back home. IMHO it's not worth the effort.
Pro tip: if you're relying a currency change to make the move affordable, you can't afford to move. Simple as that.
It's free. We have a national health service (Medicare).
Covered by Medicare and the PBS, which Brits are eligible for via our reciprocal agreement. Why would you pay $200 for a course of antibiotics?
Pro tip: if you're relying a currency change to make the move affordable, you can't afford to move. Simple as that.
It's free. We have a national health service (Medicare).
Covered by Medicare and the PBS, which Brits are eligible for via our reciprocal agreement. Why would you pay $200 for a course of antibiotics?
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Associate
Lol:
"Don't move to Oz, because computer games are a bit more pricey out there and they don't have as much blood/swearing in".
Moving swiftly on....
I am currently in the process of applying for engineering jobs in Oz, but I am < 30 and have 6 yrs experience with chartered engineer status, so it should be a bit easier at my stage in my career than how you might find it.
If you want to do it, do it. Worst that can happen is you don't like it/can't afford it and you have to come home, which at your age is hardly a big deal. However; you only get 1 WHV, so use it wisely.
People like to beal about how much it costs, but in real terms it's not so bad. Would you rather sit and wait here, playing computer games with a bit more blood in and maybe some pixelly t*t whilst the economy festers, or would you rather be skint on the beach?
General rule: for 6 months *travelling* out there, have at least £5-6k (not inc. flights) saved up or you are shafted.
Soldato
I looked into this a few years back, and would love to go but they are a Country that actually tests people before they allow them in unlike the UK, which I suppose is a good thing. As a family of 4 the odds are stacked against me so looks like I am staying in the UK.
Caporegime
You're talking ********.
Associate
Yes it's expensive, but you can still live cheaply if you shop smart!
For example wine is reasonably priced, I typically pay about $7 (4 quid) for a nice bottle of red or white - and the wine here can be excellent!
For your fruit and veg, just like the UK if you go to a proper market rather than a supermarket you'll pay less than 1/2 the price.
Meat is probably a little more expensive - depending on the type - Kangaroo for example is cheap cheap cheap, and when marinated properly is actually very nice!
Petrol is cheaper, although if your motor needs 95 octane or diesel then it's only slightly cheaper.
All types of insurance are about the same, utilities are about the same, car tax (rego) is more expensive.
Medical costs are pretty insignificant - the Medicare system covers a large proportion of the costs, according to a pommy friend who has moved over here as a GP you get a lot less "time wasting" appointments because of the small charge.
No TV License Fee - although I kind of wish they had that if it would improve the quality of TV!
Mobile & Internet costs are probably more expensive, not sure what the going rate is in the UK nowadays
Overall I would say our standard of living is far better than the UK, in large part to the weather allowing much greater range of activities. It's not for everyone and it's very difficult being away from friends and family but I believe we're doing the right thing for the time being.
For example wine is reasonably priced, I typically pay about $7 (4 quid) for a nice bottle of red or white - and the wine here can be excellent!
For your fruit and veg, just like the UK if you go to a proper market rather than a supermarket you'll pay less than 1/2 the price.
Meat is probably a little more expensive - depending on the type - Kangaroo for example is cheap cheap cheap, and when marinated properly is actually very nice!
Petrol is cheaper, although if your motor needs 95 octane or diesel then it's only slightly cheaper.
All types of insurance are about the same, utilities are about the same, car tax (rego) is more expensive.
Medical costs are pretty insignificant - the Medicare system covers a large proportion of the costs, according to a pommy friend who has moved over here as a GP you get a lot less "time wasting" appointments because of the small charge.
No TV License Fee - although I kind of wish they had that if it would improve the quality of TV!
Mobile & Internet costs are probably more expensive, not sure what the going rate is in the UK nowadays
Overall I would say our standard of living is far better than the UK, in large part to the weather allowing much greater range of activities. It's not for everyone and it's very difficult being away from friends and family but I believe we're doing the right thing for the time being.
My brother and his wife have moved there and my wife wants us to go but I'm 32 and they don't get what I actually do as a job.
I'm a Chartered Surveyor specialising in valuation and they seem to think I'm an estate agent so unless I can get a job here with a company that has offices in Australia I've no chance.
I'm a Chartered Surveyor specialising in valuation and they seem to think I'm an estate agent so unless I can get a job here with a company that has offices in Australia I've no chance.
Associate
Just a little bump to this thread.
For anyone seriously looking at employment in Australia there are some events happening in the UK at the end of this month. Strangely it appears to be invitation only apart from Ireland.
Department of Immigration
Northern Territory
For anyone seriously looking at employment in Australia there are some events happening in the UK at the end of this month. Strangely it appears to be invitation only apart from Ireland.
Department of Immigration
Northern Territory
Associate
[FnG]magnolia;21068557 said:
I work in the IT Department at the local Hospital. We full under NHS South Central.
Just wanted to say thanks for your reply! Informative and helpful
Looking into degrees... I have a teaching qualification that I can top-up to a degree if I wanted to. More research required!
Associate
It seems my trade as vehicle refinisher/painter was removed from the SOL last year,gutted
Associate
good luck fella ! , my cousin lives in sydney and shes invited us over ,my aunt just got back from staying with her for a month,maybe one day soon i'll get over there aswell,was hoping at looking into a job out there but my trade has been taken off the SOL
Is the list renewed annually ?
Associate
I leave April 1st on a Perm Resident visa taking the missus and baby on it, so will be taking 2 months off to travel then start working. Heading to Sydney first as i have family there.
Associate
The under 26 or is it 30 "young persons working holiday visa" is a great means of checking out Gods Own Country. Prior to setting out check out some excellent Oz films "The Castle" set in Melbourne is a prime example. Oz has enough meaningless/joke degree holders of it's own without the need to import any. Check out the list of wanted occupations. It is very easy and ridiculously cheap to ring/Skype any prospective employers - and of course come down on them with Google.
Don't forget that McDonalds have free wifi which can be used with your Android mobile/netbook (speaking of my poysonal preferences) so you can make free calls back "home" or come to that anywhere else! Standards tend to be higher in Oz than the UK. For example a brickie from the UK would not generally last a day working for me in Sydney and that alas goes for other areas too. To succeed in anything in life all you have to do is try and be just that little bit better than the competion and never give up. For most people living in the UK life in Oz is like living in paradise - the main pain coming from the distance from family back in the UK.
If anyone does come to OZ take out Oz citizenship. Then if ever you find a sudden urge to return to the UK you will be able to return - which is what so many people find their ultimate aim to be.
The Uk is now fast becoming a foreign country to it indigenous population going to OZ and New Zealnd for some, is like going back home.
Don't forget that McDonalds have free wifi which can be used with your Android mobile/netbook (speaking of my poysonal preferences) so you can make free calls back "home" or come to that anywhere else! Standards tend to be higher in Oz than the UK. For example a brickie from the UK would not generally last a day working for me in Sydney and that alas goes for other areas too. To succeed in anything in life all you have to do is try and be just that little bit better than the competion and never give up. For most people living in the UK life in Oz is like living in paradise - the main pain coming from the distance from family back in the UK.
If anyone does come to OZ take out Oz citizenship. Then if ever you find a sudden urge to return to the UK you will be able to return - which is what so many people find their ultimate aim to be.
The Uk is now fast becoming a foreign country to it indigenous population going to OZ and New Zealnd for some, is like going back home.
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Associate
The next change to the SOL list will be this June as they are totally changing the process to apply for visas.
Associate
Thats good to know,thanks