Considering a move to Australia, need some insight.

[NolimitZ32]

Ok, I can deal with no buttermilk biscuits not a biscuit man myself lol, games aren't big for me either so that's all good. Main thing I'm worried about is the cost of living especially considering that the job I am looking at right now will be 3 weeks on / 1 week off every month which means that maintaining a constant residence would be a complete waste. I have looked at the cost of the cars there and could deal with what I have seen the R32/33/34s go for but once again that's looking farther into the future because I believe that if I get the job I am going for I'll spend the first few years traveling all over on my time off and won't need a vehicle. Nali, if you don't mind could you tell me what industry you work in, how much (time per week) you work, and if you don't mind whereabouts in the range your salary is (PM me on this one if you don't feel comfortable sharing in the open). Also what do you do about US expat taxes, I have done a bit of research and talked to my accountant about the expat taxes but would still like to have your input. Thanks.

[Jesda]

Like the UK, malls and many shops close at 5pm. Gas past 9pm is scarce. Everything just seems to close early for some weird reason.

[NolimitZ32]

Like the UK, malls and many shops close at 5pm. Gas past 9pm is scarce. Everything just seems to close early for some weird reason.

Even in the big cities? If that's so it will definitely take some getting used to.

[Mrs_Ozzie]

There are plenty of 24 hour servos around the place, particularly in capitals.

Your cost of living is going to be quite high in WA in general. All around the mine sites are particularly steep in price. But if you are fly in fly out you may find some cheaper places in Perth or Fremantle. You might also want to look for a share house since you are only going to be there for a week out of every month anyway!

On your predicted salary you should be able to live comfortably over here. I myself am about to make a move from close to a capital to outback Australia... lots of red dirt. But I suppose you have to go where the money is! It was a good excuse to buy my Nissan Patrol I also wanted a Surf, but I didn't want an auto, and there was 1 manual one in the country at the time.

Not EVERYTHING is trying to kill you over here, and spiders are kinda a good thing, because they help with eating the 10 billion freaking flies! Just don't lift any tree bark, don't turn over flat rocks in summer (Brownies love to hide under there), and don't walk through long grass in summer. Simple!

Lastly, you should def start an Aussie slang thread. I hear that "Cracker" and "Root" mean VERY different things to an American. If you can get your hands on a movie called "The Castle", this would be a great place to start. Good luck with the big decisions ahead! You'll love the laid back lifestyle here.

[themadscientist]

Australia is on a very short list of countries I would entertain living in. With the supposed move of a large contingent of American military from Okinawa to "down under" and me wrapping up my IT degree the possibility is there. I have some concerns.

I worry that my Japanese wife would experience some discrimination down there which would really burn me up. What's the prevailing attitude down there to asian expats? I'm fine, I've lived for close to twenty years in a country that hates me and blames us gaijin for everything.

I hear the gun laws are absolutely draconian. I don't need to carry, but I would like to be able to take my arsenal to the range from time to time and kill paper.

I'd love to visit at least. I've met a few Aussies and at least one new Zealander and while different in subtle ways they all had the same straight-talking good old boy vibe I like, shirt off their back types.

[Mrs_Ozzie]

The answer to your guns question is easy.... no hand guns (Unless you are a police officer or military). There are some restrictions on rifles still, but it is possible to get them for recreational hunting (Rabbits, wild goats etc) and of course if you have a property for farming.

As for your question regarding your wifes heritage, there must be close to 2 million asian decendants in Australia currently. They make up a large number of our skilled employees. She will certainly not be limited to any particular jobs. I honestly don't believe that she would be subject to any form of discrimination here.

I guess you'll just have to have a visit and see how you like it

[Ozzie]

Like the UK, malls and many shops close at 5pm. Gas past 9pm is scarce. Everything just seems to close early for some weird reason.

Gas stations tend to be open 24 hours, and trading hours for stores are gradually getting stretched out.
(Local K-mart is open until 10, every night of the week)
You can have a hand gun, but you can't carry it on the streets while you go about your usual daily business.
You have to join a gun club, get a license, and be able to prove that you store the gun(s) in a safe, or similar fortified storage unit.

You guys can move here, but it's expected that I keep my self-imposed title of "Nico's favorite Aussie", k?

[themadscientist]

Won't be swinging down that way anytime soon. I haven't got a brass razoo.

[NolimitZ32]

Ozzie, I wouldn't dream of taking on that title plus I think "Nico's favorite geo-political mutt" is more up my alley (Born in USSR, moved to Texas at age of 8, now at 26 trying to get my butt down under). BTW I did use those sites you posted and I was actually pretty surprised at how cheap one can find housing for in the suburbs but then was told but one of my interviewers that it's "socially uncommon" for people who work in the city and are "cultured" to live in the suburbs. Well good news for me because it absolutely does not bother me what others think of my situation and considering I live with some of the worst traffic on planet earth daily I won't at all mind driving 20 miles a day to work in the city (if I don't get fly in/ fly out job) also a friend of mine just interviewed with the same company and may very well end up getting on the same project or at least in the same area so BAM share housing solved! I've always lived in big cities but enjoy getting out to the country so very much looking forward to it. Looks like Barrows Island is where my fate shall take me soon enough

[nissangirl74]

Congratulations!

[NolimitZ32]

Anyone know what goes into importing a vehicle into Oz? I may be allotted a cargo container for my belongings with this move, well the only belongings I will really bother with taking across the 7 seas are my clothes, my awesome freaking bed, my tools and my 2 vehicles. So I've done some research and unless I'm mistaken I'm looking at a tariff of something around 48% of the car's value (which will be more than I paid for them here) since the market for imports is so bloated.

[Ozzie]

Importing a vehicle you have personally owned for over a year is subject to a different system.
I'm not 100% sure, but you may NOT have to pay that tariff.
Start here: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/ ... ports.aspx

Look up all you can about personal/private vehicle importing.

Also, the interviewer who basically told you that living in the suburbs labels you as uncultured, is a pretentious douche, and probably stupid. The reason I say this, is because about 75% of the Australian population lives in the suburbs of a city, not IN the city.

[themadscientist]

Also, the interviewer who basically told you that living in the suburbs labels you as uncultured, is a pretentious douche, and probably stupid. The reason I say this, is because about 75% of the Australian population lives in the suburbs of a city, not IN the city.

Sounds like America.

[NolimitZ32]

Importing a vehicle you have personally owned for over a year is subject to a different system.
I'm not 100% sure, but you may NOT have to pay that tariff.
Start here: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/ ... ports.aspx

Look up all you can about personal/private vehicle importing.

Also, the interviewer who basically told you that living in the suburbs labels you as uncultured, is a pretentious douche, and probably stupid. The reason I say this, is because about 75% of the Australian population lives in the suburbs of a city, not IN the city.

Ozzie, thanks for all the help man, if I can by any means I will be bringing at least my Z32 with me. As for the interviewer being a pretentious douche, I wouldn't go that far but he was an expat Brit

EDIT: Upon further reading looks like my vehicles will have to stay here until I decide what to do with them because the LHD/RHD law is what will screw me.

[NolimitZ32]

Got a second interview, with the manager of the oil & gas division of Big Australian Company, things are looking good, looks like Perth is the destination if everything goes well with the second round.

[nissangirl74]

Good luck!

[themadscientist]

Perth. That must be close to the mint!

[Ozzie]

Sounds like it's going well! Good Luck!

[NolimitZ32]

Thanks everyone, I'm very excited to see what comes of this, already started looking at rental properties on the beach

[NolimitZ32]

Well, I had my 2nd round interview, now waiting for the third, they didn't freak out and say no when I told them what I had in mind for a salary so I guess that means I still have a chance. More updates as they develop.

[NolimitZ32]

Last phase now, background check through US embassy and visa process, looks like you will all soon be able to call me Dorthy cause I'll be going to the magical land of Oz.

[nissangirl74]

Last phase now, background check through US embassy and visa process, looks like you will all soon be able to call me Dorthy cause I'll be going to the magical land of Oz.

Congratulations!!!

[NolimitZ32]

Got my contract today, will be signing and sending off this week, the package is awesome. Ozzie you better look out because NICO's resident Crazy-a** Russian Texan is heading your way

[300ZXttZMAN]

Got my contract today, will be signing and sending off this week, the package is awesome. Ozzie you better look out because NICO's resident Crazy-a** Russian Texan is heading your way

Congrads dude!

Going away party date???

[NolimitZ32]

Thanks Mark, I'll post the date and location for the going away party as soon as something is planned. Everyone is welcome.

[300ZXttZMAN]

Thanks Mark, I'll post the date and location for the going away party as soon as something is planned. Everyone is welcome.

Awesome.

Hopefully I'll be free though - Its getting to that point of the year when salvage auction mania begins. (thats what I like to call it)

[NolimitZ32]

Hey lots of auctions in Houston, can always call it a business expense lol

[Ozzie]

[300ZXttZMAN]

Hey lots of auctions in Houston, can always call it a business expense lol

Hehe ^.

I should be able to come as long as one the local parish auctions aren't happening on the same day.

[NolimitZ32]

Employment - Confirmed
Visa - Received
Departure - Oct. 4th or 11th
I am freaking ecstatic and scared and nervous and anxious and I don't even know what else, but alas; Perth here I come!