Considering a move to Australia, need some insight.

[NolimitZ32]

I know this isn't the best place to ask but because of the lifestyle I want to lead includes spending egregious amounts of money on vehicles I figured this would be a good start. I have a meeting and interview session with some Australian employers in 2 weeks, I am looking to relocate to Australia and looking for a position in Industrial (or perhaps commercial) Construction Management (this is what I do today here in Houston currently). So I wanted to ask those that have or do presently live in Australia about what are some of the things I should really be aware of, I have done some research and it seems that the cost of living is higher mainly due to property values so I am trying to figure out what income I would need to maintain my lifestyle. I don't know what part of the country I would be moving to, this is still up in the air so I'd love to hear from anyone that knows. This is a serious thing so please please please if you don't KNOW don't chime in, I don't need to hear well this is what I hear or I once read blah blah blah. If you have first hand experience or have close friends/family there I'd love to hear what you have to say. Thanks.

[300ZXttZMAN]

Well it will be very interesting to say the least. I will be slightly upset if you move cause I look forward to meeting you as well as all of the rest of the houstonites...

One thing I see right off the bat is you going to the salvage yards to scout out some goodies to see what all they have. Then I can forward you a hefty sum of money so that then you go back the salvage yards ship back some JDM goodies (*cough* JSPEC tails) for me!

I wonder if the ladies like guys that don't have the accent just because its something they aren't very used to???

Ozzie should know the answer to that ^ as well alot of your other questions.

[NolimitZ32]

Those thoughts all already crossed my mind. I just think it will be a cool experience if only for a few years.

[300ZXttZMAN]

Those thoughts all already crossed my mind. I just think it will be a cool experience if only for a few years.

Yea should be a great experience. Plus its not like you wouldn't ever come back state side..

Looking forward to see what Ozzie has to say.

[Ozzie]

I know this isn't the best place to ask but because of the lifestyle I want to lead includes spending egregious amounts of money on vehicles I figured this would be a good start. I have a meeting and interview session with some Australian employers in 2 weeks, I am looking to relocate to Australia and looking for a position in Industrial (or perhaps commercial) Construction Management (this is what I do today here in Houston currently). So I wanted to ask those that have or do presently live in Australia about what are some of the things I should really be aware of, I have done some research and it seems that the cost of living is higher mainly due to property values so I am trying to figure out what income I would need to maintain my lifestyle. I don't know what part of the country I would be moving to, this is still up in the air so I'd love to hear from anyone that knows. This is a serious thing so please please please if you don't KNOW don't chime in, I don't need to hear well this is what I hear or I once read blah blah blah. If you have first hand experience or have close friends/family there I'd love to hear what you have to say. Thanks.

First of all, cost of living varies by quite a bit from state to state, so your available spending money would change considerably based on this.
Not to be nosy, but perhaps if you could PM me the specified salary of the employer, I could give you an idea of how comfortable you could be?
I'm sure wherever you go, you will like it, but differences to note....

- You have to drive on the other side of the road.
- Cherry Pepsi is very hard to find, and when you can find it, it's expensive.
- You can't buy beer from a servo (short for service station, or gas station to you)
- ^ Which brings up another point, you have to learn a totally different language....segway story to follow.

No word of a lie. At Carlisle last year, I was inspecting a car to allow it on to the race track.
Even though I was speaking slowly, in a clear, loud voice, in what I thought was english to the owner, his response to every statement I made was "Huh?". I had to call over Bud (Cold_Zero) to translate for me. True story.

- You never have to worry about tipping. The price on the menu is all you have to pay.
- You don't have to worry about calculating tax on everything, the price on the shelf is the price you pay at the register.
- The weather is pretty good.
- If you are single, and half-way decent looking, you could certainly pick up a few girls with your Texan accent alone.
- The beaches are awesome, all around the country.
- The big downer..... just about everything is more expensive.
- If you are working here, and paying taxes to the Australian Government, you will be eligible for Medicare (FREE health care).
- People are typically friendly and generous here.

I strongly suggest you come here for a (2 week minimum) vacation, so you can see for yourself, experience it all, and decide if you could handle working here for a couple of years.... or more?
It's not the same as me explaining it to you.
You can read up everything you want on the net about Australia, but to experience it for yourself is a different thing. (That's how I feel about the US anyway)

For an idea on property prices, look here: http://www.realestate.com.au/rent
Cars: http://www.carsales.com.au/
More extended and boring "About Oz" : http://www.dfat.gov.au/facts/people_culture.html

Hope some of that helps you.
Also, we'll get you one of these, to help you fit in.

[Jesda]

I USE MY SCROTUM DAILY


....my roo scrotum too.

[NolimitZ32]

First of all, cost of living varies by quite a bit from state to state, so your available spending money would change considerably based on this.

Likely will be moving to Perth or some where surrounding because I do Industrial Construction & unless I am given a VERY generous offer I'm not going into commercial.

Not to be nosy, but perhaps if you could PM me the specified salary of the employer, I could give you an idea of how comfortable you could be?

Cant tell you because I haven't received an offer yet but I am expecting something in the high 5 - low 6 figures

I'm sure wherever you go, you will like it, but differences to note....

- You have to drive on the other side of the road. - Not a problem
- Cherry Pepsi is very hard to find, and when you can find it, it's expensive. - Bummer I really like Cherry Pepsi
- You can't buy beer from a servo (short for service station, or gas station to you) - Not a huge issue as lately I have basically stopped drinking all together, trying to live a healthy lifestyle (aka my body can't take any more)
- ^ Which brings up another point, you have to learn a totally different language....segway story to follow. - I was born in Russia and have traveled a lot of the world and have no problem understanding the broken "English" that immigrants from Vietnam and Pakistan speak so I'm sure Aussie English will be no problem.

No word of a lie. At Carlisle last year, I was inspecting a car to allow it on to the race track.
Even though I was speaking slowly, in a clear, loud voice, in what I thought was english to the owner, his response to every statement I made was "Huh?". I had to call over Bud (Cold_Zero) to translate for me. True story.

- You never have to worry about tipping. The price on the menu is all you have to pay. - Sucks for the waitstaff I'm a generous tipper
- You don't have to worry about calculating tax on everything, the price on the shelf is the price you pay at the register. - Whatever makes life easier!
- The weather is pretty good. - Anything is better than 100% humidity and 110*F+ Summers
- If you are single, and half-way decent looking, you could certainly pick up a few girls with your Texan accent alone. - So I've heard
- The beaches are awesome, all around the country. - Good cause I surf and windsurf, this is a huge deal maker for me.
- The big downer..... just about everything is more expensive. - No kidding, just looking at those sites you provided I can't believe a 89 auto 4cyl 4Runner is like 3 times what it cost here in Texas. YAOOZA!
- If you are working here, and paying taxes to the Australian Government, you will be eligible for Medicare (FREE health care). this is a big plus even though my medical is not very expensive right-now it's still nice to have my taxes pay for some of it.
- People are typically friendly and generous here. - So I've heard but then I'm used to southern hospitality and am quite outgoing and friendly myself

I strongly suggest you come here for a (2 week minimum) vacation, so you can see for yourself, experience it all, and decide if you could handle working here for a couple of years.... or more?
It's not the same as me explaining it to you.
You can read up everything you want on the net about Australia, but to experience it for yourself is a different thing. (That's how I feel about the US anyway) - I wish I could afford the vacation but I just don't have the resources, plus I am 26 and single so I figure taking a leap of faith won't be too detrimental to me, if I like it great, if not oh well I can always come back to the states.

Hope some of that helps you.
Also, we'll get you one of these, to help you fit in.

I MUST acquire one, NOW!

I really appreciate your input Ozzie.

[Dattebayo]

It's not broken English you need to worry about there, it's the different terms, ways of speaking and entirely different spellings and meanings that will throw you off.

[NolimitZ32]

It's not broken English you need to worry about there, it's the different terms, ways of speaking and entirely different spellings and meanings that will throw you off.

I understand it's not broken, what I meant was that I have a knack for understanding/figuring out what is being said, even if I don't understand half the words, and I'm sure I'll adjust or be PMing Ozzie everyday with "what the hell does ______ mean"

[Dattebayo]

That should be a thread here, actually.

[Jesda]

ROIGHT

[300ZXttZMAN]

Hope some of that helps you.
Also, we'll get you one of these, to help you fit in.

Ok this is awesome! How much do they go for?

[300ZXttZMAN]

Anton if you do move to Australia, have you thought about what kinda vehicle you would drive??
I'm just curious.

[NolimitZ32]

At first a Hilux Surf turbo diesel, LR D90 diesel or a Patrol turbo diesel to get me around, ultimately R32/33/34. Although I'd have to see what the market there has to offer, I don't have enough free time nowadays to do extensive research.

[300ZXttZMAN]

I shall help.

Found this while browsing that link that ozzie posted:

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... rt=default

Could probably talk the owner down due to paint condition... I realize the car will probably sold by the time you move (if you move) but just thought I would throw this out there.

[NolimitZ32]

lol, yeah I spent a better part of this morning on this site and the real estate site.

[300ZXttZMAN]

I'm bout to browse the real estate when I get a chance. I am just a curious SOB this afternoon.

[numbnuts240]

ozzie forgot to mention that just about everything in australia can, and wants to kill you.

[sx moneypit]

ROIGHT

[NolimitZ32]

ozzie forgot to mention that just about everything in australia can, and wants to kill you.

Hahah sounds like every relationship I've had and as a result of which sounds like my normal Saturday night

[Ozzie]

A high five, to low six figure income will let you lead a very comfortable life here.
With that kind of money, I would give it 6 months until there was a skyline in your garage. (8-9 if you like to go out a lot)
Perth is a bit more on the expensive side, but it's a beautiful city. Everyone I know who has gone there has loved it.
It sounds like you don't have too many ties at home, and considering your age, I would definitely give a move to Australia a chance, even if it's only for a few years.
We'll sort the kangaroo scrotum out once you get here.

On the cars side of things, you'll find that the R33 skylines are the cheapest, simply because there are more of them around.
R32 skylines are next up on the list, and turbo Silvia/180SX's are around the same mark.
Then R34's.
I could offer advice on which is a better car (out of a list), provided I knew what you were after.
Keep in mind, that there are a lot more Jap imports to choose from than just Skylines

[NolimitZ32]

Sweet, sounds great, thanks Ozzie. I'll definitely give it a shot, can't wait for the interview. As for cars, I know there are a lot of possibilities and I will need to research the market but as a F&F generation import auto enthusiast I have always wanted a R34, plus I think they are some of the best looking imports out there. Also would love to own a true 22b but that's neither here nor there because of the limited production numbers and then there is the Turbo Diesel Patrol/4Runner/LRD90 which I fully intend to be my first vehicle there. I've been hunting one for a long time but there are maybe a total 20 of them here in states (all together).

I'll keep this thread up to date as new developments with my possible move take place. Please feel free to discuss all things Aussie here and I'm always happy to get more insight. Thanks again Ozzie.

[NolimitZ32]

OK, so I got my first interview this week, I met with quiet a few employers, all seemed very eager to get my resume and get me in but only one has called me in so far. Fingers crossed for more interest. Also going to talk to my accountant today regarding my tax situation since (in-case yall don't know) the United States IRS taxes any world income received by a US citizen or permanent resident but there are tax breaks and exclusions so hopefully I get to keep at least part of what I make . More updates as they happen.

P.S. I bee excited as a fat kid in a bakery

[300ZXttZMAN]

Let us know what happens next!

[SHIFT_COUPE]

Ozzie has near convinced me of Australia as well

I'm just curious, and I don't mean to thread jack...but how much value does a US education hold in Australia? I'm talking Bachelors and Masters degrees.

[NolimitZ32]

From what I have gathered it really depends on what occupation you are going into and how badly they need people with your expertise. My unofficial offer was very high by US standards for someone with my education and skill set but considering the cost of living in Australia it was on the higher side of fair. After speaking to the Australian Immigration department I also got that they have in the last half decade they have come to value American degrees much more than they did in the past. One interesting point that was made to me is that it's either a Bachelorate or a Doctorate, they don't believe in the American master's like many other first world countries actually.

On a somewhat unrelated note, $48k for a new STI!!!! my god cars are expensive down under!

[themadscientist]

If I moved to Australia, there's one vehicle I would want to have.

[Mr1der]

apparently there's a big demand for man.

From my understanding, our Yank accents have a similar effect on women there that the Ozzie has here.

check the vagina for redbacks first though gents.

[NolimitZ32]

^ Not cool man, I effing hate spiders (I know great choice of country to relocate to huh) lol

[Nali]

I dont think anyone here remembers me(i wasnt much of a poster).

But i moved from Lafayette to Sydney in 2010, i stopped posting on Nico cuz i sold my S13....i digress.
The first few days were quite a culture shock, but honestly im loving it now.

Coming from Lafayette where the Car Culture scene wasnt that huge to Sydney where Car Culture is insanely huge was a brilliant change.
And tuners are super awesome, it takes a while to get used to seeing so many Skylines and S15s driving around(Saving up to buy an S15 right now, thus my return to NICO).

The beaches are awesome, I live a few minutes away from Manly beach and I love it I hang out by the corso wasting Sundays like i get paid for it.

For me the worst thing is the cost of living....its hella expensive and if you keep thinking about what you would be paying back home it just hurts that much more.
My two passions are gaming and cars.......Games cost like 90 - 100 dollars brand new and cars are expensive as f***, once you stop converting prices in your head you will get used to it.
(I still import all my games, im not paying $90 for a damn game)

Oh! Buttermilk biscuits are no where to be found.....I love Buttermilk biscuits.