The Harbour City ticks some pretty key boxes for expat life, from the climate and lifestyle to the balance of beach and city. If you find yourself keen to join the abundance of expats that call Sydney home, then it’s important to be prepared for your move.
Allied moving experts in Sydney are here to help with every part of your relocation, including sharing our two-cents on how to make the most of your move.
Why Sydney?
With so many expats moving here, it makes sense to ask “why is Sydney a good place to live?”. There are a number of reasons why the Australian city is such a popular destination, and here are some of the best:
Weather
Sydney has a humid subtropical climate, with pleasant temperatures year-round and plenty of rain-free days. The average temperature in summer is around 26°, with winter daytime lows averaging 17°, and around 7 days of rainfall each month.
City/Beach
Speaking of beaches, that’s another one of Sydney's big desirable features. For those who can’t decide between beach life or city dwelling, in Sydney, you don’t have to. You can spend your weekdays working in the bustling CBD, and still make it to Bondi Icebergs in time for a sunset swim.
Work-life balance
Another place where Sydneysiders find a happy medium is in the work-life balance that it offers. Renowned for a culture that encourages workers to enjoy their spare time, many locals and expats report a well-balanced lifestyle in Sydney.
Settling into Sydney
Aside from seeing the Opera House and enjoying the views along the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, there are some tasks you’ll likely want to take care of shortly after arriving in Sydney.
Admin
Some quick and easy tasks to take care of after you arrive are the admin ones;
Sim card
The sooner you get your sim card set up, the sooner you can hit the streets with confidence that you’ll be able to navigate your way back! Do some research and pick the best plan for your needs.
Tax file number
Your tax file number, or TFN, is needed to ensure you get taxed and paid appropriately when you start working, and the sooner you organise it, the better. You should apply for your TFN online as soon as you arrive, as it can take a few weeks to process.
Banking
Another one for money-management, getting a bank account up and running means you can stop paying pesky international fees on transactions made with an international card. Banks have varying requirements to sign up, so check the requirements of the bank you want to sign up to and ensure that you can provide the necessary documentation.
Opal card
Sydney’s public transport system of trains, buses, and ferries makes getting around the city relatively quick and easy. You can use your phone or contactless payment card to tap on and off public transport, or pick up an Opal Card at an approved retailer.
Housing
The Sydney housing market can be pretty competitive, so it’s important to be prepared and enter it with realistic expectations. Many expats who come here will book a few weeks of short-term accommodation where they can stay while attending inspections and going through the rental application process.
When it comes to house hunting, there are a number of ways to go about it. Websites like realestate.com.au and domain.com.au catalogue listings from a range of leasing agents, and you can filter based on your needs. Flatmates.com.au is another useful site where users can create profiles, and both advertise and apply for individual rooms in share-houses. We recommend having proof of previous rental history or landlord references at the ready so you can hit the ground running on rental applications!
Some of the most popular suburbs in Sydney for expats are The Rocks, Potts Point, Newtown, Darlinghurst, and Surry Hills. Manly, Parramatta, Paddington, and Blacktown are favoured among families for their welcoming community culture and child-friendly facilities. If you’re not sure exactly where you want to settle down, you can always look for a short-term sublet. This is a great way to test out different areas to help you decide which you like best.
Making friends
Everything above can be planned for, but making friends is something that you can’t throw yourself into until you arrive in Sydney. While paperwork and documents are important, so is putting yourself out there, making friends in your new city, and having a good time. This can be difficult to do as an adult, but it’s important to remember that most expats are in the same boat!
Don’t be afraid to join online communities, sports clubs, or reach out to other expats you meet and arrange a coffee, drink, or activity together. This is a great way to see the city, try new things, and meet some new friendly faces.