Your Guide to Moving From Hong Kong to Australia

Australia is quickly becoming a popular destination for expats thanks to its beautiful and varied landscapes, low crime rates, and high quality of life. If you’re interested in moving to Australia from Hong Kong, working out how to resettle may feel overwhelming at first. At Allied, we help thousands of families and individuals relocate from Hong Kong to their new homes in Australia. Here’s everything you need to know about moving to Australia. 

IS MOVING RIGHT FOR YOU?

Deciding to move to another country is a big decision. As an expat, you’ll be challenged to adapt to a new culture, make new friends, and try new things in an unfamiliar environment. While relocating is highly exciting, it can also be challenging and lonely at times. Before you decide to move to Australia, ensure your expectations are realistic and that you feel ready for a few months of difficulty as you settle into your new home. 

AUSTRALIAN CULTURE

Many Hong Kong residents are drawn to relocate to Australia due to the work life balance culture. A five day work week is considered the norm for most Australians, and there is less pressure to work long hours or succeed as quickly in a new role compared to Hong Kong. 

The pleasant (and varying) climate in Australia means that most Aussies enjoy the outdoors. With a wide range of different sports and activities, you’ll find skiing, surfing, football (Australian Football League and Rugby Union and League), and swimming are all popular sports. Australia’s stunning beaches, mountains and deserts means there’s always something new to explore.

Australia also has a diverse range of cultures and nationalities, with 30% of the current population having been overseas. This multiculturalism is reflected in the variety of cuisines, beliefs and community groups found in the larger cities. As gay marriage is legal in Australia, it is considered LGBTIQ+ friendly however regional areas tend to be more conservative.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU MOVE

Relocating to a new country requires a significant amount of organisation and administration. Here’s what you need to know before you make the move to Australia.

Choosing the Right Visa

Choosing the right visa in order to move to Australia is important. If you’re moving for work reasons, it’s best to secure a job and then apply for a sponsored visa. The Australian Government is also prioritising visas for applicants with special skills through both the Business Innovation and Investment Program and Global Talent Visa program. If you’re a student, you can also apply for a five-year temporary graduate visa once you complete your Australian studies. You can find out more information about choosing the right visa on the Australian Immigration website. 

Finding Work

As mentioned above, it’s recommended to secure a job before moving. However, there are still a variety of opportunities to find work after you’ve arrived. Job websites such as Seek and Indeed are popular in Australia and feature a wide variety of different jobs and industries. Hospitality and farm work tend to be best suited for expats or those on a working holiday visa. 

Cost of Living

Compared to Hong Kong, the cost of living in Australia is considered affordable. Rent in Australian cities such as Melbourne and Sydney is much cheaper and better value than in Hong Kong. Fresh produce is also slightly more affordable as well, however consumer goods are usually more expensive in Australia. The average monthly Australian salary is higher, sitting at approximately HKD$28,800 compared to HKD$24,000 in Hong Kong.

Strict Customs and Border Security

When entering Australia, there is a strict customs policy which limits what you can and can’t bring into Australia. It’s best to avoid bringing any fresh fruit, food, plants, live or dead animals, or weapons into Australia. To find out what you can bring, check the Australian Border Force website. 

Relocating with Pets

Pets are a popular part of Australian life, with many residents owning animals such as cats or dogs. Bringing your pet to Australia can be complicated due to the specific documentation and quarantine requirements. Using a pet relocation service is the best way to easily move to your new home with your pet. 

LIVING IN AUSTRALIA

So, you’ve decided that Australia is right for you and are well-informed about all the necessary visa and work requirements. Here’s what you should expect when it comes to settling into life in Australia. 

Housing

Most Australians are prone to complaining about the housing market. However, compared to Hong Kong, renting in major cities is a lot more affordable. According to Budget Direct, the average monthly rent of a one bedroom apartment is approximately HKD$14,090. Renting a house with other people, known as a sharehouse, is a common way younger people afford living close to the city. If you’re interested in purchasing a home or apartment, it’s a lot cheaper than in Hong Kong. But the Australian market is competitive and properties within the major cities can easily exceed millions of dollars. 

Public Transport 

Australian public transport tends to vary from city to city. In Sydney, you can make your way through the city via train, light rail, ferry or bus and pay for your ride using an Opal card. The price of public transport in Sydney is more expensive than Hong Kong, averaging HKD$22 for an adult one way ticket. Cities like Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth have a mix of public transport options making it easy to get around without a car, while smaller cities such as Hobart and Canberra tend to favour car ownership. 

Healthcare

Australia has Medicare which provides affordable healthcare to all Australian citizens and permanent residents. Medicare enables you to access free public hospital care, subsidised General Practice visits and discounts to some prescription medicines. If you’re not a permanent resident, ensure that you have comprehensive health insurance while living in Australia as it is a visa requirement. 

Restaurant & Nightlife 

The restaurant and nightlife scenes in Australia are continually growing, but you won’t find the same hustle and bustle or 24/7 convenience that is common in Hong Kong. Eating out tends to be a bit more expensive in Australia and there is more of a culture of cooking at home. Australia’s proximity to Asia has resulted in a great variety of cuisines available in major cities. 

Education

The Australian education system is considered one of the best in the world due to the smaller class sizes and high level of teacher training. If you’re interested in pursuing tertiary education, there are a variety of private and public universities, and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) facilities available. You can find out more about entry requirements and international student fees on the website of your education institution. 

BOOK YOUR MOVE TODAY!

When embarking on your journey to Australia, the process involved a myriad of considerations - trust us. If you’re moving internationally or even planning a corporate move, our expertise in relocating to Australia can help streamline the process. Contact us today to begin discussing your specific relocation requirements and receive a free quote.