Christina: For me, Germany is not the country I want to spend the rest of my life in. I feel very at home in Australia. It was very funny for me, when I flew to Australia, when I actually moved there, and the plane hit the tarmac, and I could feel it in my heart. … Read more
Carlie: Hey there, it’s Carlie with the Expat Focus podcast. Australia is known for its incredible natural beauty, great quality of life and multicultural society. If you’re planning a move ‘down under’ (for some time after the pandemic, when borders are actually open again), blogger and teacher Courtney Alkek has some excellent advice to share. … Read more
Finding reliable and trustworthy banking services is an important part of living and working abroad, and expats will find that, in most countries, a range of options are available. You may wish to maintain a bank account at home, for paying bills and other activities, but you will probably also need a local bank account, … Read more
Australia is a country that’s known for its combination of urbanised cities and natural wonders. Whether it’s the outback, the Great Barrier Reef, or the shopping malls, there’s always somewhere to go in this beautiful country. Perhaps then it’s no wonder that it performs so well in quality of living surveys, such as the one … Read more
Australian healthcare is generally of a high standard, though the quality can vary, as you may expect from a country of its size. The healthcare system itself is comprehensive, and covers everything from preventative to specialist care. However, it may appear confusing at first glance. There are two parts to the healthcare system: private and … Read more
Private health insurance is a popular acquisition in Australia, as individuals and families seek to supplement their Medicare provision. However, health insurance can be costly, and it is wise to do your research before committing to a policy. It is worth noting that health insurance premiums rise annually on 1st April. Therefore, if you secure … Read more
In Australia, you can get medicines from pharmacies, which can also provide free health advice and information on medications and minor ailments. Some medicines require a prescription, and these may be different from those requiring a prescription in your home country. For example, in Australia, strong painkillers, antibiotics, and contraceptives all require a prescription.Once you … Read more
Australia has one of the most highly developed healthcare systems in the world, the overall standard of which is excellent. The government funds part of the public system, called Medicare, which covers most medical treatment at public hospitals. Australian taxpayers also contribute to Medicare funding, paying 1.5% on all taxable income.Medicare covers inpatient care, up … Read more
In Australia, you must register your pregnancy with a GP or midwife as soon as possible after you have received a positive test result. Once you have registered, antenatal (or before birth) care will begin. Antenatal appointments are a vital part of every pregnancy; they allow health professionals to ensure mothers and babies stay healthy … Read more
All foreign visitors, apart from those who hold a New Zealand passport, require a visa to enter Australia. For tourist purposes, most people can simply apply online for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). ETAs are also available for some business travellers. They are valid for 12 months, and they allow you to stay in Australia … Read more