When moving overseas from Australia, there can be a lot to remember when trying to enter a new country. This is because each country has different entry requirements that dictate what you need to have sorted before you can move there. While living as an expat is an exciting life decision that allows you to live in a foreign country, keeping on top of your moving checklist can feel quite overwhelming.
This is where the overseas moving experts at Overseas Packers & Shippers can help. Our wealth of knowledge in international moves qualifies us to provide a comprehensive expat moving overseas checklist with everything you need to remember before the big move.
Moving Overseas from Australia
If you have been considering moving overseas from Australia, then there are a few important things you need to organise prior to you leaving to live as an expat in a new country. Alongside hiring international movers and packers, here are some of the other major considerations to keep in mind.
Inform the Australian Government Before Moving Overseas
Before you move overseas, you may need to notify the Australian government to ensure any ongoing payments are still valid. Regardless of if you are moving to the UK, Canada, or any other country, you have a responsibility to let Centrelink know about your move if you have an existing payment scheme with them or hold one of their concession cards. It is possible that you may still be eligible for these benefits in your new country, but it is something you must discuss with Centrelink before you move.
It’s also worth noting that you will no longer be covered by Medicare once you leave Australia. While some countries have a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia, you will still need to check to see if this will help cover you whether you are moving to Canada, the UK, or a different destination. Otherwise, you should research your new country’s own health care services and whether or not you will be eligible for them.
Work Out Your Tax and Super Obligations Before Moving Overseas
After moving overseas from Australia, there may still be financial obligations you need to comply with as you live in your new country. If you remain an Australian resident while living internationally, you will still need to lodge a tax return through the Australian Taxation Office, including details about all your foreign employment income and any exempt tax withheld in your current country.
If you are an Australian citizen living overseas, then the regulations around your superannuation don’t change. This means you won’t have access to your super until you reach any of the following conditions:
- You reach the correct age
- You retire
- You meet another condition that grants an early release of your super
When organising all your other overseas moving services, be sure to research precisely what tax and super obligations you need to meet when living in your new country, as there are a range of factors that change from person to person.
How Do I Prepare to Move Overseas?
When you prepare to move overseas as an expat, such as moving to the USA, there is a lot you need to consider before, during and after moving day. Here are some of the most important decisions that you will need to make in order to be best prepped for your international move.
Learning the Language
Australians moving to countries where English isn’t primarily spoken should seriously consider learning the local language. This commitment shows respect for the host culture and facilitates deeper connections with locals.
Even in predominantly English-speaking countries, some regions may use a different tongue. For those looking to move to Canada from Australia, French is the preferred language in cities like Quebec and Nunavut. By learning the language, you can prevent communication barriers and open the door to richer, more authentic experiences.
This enhances professional opportunities and daily life convenience. Language learning also enriches personal growth, offering cognitive benefits and broadening perspectives. It’s an investment in cultural immersion, leading to a more fulfilling and integrated experience abroad.
Have Enough Money to Finance the Move
Moving overseas is an expensive undertaking, so you will want to save as much money as you can leading up to you becoming an expat. Not only will you need to buy plane tickets, visas, and removalists, but you will also want to have enough money left over to keep you afloat during the early days of living in your new country.
Sort Our Your Health Care
You will want to research what the health care system in your destination country looks like, as well as if your current provider will cover you when you move abroad. It may be wise to organise health insurance for your move, while also stocking up on any prescribed medication that you need beforehand.
Organise Your Living Arrangements
Organising your new living arrangements is one of the most significant steps you should take when moving overseas. We highly recommend that you sort this out well before you move, as knowing you have a roof over your head when you land is a much more stress-free position to be in than the alternative. Whether you decide to buy or rent in your new country, there is a lot of preparation required to seal the deal. And, if you own property in Australia, you’ll also need to decide whether you want to sell or lease it out when you are abroad.
What Documents do I Need When Moving Abroad?
When moving overseas, such as moving from Australia to the USA, as an expat, there is a list of documentation that you will want to have sorted well in advance. Without these documents, you may not be granted entry into your new country or may have limited work opportunities.
These include:
- A valid, up-to-date passport
- Visa relevant to your moving situation
- Birth certificate for further identification
- Medical records
- Education records
- Work permits
- Entry permits (relevant to COVID-19 precautions)
Who Do I Need to Notify when Moving to a New Country
There is a list of people and organisations who you will need to notify before moving overseas.
These include:
- Your bank
- The Australian Government
- Australian Taxation Office
- Your accountant/financial adviser
- Your solicitor
- Australian Post
- Utility Companies (electricity, internet, phone, water, gas)
- Your landlord or real estate agent
- Your employer
And, of course, don’t forget to inform all of your friends and family members so they can give you a proper goodbye before you depart on this next exciting chapter of your life.
Hire an International Removalist
When embarking on the adventure of moving overseas from Australia, enlisting the services of international removalists is a good choice. International moving companies specialise in the complex process of relocating belongings across borders, ensuring a smooth transition to your new destination.
International removalists possess the expertise and experience necessary to navigate the intricate web of customs regulations, documentation, and logistics associated with international relocations. They streamline the process, minimising the stress and administrative burden on individuals and families. This expertise ensures that your cherished possessions arrive safely and on time.
International moving companies offer a range of services tailored to your needs, from packing and unpacking to secure storage options. Their global network of partners and resources allows for efficient transportation and tracking of your belongings throughout the journey, providing peace of mind during a significant life transition.
Hiring international removalists allows you to focus on settling into your new home and adapting to the cultural and practical aspects of life in your new country. It relieves you of the physical and emotional strain of managing the logistics of an international move, ensuring a smoother transition and a more positive start to your overseas adventure.
When moving abroad as an expat, you will want international removalists who you can trust to thoroughly pack and transport your possessions in a safe, secure and efficient manner. Overseas Packers & Shippers have been helping Australians achieve their dreams of living in a new country for over 40 years. Our team of dedicated and qualified removalists will ensure that setting up your new home overseas is as stress free as possible.
Moving Overseas with Overseas Packers & Shippers
If you need international removalists who will help you move overseas from Australia, then give the team at Overseas Packers & Shippers a call today on 1300 732 686.
