Sydney, Australia Report of what it's like to live there - 06/01/10
Personal Experiences from Sydney, Australia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, several other ex-pat experiences in Africa and Asia.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Travel to Sydney from the United States is usually via LAX (12-13 hours) or San Francisco (14-15 hours).
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government---U.S. Consulate.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Great housing, easy commutes on public transport (usually 35 minutes or less door-to-door).
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything is available, but prices are much higher than the average U.S. price.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Since most things are generally more expensive in Australia, I would bring extra clothing, shoes, DVDs, etc. Kids' stuff is also very expensive, so it makes more sense to bring it from the States.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Great food options, all more expensive than U.S. prices.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Heaps of spiders.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
At the Consulate, we used the excellent APO. Otherwise the Australia Post system is reliable.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available? Yes. Incredibly expensive? Also yes.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Lots of gyms with many membership options.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Lots of reliable ATMs everywhere.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Everything available, all in English (and other languages too!)
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes, plenty of options with a range of costs.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None, but it's much more fun to pick up a few Aussie slang words.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Sydney is somewhat accessible, but certainly not as much as you might find in the States.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The public transport network is extensive, generally safe, and somewhat affordable. Taxis are plentiful, but somewhat expensive.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
U.S. cars cannot be imported, but there are lots of new and used car options in Australia. People generally just buy a car after arriving in Australia.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, easily available. High speed internet can be part of a phone/TV cable/internet package, which is a much better value.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Lots of good cell phone options in Australia.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Yes, usually a minimum of 30 days.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Great pet care options, from what I understand.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Jobs won't be handed to you on a silver platter, but they are available. You have to go out there and pound the pavement just like everyone else.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business dress is a must. And it better be with style too. This is Sydney.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Nothing out of the ordinary. Using common sense is the best advice.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Excellent medical care is available to everyone under the Australian health care system. It certainly helps, though, if you have health insurance.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Great air quality, lots of fresh and salty ocean air.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Mild climate. Rainy winters with sunny days, and sunny summers with rainy days.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
No experience with international schools. Our children attend the local public school, which was excellent. We didn't see the need to send them to a private school, although there are plenty of private school options.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
The Australian school system has accommodations for all types of special needs.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Lots of pre-schools, but with long waiting lists and jaw-dropping fees.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, heaps. Rugby, cricket, footy, soccer, netball, basketball, swimming, tennis---just to name a few.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Although the size of the Consulate is somewhat small, there are people from all over the world living in Sydney.
2. Morale among expats:
Mostly high. If you've never lived outside the United States before, then you may have a difficult time adjusting to the Aussie lifestyle. But if you're coming from Africa, which we were, then Sydney is the Emerald City of Boundless Joy and Eternal Happiness.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Anything under the sun, especially when it comes to "barbies", which are the quintessential Aussie informal social gatherings.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Excellent city for everyone.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
This is one of the top cities in the world for gays and lesbians.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Nothing that we haven't seen or heard of in the United States.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Bush walking in the Blue Mountains, surfing at one of Sydney's many beaches, boating on Sydney Harbour, music and theatre events at the Sydney Opera House, and spectacular New Years Eve parties.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock, the Great Ocean Road, the outback, and don't forget the Sydney Opera House. Also, New Zealand is just across the ditch.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Traveling around Australia is money well-spent.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Sydney is an ideal city for both visiting and living. There are endless activities within a 3-hour radius of Sydney, not to mention the rest of Australia.
11. Can you save money?
Not really. Sydney is expensive, and there are so many great things on which to spend your money.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Without any hesitation. We loved Sydney more than we have loved living in any other city. It is one of the best places to live and work in the world. We would go again, no questions asked.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
need for Taco Bell and other Mexican food.
3. But don't forget your:
Sunglasses, sunblock, surf board, and speedos.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
"30 Days in Sydney" by Peter Carey. "In a Sunburned Country" by Bill Bryson.
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
"Muriel's Wedding", "Mission Impossible 2", "The Matrix", and many others.
