First of all, it’s been a while I am writing something that
too unrelated to the name of the blog. This is completely non-technical and my
experience with my move to Sydney, Australia. This is written in assumption of
you are no one in Sydney and you are starting your journey by your own, like I
am doing.
Today almost been a month now I landed here in this beautiful
land for good after getting my PR.
So now coming to the title, “What should I do?” yes exactly
same question came to my mind when I got my PR done last year. I was thinking,
and exactly in the same dilemma that should I go or should I not?
Many aspects to this question and are bound to come to our
mind. As we have family, friends, house back in India with good or at least
settled and secured job. So, this is very obvious that we think about it. Believe
me I am not regretting my decision. People are so nice here and so much positivism. I am truly loving it.
Till this time, when I am writing this I am looking for job here.
I was well settled in Pune. But, I am very much explorer and always wanted to be at the better place with best lifestyle. So, I took a decision to move ahead and I came
here to explore many more opportunities.
There are many like me, who are having same question in
their mind. Guys, if you got the VISA means there is something in you. You earned it by passing exam, paying heavy VISA fees. If you are
at this point, then I would say, you must go for the next race.
To warn you, it
is tough, very very tough to take any decision, it's up-to self.
What should I do?
If you have decided to take a challenge…
- Do
homework
Now what is this? What kind of homework? We
are not going to school. But people, you are coming to different land altogether.
You would need four basic things for living where ever you go, those are food, clothes, shelter and most important
is JOB. Clothes you will obviously get it with yourself. But you would need
to look for shelter and food.
-
Preparation
for Air-Tickets
Google for best available flights
https://www.skyscanner.com.au/ is
one of the best websites that may help you choosing direct or connecting flights,
it is advisable to find local travel agencies in your hometown for cheaper
options, there is no suitable day or date advised to immigrants unless advised
by the relevant department. You can land anytime of the year and it’s better to
arrive bit early or prior to your end date of arrival given in your visa
grant/approval letter. The journey to Australian cities may be long and tiring,
also depending on the airline services, you have to do your research matching
all your needs and comforts with each airline. Peak Seasons and local festivals
such as Eid, Christmas, Easter, Diwali or Holi tickets price may be sold at
higher prices.
-
Most
Important Things to do after arrive here
1. Get the Medicare card
2. Get the TAX FILE Number - https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Tax-file-number/Apply-for-a-TFN/
For Sydney you can visit any
Service NSW office and apply for on the given site. http://www.service.nsw.gov.au/service-centre
Clothes
Below listed things for the clothes would
be enough and more than that won’t fit in your bag as well 😊
To the minimum, one requires these clothes
for easy survival also depending on an individual’s budget.
Men’s
a) 5 pairs of Jeans
b) 10 T-Shirts
c) 5 Dress/Suit Pants
d) 10 Business Shirts
e) 1-2 Leather/Casual Jacket
f) 1-2 Formal Jacket (This is important.
Get lesser jeans but get the jackets.)
g) 2 Business Suits (This is important. Get
lesser jeans but get the jackets.)
h) Shoes: 1 pair of each Casual shoes/
Loafers, 1 pair of business pattern shoes, 1 pair of joggers/sneakers, 1 pair
of thongs(slippers)
Women’s Apparel
a) 10 complete Suits (Trouser + shirts)
b) 5 pair of jeans
c) 5 business Shirts
d) 1-2 Leather/Casual Jacket
f) 1-2 Formal Jacket
g) 4 Business Shirts and Trousers each
h) 5-10 scarves/ headscarves/mufflers
i) Shoes: 2 pair of each Casual shoes, 1
pair of business pattern shoes (Heels, etc), 1 pair of joggers/sneakers, 1 pair
of thongs(slippers)
Clothes for Children under 18 Almost same
but could be few more in numbers as of adults given above; however, infants and
toddlers should be treated separately in numbers (quantities). Shoes same as of
adults.
-
Shelter (Place to live)
So, to search for shelter create account on
www.flatmates.com, www.gumtree.com and search for options for
your choice.
Here rents are weekly. Generally, owner
needs two advance rent for your stay. If you are booking from India, still they
will ask for advance payment which you can transfer in their bank account.
Here, many Indians live in west side of the
city and areas like Parramatta, Westmead, WentworthVille, Toongabie, etc. Some
already residing Indians do have business for accommodation, one of them I know
is http://nivasaapartments.com.au/.
And these areas have good amount of Indian food stalls or hotels where you can
find many Indian delicacies.
I have decided before coming here, that I will
not reside in these areas atleast for first 6 months. It is because I wanted to
understand Australian culture and people. Also, I didn’t want to spend too much
on commute so I preferred to stay in inner Sydney area. So, I can walk around
the city and explore the offices, roads and enjoy the night life 😉
-
Bank Accounts
Additionally, you would need money or the
bank accounts to be opened so that once you land here you can start spending.
Nothing is free in today’s world. Plus, mind it, you would be spending in
dollars so better to get Australian card rather than doing transactions on
Indian card.
This is one the most important things to do
before you come to Australian land. There are many banks here which provides
the facilty to open online bank accounts from overseas. To name few are http://commbank.com.au, https://www.nab.com.au/.
One should open account in one of the banks
before landing here. Benefit of this is:
1.
Transfer your funds from Indian bank to
Australian bank, it takes 2 days for transfer.
2.
Your mind is free of tension of funds.
3.
You can just take $500 with you while travelling
from India
4.
Come here, validate yourself and get your debit
card and start tapping where ever needed. You hardly need cash here.
Here is the link to open commonwealth bank account : https://www.commbank.com.au/personal/accounts/savings-accounts.html
-
Join
Groups
There are many Facebook and WhatsApp groups
which gives you lot of information about your queries. Some of the Facebook
groups are open to all and some are closed where you can send request to admin
and give answers to some questions then they can add you there.
FACEBOOK GROUPS:
Indians In Sydney - https://www.facebook.com/groups/18257280528/
Indians In Sydney Unlimited - https://www.facebook.com/groups/153336045231621/
Helping Hands – Indian - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1936781159946080/
Sydney Indians - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1020444607976244/
Desi Referral Network - https://www.facebook.com/groups/143552892904126/
if you craving for desi street food without making a hole in your pocket
DesiTapri - https://www.facebook.com/DesiTapri/
-
JOB
MOST IMPORTANTLY, ONE CAN NOT GET JOB FROM INDIA. HERE PEOPLE WANT TO SEE YOU. SO DON'T EVEN THINK OF IT.
Here people do say that, one does get job but it takes 2-3 months. Some people may take longer 6-7 months. But frankly, never lose hope and always be positive.
Here people do say that, one does get job but it takes 2-3 months. Some people may take longer 6-7 months. But frankly, never lose hope and always be positive.
Most importantly, here recruiters look for
only 2 sites
Grocery
One can go to supermarkets like Coles, Aldi, WoolWorth were you can get good variety of Indian spices. Plus, you can get ready-to-eat food as well.
Documents
Generally, immigration officer don't ask you for any documents but it is always advisable to all your VISA and Medical related documents, specially for kids with you, to avoid last minute hassles.
Hope this page solve your dilemma :)
---
Kaushik
