Pros and Cons of Living in Australia

"The sun, blue skies and the outdoor lifestyle. Having a pool. Growing tropical plants and fruits. Having parrots in neighbouring trees. Living in thongs," explained one expat living in Brisbane.

"Expatriates in Australia appreciate the laid back, relaxed attitude of the locals, and the friendly mannerisms they often express. They also enjoy the beautiful natural and cultural attractions across the country; from the stunning rugged coastline of the Great Ocean Road to the iconic Harbour Bridge, locals are proud of their surroundings and love to show them off. Expats also enjoy the diversity of Australian cuisine, with the country being home to many different types of restaurant and casual dining options. Finally, expats in Australia value the accepting and tolerant attitude of the local people towards different backgrounds and lifestyles, which allows for a welcoming environment for all," said one expat in Australia.

"Not the culture but the country is beautiful and the wild life, birds, plants, trees, flowers are amazing. The fact we are no more than an hour from a beach," said a person living in Brisbane.

"One challenge that expats in Australia often face is the lack of familiarity with the local language; Australia has a unique way of speaking English, often incorporating slang and colloquialisms, which can seem difficult to absorb for many expats. Another challenge that expats often confront is the tendency of Australians to be very direct in conversations and to address each other in a casual manner; for some expats, this can come across as confrontational or unprofessional. Finally, it is common for expats to struggle with the ‘mateship’ culture in Australia; this concept of shared camaraderie means that Australians are more likely to rely on each other’s help and support, which can be a struggle for those not used to the culture," remarked one in Australia.

"People's attitudes - very different to what I've been used to, and I still struggle. The majority of people in QLD have never left their state, let alone the country, yet it's regularly and loudly touted as the best country in the world. Immigrants are viewed with suspicion and there's a borderline aggressive nationalism. Image, money and coming first is everything, whatever anyone tells you about Aussie's laidback nature... Yep, I'm definitely still in the rejection of culture stage!," explained one expat.