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Pros and Cons of Living in Australia | Expat Exchange
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Manly Beach in Sydney, Australia

Pros and Cons of Living in Australia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Dec 03, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Australia include its diverse culture, excellent education system, and high quality of life. Australia is also known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Additionally, the country has a strong economy and a low crime rate. On the other hand, the cost of living in Australia can be quite high, and the climate can be quite extreme in some areas. Additionally, the distance from other countries can make it difficult to travel abroad.

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

What are the pros and cons of living in Australia?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Australia responded:

"This city is a highly developed financial city with a high level of education, convenient transportation and a high quality of life.Healthcare and banking are well developed.Elegant environment, suitable for tourism," wrote one expat in Melbourne.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the laid-back lifestyle and friendly people in Australia. They also enjoy the country's diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and abundance of outdoor activities. Additionally, the country's strong economy and excellent healthcare system are attractive to many expats. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the cost of living in Australia to be quite high, as well as the distance from other countries. Additionally, the climate can be quite extreme in some parts of the country, with hot summers and cold winters," explained one expat living in Australia.

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What do expats in Australia appreciate most about the local culture?

"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," replied an expat in Australia.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"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.

"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," said one person in Australia.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Manly Beach in Sydney, Australia

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