Matthew Atlee: Sarah can you tell us about economic conditions in Australia since the economic downturn. How are prices of food, energy, telephone and water? What about the price real estate: has it gone down or up?

Sarah Jacquet: So far the prices are only creeping up a little. The economic down-turn is starting to hit this year. Job losses are increasing, but we’re only just starting to become effected.

M.Atlee: What’s the best part of living in Australia?

S.Jacquet: Coastal living with a lot of great beaches, national parks, space and place for families without the crowds.

M.Atlee: What is the worst part of living in Australia?

S.Jacquet: For me, the deadly animals…Sharks, snakes, spiders, you’re lucky if you actually see any but you know they’re out there…it’s taken a while to adjust to their close existence and know how to stay safe.

M.Atlee: Sarah what other countries did you look at when you were thinking of leaving Europe, Why did you end up picking Australia?

S.Jacquet: We looked at French and English speaking countries, in particular Canada including Quebec, the UK and French Islands. Australia has a skills shortage and a need for migrants, so applying for and gaining a visa, then finding work once here, is thought to bes easier than elsewhere.

M.Atlee: How difficult is it to deal with the government in Australia. Are the police honest? Is it difficult to get living and working papers as a foreigner?

S.Jacquet: The government are fairly straight forward with a lot of the welfare systems, in particular being connected. You need a visa to live and work here. Some people visit on a holiday visa and find work to sponsor them to stay on. Up-grading visas once here usually requires a trip out of the country.

M.Atlee: Is there anything people should absolutely know about before they decide to visit or live in Australia?

S.Jacquet: It’s a big country and each state has its own character, climate and local state government. Australia is beginning to ‘think Australia’ and become connected within itself as a whole nation.

M.Atlee: How easy or difficult is banking in Australia. Did it take much time to get a bank account or to wire money to other countries?

S.Jacquet: Banking is fairly straight forward. You need several items of I.D. to open accounts but after that it’s standard and simple with international services. There are fewer ATM (cash point)machines though, particularly once you’ve left a large city.

M.Atlee: Do you travel back to Europe often from Australia?

S.Jacquet: No, it’s a long flight 22hrs or more and with a young family, plus the cost, we’re not leaving Australia very often at the moment.

M.Atlee: What is the biggest difference between the U.S. and Australia?

S.Jacquet: Australia is a much younger country, more remote, less connected -It is more removed from central politics – it’s not in the G20!

M.Atlee: How are prices for internet access? Do most places have internet and cable television? The cable and internet network is expanding.

S.Jacquet: Australia is way behind the US on connectivity and usage. It does cost.

M.Atlee: How is medical care in Australia? Do most expats have private insurance; if not, are they able to use the public healthcare system in Australia?

S.Jacquet: Australia is a mixture of private and public healthcare. For expats/immigrants it depends on the type of visa you have, as to what medical care you get. Permanent residents can use the public healthcare system and may also choose to have private as well. Many temporary visas insist that the migrant gets private medical coverage.

M.Atlee: Sarah, we have to go, is there any thing else you would like to tell people about living in Australia?

S.Jacquet: Moving to Australia is a lot about what you make of it, who you meet and how you enjoy spending your time!

NEW EBOOK ON LIVING IN AUSTRALIA

To read more about Sarah’s life in Australia check out her Ebook on living in Australia availble through offshorewave:

“Getting started” is a summarized must-read if you are planning to live or work in Australia.

Its five chapters analyze and offer information on what you must know before you move: cost of living, visa options, setting up during the first 12 months, job hunting and more.

Tips and hints provided by the author (a migrant), immigration specialists and agents, as well as job recruiters.

It also provides a list of useful Australian websites and contacts that will help you with further individual research.

Click Here To Buy Sarah’s Ebook