World First help thousands of expats transfer money around the world every year and we believe that there is a story behind every transfer.  We embarked on the ‘What Expats Really Reckon’ survey to better understand the journey of an expat moving to Australia and hear first-hand expat stories about what life was really like down under – What are the true challenges and risks of moving abroad? What are the best things about living in Australia?

Well, we asked and you answered! If you’re from overseas and already living in Australia or even living somewhere else and thinking about making the move, you’ll want to have a look and check out some of the key findings about the good, bad and surprising things that make life in Australia so unique.

Survey respondents
2,033 expats currently living in Australia completed the survey over a six-week period. 66 countries were represented with the most significant contributions coming from the British, Kiwis, South Africans and Americans.

What do expats really reckon about Australia?

Reasons for moving to Australia
Tens of thousands make the move to Australia each year, with the number one reason being for career opportunities and progression. The positive news is that 63% of expats have reported that they earn more money in Oz, with 72% saying they work the same or less hours. Did someone say work/life balance?

Why expats move to Australia

Biggest challenges of the move
The greatest test of the move to Australia was dealing with the emotional challenge of the move, just behind making new friends, finding a job and securing a place to live.

Challenges of move

The best things about living in AustraliaOverall ratingIt’s safe to say expats absolutely love Australia, giving the country a shining 8/10 score for ‘livability’.

Expats gave Australian beaches a 9/10 rating and found the country extremely safe, but it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows – what did they score as a dismal 4/10?

 

Expats sending money overseas

Sending money home

58% of expats send money overseas using a bank, which means there is a high likelihood they’re losing out on superior exchange rates available from FX specialists like World First.

No matter what the size or frequency of your transfers, you can end up with more money in your bank account on the other side when using World First compared to using a big 4 bank*. Below are the exchange rates you’d receive exchanging $AUD3,000, $AUD20,000 and $AUD100,000 using the big 4 banks and World First on September 20, 2016*.

Savings Table

 

The full findings

Download the full report below to find out more about ‘What Expats Really Reckon’ and all the key findings of the survey including:

• The highs and lows of moving to Australia
• What expats like and dislike about living in Australia
• Insights on working and studying in Oz
• Reactions to Australian culture and customs

Australia Expats-15

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Disclaimer:

*Transfer amounts of <$10,000 usually attract a flat fee of $10. Price research comparison of World First currency rates & fees versus the rates & fees published online by the Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac and NAB weekly in the period 15/03/16 – 24/10/16 for transfers of amounts of AU$3,000, $10,000, and $100,000 to EUR, GBP, USD, NZD and CAD. The interbank rates are provided for indication purposes only. Although we believe them to be correct, they are provided by an external source and we cannot guarantee their accuracy, nor are we liable for any loss incurred as a result of relying on these rates.

**Fees are typically $10 for all transfer under $AUD10,0000.  The offer of ‘ fees waived for life’ is open exclusively for people residing in Australia who become new clients of World First Pty Ltd, registering for the first time using the code ‘Expat2016’ on the World First Australia online registration form or through calling World First Australia , between 9am Friday 4 November 2016 until 10am Saturday 31 December 2016 Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

These comments are the views and opinions of the author and should not be construed as advice. You should act using your own information and judgement. Whilst information has been obtained from and is based upon multiple sources the author believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy and it may be incomplete or condensed.

All opinions and estimates constitute the author’s own judgement as of the date of the briefing and are subject to change without notice.

Please consider FX derivatives are high risk, provide volatile returns and do not guarantee profits.