The natural beauty and mystique of Australia are attractive to people all over the world. For many digital nomads, the idea of taking a working holiday and exploring the land down under seems like a dream come true. However, there are some pitfalls and benefits that people often overlook when planning a long-term trip to Australia.
So, before you book a private office in the best coworking space Melbourne has to offer, consider the following seven tips:
1. Australia is expensive
Even before the pandemic, Australian prices shocked many digital nomads and backpackers. Since products have to travel a long way to reach Australian shores, it’s common for prices to be a little higher. Also, as an affluent nation, Australia offers relatively high wages, meaning the local cost of living is also quite high. Since the pandemic, inflation has driven prices even higher, so it’s crucial to map out your budget long before you book anything to ensure you can genuinely afford to live there on your current income.
2. The power outlets are different
Head to Mexico, Thailand, or Vietnam from the US, and you can keep on using the same power cords you’ve always used. However, Australia uses unique Type I sockets, meaning you’ll need an adaptor for any cords you bring with you. On the plus side, if you visit New Zealand or the Pacific Islands on your trip (which you absolutely should), you’ll find the same Type I outlets.
3. Most people live around the outside
To be precise, more than 80% of Australia’s population lives in the coastal zone. It’s worth keeping this in mind as you plan your travels, particularly if you plan to buy or rent a van to go exploring. Any outback adventures you take will likely be pretty lonely. You’ll need to plan your stops carefully, and you may encounter long stretches of road with no cell phone reception.
4. Australia is huge and very spread out
As the sixth largest country in the world, Australia is sizable, so traveling from town to town and state to state can take some time. For example, driving along the coast of Queensland would take you more than 33 hours if you didn’t stop once along the way – and that’s just one state.
5. Working holiday visas can give you more time to explore
If you’re aged between 18 and 30 (35 for some passport holders), a working holiday visa may be the ideal way to really settle into Australia. You can stay for 12 months at a time, and best of all, you don’t have to work locally with this visa type. You can work for a company external to Australia, making this a good option for some digital nomads.
6. Travel insurance is essential
As mentioned earlier, Australia is an expensive country, so the last thing you want is to be out-of-pocket for medical expenses or canceled flights. Most nomads understand the importance of insurance, but if you’ve let your policy lapse, it’s crucial to re-up before you head to Australia.
7. You’ll be in a vastly different time zone
If you’re heading to Australia from South East Asia, it should be a smooth transition. However, if you’re currently working in North America or Europe, you’ll be heading into a completely different time zone than your clients and colleagues. This will throw your deadlines out of whack and potentially lead to some middle-of-the-night Zoom meetings. So, be sure to factor the time difference into your planning.
Keep the above tips in mind, and you’ll be better prepared for your upcoming trip down under.
