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Moving to Sydney

A famous metropolitan hub known for its friendliness towards expats, Sydney is one of the most visited cities in the world. The under 30 particularly love life in Sydney, with many travelling from abroad to study or work under the Australian sun.

For those moving to Sydney from the UK, the logistics of getting your belongings quite literally to the other side of the world can be tricky. However, with the help of Britannia Movers International, you will spend far more time planning your new adventure than worrying about the removals process. We have been helping individuals and families move all over the world for over 30 years and we can assure you that your move to Sydney with us will be an easy experience.

Removal Services to Sydney

Moving to Sydney can feel like a stressful experience and we know that putting your worldly possessions into somebody else’s hands can feel extremely alien. However, our countless years of experience and knowledge of all import and export protocols for countries worldwide means you and your belongings will receive a first-class service.

So you can have extra peace of mind, before you have signed on the dotted line, we will come and visit you at your home when it best suits you. This allows you to get to know us better and give us all the dates and details of your move. It will also give us a chance to see how much you will be taking to Sydney and the best removals solution for you. Throughout the entire international removals process you will be kept thoroughly informed and lines of communication to your moving representative are yours to be utilised.

Shipping to Sydney

The most affordable option for transporting your belongings to Sydney is via a cargo ship. If you have a shipping container to yourself this can take around eight weeks. If you are sharing a container (a great option to save money if you have fewer possessions) this is extended to 12 weeks.

There is a weekly service running to all major ports in Australia, including Sydney, and shopping is the safest and most affordable way to get your items to your new home. Giving us as much notice as possible about your move to Sydney will ensure your items arrive in Australia shortly after you do.

Air Freight to Sydney

If you don’t want to wait for your items or have the budget to do so, a quicker option is air freight. This is when your belongings are flown to Sydney. However, this comes with a premium price tag. It can be an ideal option for essential items, but many of our customers tend to rely solely on shipping their belongings to Sydney.

Additional Removals Services to Sydney

Whether you opt for air freight, shipping, or a combination of the two, we know it is not enough to pack your items and make sure they arrive safely. At Britannia International Movers, we will help you with every single aspect of your move to Sydney, including all paperwork and visas; you will never feel confused at any point.

Wondering how to pack your items safely? Want to take your pet to Sydney? On a tight budget? Get in touch with us today or check out a sample of our additional removal services below.

Storage

At Britannia, we are able to provide national and international storage solutions that can be tailored to fit your needs.

Click here for more 

Groupage Shipping

Did you know you can reduce shipping costs to South Africa by sharing a container with other mover’s belongings?

Click here for more 

Arriving in Sydney

Your items can take up to 12 weeks to reach Sydney, so we will arrange to have them sent across far in advance of your arrival. However, this will also be dependant on the time you got in contact with us.

Whilst we will have ensured your visa has been arranged in advance and necessary export paperwork completed, please understand that there will be inevitable paperwork that needs completing when your belongings reach Sydney.

Most items clear customs in Sydney within 14 days of arrival and, if you have selected our door-to-door service, our removal team in Sydney will transport your belongings from the port to your new home and help move them in.

If you are moving to Sydney and need removal services, then give Britannia Movers International a call today on 0845 600 661. Speak to one of our international removal specialists and find out how easy it is to move to Sydney. We’ll give you a full breakdown of the process and an idea of the costs of emigrating as well.

“This is a thank you for all your hard work. I have received my boxes safely in Sydney and everything was in perfect order. The delivery team was delightful and, despite the pouring rain, was helpful and polite. I may never move again, but if I do, I’ll know who to call.”

Sydney Facts

Time Zone:

UCT + EATZ

Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)
Distance from UK: 10,512 miles
Flight Time from UK: 21 hours 40 minutes
Language: English
Population: 5,005,400
School Year Starts: September

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Emigrating to Sydney

Although Australia is a long way from the UK, many expats living there champion the country for its relaxed way of life and outdoor lifestyle. Even though Sydney is a city, the beautiful weather and work life balance is an undeniable draw for anybody wanting to escape their current lifestyle and routine.

Australian Imports

Shipments of household goods and personal effects are allowed duty-free entry into Sydney (and the entirety of Australia) if you have owned and used all items for at least 12 months prior to importation. Like all international moves, there will be lots of paperwork prior and post customs. However, Britannia Movers International will help you with the entire process.

You and each member of your family must hold a valid passport and visa to enter Sydney.

Australian Customs Restrictions

Australia has very strict rules about what can and cannot be brought into the country, including Sydney. The government import guidelines are out in place to protect the ecosystem as Australia has a high dependence on their crops and harvests. Furthermore, they are dedicated to protecting the citizens of the country. The following items are prohibited:

  • Dangerous breeds of dogs
  • Psychoactive substances
  • Suicide devices

The following items are restricted. This means you will need written permissions to bring the goods into the country:

  • Antibiotics
  • Cat and dog fur products
  • Drugs and narcotics
  • Endangered animals and plants
  • Firearms and ammunition
  • Growth hormones
  • Fish and toothfish
  • Hazardous waste
  • Knives and daggers
  • Money boxes
  • Pencils or paintbrushes
  • Tobacco

Moving to Sydney with Pets

Living your life in Sydney without your pet is a prospect many don’t even consider. Your pets are part of your family and why should they miss out on a new life down under? This is why we work with a trusted partner who is dedicated to shipping animals to their new homes around the world. They will be able to assist you in getting your pets to Sydney, including all required vaccinations and documentation needed. Australia is very strict about the import of animals so utilising the skills of our trusted partner will save any issues.

Most pets will require the following:

  • To be a minimum of 12 weeks of age
  • Microchip
  • Pet passport
  • Rabies vaccination
  • Tapeworm treatment (dogs only)

Taking Your Car to Sydney

Britannia can help you ship your car to Sydney, no problem. However, your car must be granted import approval and it will be subject to duty charges. You may also have to make modifications to your vehicle to ensure it’s compliant with Australian standards as well, so be sure to do thorough research before making the decision to import your vehicle.

Money Transfer

When relocating to Sydney you will understandably need to transfer money from the UK or make international payments before your arrival. Britannia International Movers can recommend reputable foreign currency exchange services to help protect you from exchange rate fluctuations, and save you time and money on international payments.


Moving to Sydney from the UK

When you travel to Sydney from the UK, prepare to spend around 22 hours on an aircraft. Most journeys are broken by a stopover in locations such as Dubai or Singapore. Most people heading to Sydney tend to choose a flight option with a short stopover, giving them enough time to freshen up and stretch their legs before heading on to the last leg of their journey to Australia.

Airlines carrying passengers to Sydney from the UK include British Airways, Etihad, KLM, Emirates, Virgin Australia and Cathay Pacific.

Visas for Sydney

If you want to live and work in Sydney you will need an Australia visa. Although strict, the Australian government have made the application process very clean and concise. The Australian Department of Immigration website has a clever visa finder tool that will help you whittle down all the visas until you find the correct one for you. However, this is also something Britannia International Movers can assist you with.

To live in Sydney permanently, expats have the following options:

  • Skilled work visa (sponsored or nominated)
  • Skilled work visa (not sponsored or nominated)
  • Distinguished talent visa
  • Invest or business visa
  • Parent, child or family member visa
  • Partner or spouse visa

If you are at all confused about your visa options for Sydney get in touch with us today on 0845 600 6661 or visit the Australian Department of Immigration website.


Living in Sydney

Sydney is one of the most epic cities in the world, bringing together the best of urban and natural environments to create a very special location. Whilst tourist numbers can be high in the summer months, just like London or New York, it is home to countless natives and expats alike.

Perfect residential suburbs, trendy city apartments, high levels of education and a work life balance unlike any other see families and solo individuals moving to Sydney every year. With the Australia coastline on your doorstep, who can blame them?

Sydney’s Climate

Sydney boasts a humid subtropical climate, resulting in mild winters and long hot summers. The coastal regions of Sydney tend to be the wettest and the city experiences around 20 thunderstorms per year but, in contrast, there are on average 100 days a year that are nothing but blue skies from dawn until dusk.

Sydney Average Temperatures and Rainfall

  Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Temp °C 23 23 22 19 16 14 13 14 16 18 20 22
Rainy Days 16 14 15 12 13 13 11 10 11 13 15 14

Jobs for Expats in Sydney

Australia’s strong economy and low unemployment figures mean there is ample employment opportunities for expats in the country, including the city of Sydney. Medical staff, teachers and construction professionals are highly sought-after and many corporations in the city seek professional foreigners to join their teams to expand ways of thinking. Generally speaking, if you are highly skilled, you will find a job in Sydney relatively easily. Furthermore, salaries in Sydney tend to be around 30% higher than those of the UK.

Finding a Job in Sydney

Australians and expats alike utilise three networks when job hunting in Sydney; newspapers, the internet, and agencies. All local, regional and national newspapers have large classified section containing agricultural jobs to roles at blue-chip companies. It may be somewhat traditional but is still a very popular way to find work in Sydney and throughout Australia.

Job sites, just like they function in other countries, allow users to sign up and filter jobs through a search. These are particularly useful for expats already living in Sydney.

However, if you already know what type of job you want, approaching recruitment agencies before you even enter Australia can be very beneficial There are countless agencies throughout Sydney, some specialising in specific sectors, whilst others are more general.

Education

The Australian education system is world renowned and Sydney is home to some of the most prestigious schools, colleges, and universities in the country. The Australian government are passionate about making education as enriching and fulfilling as possible for children across both the private and public sectors and this is reflected in the happiness of children and their academic achievements.

Whilst independent schools are a popular choice for expat families living in non-English speaking countries, the level of education is so high in Australia that 60% of all children attend public schools, which are free. However, temporary residents may have to pay a small fee until their residency is granted. Other than this, only necessities such as school uniforms, stationery and the odd school trip will need to be catered for. Parents who see themselves remaining in Australia for the foreseeable future find public schools a much easier way of integrating their children into Australian life and making local friends.

There are private schools in Sydney and some do have more modern technology and greater access to sports facilities than public schools. However, due to the government’s focus on education, there is little in the way of difference between free and paid institutions.


Cost of Living in Sydney

It is generally believed that the cost of living in Sydney is higher compared to the UK and other Australian cities. Living in one of the most famous cities on the planet comes with a premium price tag. However, with salaries being higher compared to the UK, many expats find that money is not an issue.

Australian Currency

The Australian Dollar is the country’s official currency and is used in Sydney and throughout Australia. It is often shown as AUS, $A or (most commonly) $. Each dollar is made up of 100 cents and notes come as 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 AUD. Denominations of coins include 1 and 2 AUD and 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.


Opening a Bank Account in Sydney

On arriving in Sydney it is best to open a bank account within six weeks. After this period, some banks will require you to provide extra identification which you may not have access to yet.

As they do in the UK, interest rates and customer perks vary between providers. Some banks have specific accounts or bonuses for expats obtaining their first Australian payment method. When you start the process of looking for a provider make sure to shop around and get the best service for you. Some of Sydney’s popular banks include Westpac, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, ANZ Bank, and National Australia Bank.

For expats, opening a bank account in Sydney is relatively straight forward if you are within the six week window or have the correct identification.

Cost of Everyday Items

Check out some of the items you are likely to purchase regularly whilst living in Sydney below. Prices are shown in Australian Dollars and converted to UK pounds so you can see how prices match up.

Item Price $A Price Converted to £
Milk (1 litre) 1.41 0.84
Loaf of white bread 2.53 1.50
Eggs (12) 4.45 2.64
Bananas (1kg) 3.05 1.81
Chicken breasts (1kg) 10.18 6.04
Bottle of wine 15 8.90
Pair of quality jeans 95.90 56.88
Ladies chain store dress 62.84 37.27
Nike Trainers 132.48 78.58
Cinema tickets (2) 36 21.35
Gym membership 63.19 37.48
Broadband internet 71.54 42.44

Eating Out in Sydney

Finder a cheaper place to eat in Sydney is difficult. Not only are most restaurants more expensive compared to their counterparts in the UK, they are also more highly priced compared to other Australian cities. The most affordable main dishes tend to fall around the $25 (£14) mark and these tend to be in burger joints or street-food themed eateries. When you move to Sydney the locals will undoubtedly have some hidden gems to share with you!

Public Transport in Sydney

When you touch down in Sydney definitely get your hands on an Opal card. This card, much like London’s Oyster, is used to access the city’s public transport, including ferries. You can purchase an Opal card from a newsagent or a service desk. You then simply load it with money and place it on the designated Opal readers at the start and end of a journey. On Sundays, the Opal fare is capped at $2.60, meaning you can use all modes of public transport as much as you like, and only pay a maximum of $2.60 the whole day.

Like most modern cities, getting around is easy. Whilst morning and evening rush hour services can be cramped on buses and trains, the rest of the day is comfortable and safe, even at night. Train services are cheaper between 9am and 4pm, and also after 6:30pm, when peak fares aren’t in operation.

Trains, buses, taxis and ferries all operate in Sydney. However, some people opt to walk or cycle depending on the distance they wish to travel. With 100+ days of pure sunshine a year, we can understand why.

Renting in Sydney

Unlike in the UK where you attend a specific viewing timeslot with just you and the estate agent, expect to share your appointment with around a dozen other people in Sydney. The rental market moves quickly, with some even beating other to properties by putting down a deposit there and then at a viewing.

Most properties are managed through an estate agent, although private lets are available. Regardless of which route you go down, you must ensure you have references and contracts are signed.

Most lets are 12 months, however, shorter can be found. The rent is usually payed to the landlord or letting agent on a specified date and utilities are not included unless otherwise stated.

Buying a House in Sydney

Expats who obtain permanent residency in Australia are able to purchase property in Sydney. Property prices within the city, including the suburbs, are some of the most expensive in the country and expats should make sure to familiarise themselves with the difference between freehold leasehold purchases. Furthermore, expats will need to pay a 4% stamp duty to the government when buying a home.


Public Holidays Sydney

There are 10 national public holidays per year in Sydney:

  • New Year’s Day – 1st January
  • Australia Day – 26thJanuary
  • Good Friday – changes annually (usually March/April)
  • Easter Saturday – changes annually (usually March/April)
  • Easter Sunday – changes annually (usually March/April)
  • ANZAC Day – 25thApril
  • Labour Day/May Day – 1stMay
  • Queen’s Birthday – 11thJune
  • Christmas Day – 25thDecember
  • Boxing Day – Friday 26th December

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