When looking to migrate Down Under, non-Aussies are often left reeling by some of our biggest culture shocks — from common slang, to our public holidays, to our complete disrespect and disdain for politicians.
But whether you're a local, a tourist or an outsider looking to make the move, there are some key tips you can follow in order to 'hack' the Aussie system and maximise your lifestyle, while minimising costs.
1. Take advantage of free library apps, to read books from a huge collection online.
"Just about all local council libraries offer free membership to apps that allow borrowing from a vast collection of books online. So long as you don't want to always read the latest published books, you can basically read anything you want for free, occasionally needing to join a wait list for the more popular titles. See your local council library website for details."
2. Sign up for all the free streaming platforms locally.
"Use ABC iView and whatever the SBS streaming app is called. Both are free and have quality shows on them. Just saw Killing Eve on iView."
—u/BraveFly
3. Know how to respond on the roads when wildlife suddenly appears.
"Never swerve for an animal."
"This is the real tip and was drilled into me by every single older member of my family growing up in the bush. Swerving to avoid hitting a kangaroo is how you end up hitting a tree and dying. Hitting a 'roo is how you end up with a really sad, regrettable situation, but get to go to dinner afterwards and talk about it."
4. Be mindful of your superannuation — no matter how close or far from retirement you are.
"Pick a super fund with low fees!"
—u/Defy19
"Learn how to grow your super:
• If you're eligible, sign up for the government co-contribution (yes, they put money into your super on your behalf if you're low income and you contribute up to $1000).
• Learn how to save on tax by only paying 15%, instead of a higher tax bracket for the $27K you can contribute to your super per year — read about it here."
—u/l3ntil
5. Avoid buying basic medical necessities at big name supermarkets.
"The cheapest paracetamol locally seems to be from chemists — for instance, $3 for 100 tablets. Don't buy them from Aldi, Coles or Woolworths."
"Don't buy brand-name drugs at all if you can avoid it. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen are all much cheaper than generics. As are most prescription drugs, but check with your doctor on that first. Chemists will have cheaper bulk packets, whereas supermarkets will only stock the brand names with shiny boxes because the profit margins are so high."
—u/Fortressa-
6. It is essential to learn about rips and wave patterns, before stepping foot in our oceans.
"Learn how to identify a rip current and, before going in the water, always ask whoever you are with if they can spot it (helps with learning and gets you in the habit of checking).
Learn how to escape a rip if you do find yourself trapped in one. Don't just assume because you are a strong swimmer that you will be fine, drowning is a common cause of death here."
"Rule of thumb for rips: If it is the smoothest part of the surf, stay the fuck away."
—u/Cruzi2000
7. Contrary to popular belief, summer is not the best season to visit.
"Going to the beach and swimming in the ocean is best in early autumn, particularly March. The water temperature is warmer and the UV radiation is lower. The summer school holidays are over. Ideal!
Similarly, most outdoor activities, such as bushwalking, are better in autumn and winter in Australia (less snakes, bushfires etc). I feel sorry for all the tourists coming in the middle of summer!"
—u/BeautyHound
"Autumn, at least in south-east Australia, is by far the best time of the year. The most consistent weather, the mildest (warm yet not scorching) weather."
8. Never underestimate the power of a footy club.
"Always be involved with your local footy club in some capacity. You will eventually have friends that perform every single trade you will ever need — and mates rates or doing small jobs for a slab of VB beer are a real thing."
—u/StevoShitbag
"This is everything. Got kids? Get them into footy. Footy clubs are the biggest networks in town."
9. Make the most of the great weather and outdoor adventures to spend less and see more!
"As an expat from the UK, in Australia we have the absolute luxury (in most parts) of sunshine. We can go to the beach, bush, lakes and just chill, walk or bike. You don’t need to spend money to go to a venue to get out of the house and that’s something money cannot buy.
Save your dollars and go enjoy our amazing country. In the UK, you have to go to a pub, cinema, shopping centre or ice rink to go 'do something', because the weather is so miserable most of the time. Even if it is dry enough to get out for a walk, it’s probably grey."
—u/d1zz186
10. Don't mess about with outdated public transport schedules.
"Public transport systems have super useful apps that are so underused. All the time, I see people staring at their phones at stops, but then squinting at crappy old paper timetables on the wall to figure out how long they need to wait."
—u/themoobster
"Google Maps does a better job at live tracking a bus on a route than any transport app. Just a tip!"
11. Before deciding on a home, figure out what direction it faces.
"If you plan to live on the eastern seaboard, don't live in a north or west-facing property, unless you want to roast in summer."
"Best houses are south-facing. Northern sun in the backyard. West on the narrow side where there’d be another house in the next block and hopefully, lots of trees between you two."
12. If you can avoid it, don't holiday during school vacation weeks.
"If you don't have kids, take your holidays in non-school holiday times. Plenty of good weather and things aren't as busy."
—u/syniqual
13. Be mindful of how large Australia really is — especially when planning road trips.
"Just 'cause two towns are in the same state, don't assume they're close."
—u/izza007
"My UK friends don't get how you could drive for a full day and still be in the same state. Welcome to 'Straya."
14. Know your school traffic hours and avoid them like fuck.
"Try and stay off the road between 2:30pm and 4pm if you can avoid it. School traffic blows."
"I know it's not an Aussie-specific issue, but seriously, school traffic is the absolute pits. It gives me anxiety just thinking about being stuck in it."
—u/1984-redde
15. You can save BIG on groceries, when you peruse the discount bins at end of day.
"Scope out the discount food sections of woolies and Coles. Been able to get perfectly fine food for pennies on the dollar. Woolies usually has an end cap dedicated to non-perishables and a section in a fridge for perishables. Coles, it depends on the stores."
"This is true for a lot of countries, but absolutely. Nothing better than walking out with $200 worth of meat for $15. I don't go out much anymore, but when I did I always shopped the last call sections first."
"I'm in a bougie area and the discounts at my local are so good — I think most people do their shop elsewhere. I've been able to get a whole organic free-range chook for $2, rump for $8, pork shoulder roast for $3, speck for $2 — not to mention the good sourdough bread or brownies, brioche loaves, cheese, it goes on."
—u/duccy_duc
Thank you @woolworths for these discounted foods. I was able to feed my family of four. #woolies #wooliesworth #discount #weatethemall #bestbeforedatewastodaysofinishedallofthem #sofull #rousehill #perfecttimingtogetdiscounts
16. If your career allows it, consider living outside of the most popular cities in order to save money.
"Unless you grew up here and have social connections, don't settle in Sydney or Melbourne. The ratio of income to cost of living is not worth it. Especially if you're in a profession like a nurse or teacher or cop — industries that get paid the same no matter where you are based."
—u/DarkNo7318
"I'm an American abroad and I actually find it so much cheaper living in Australia — I live less than a couple hours outside Sydney and the quality of groceries is better for cost, the free healthcare, the average salary, not to mention minimum wage. People who complain about how expensive it is living in Australia are generally those living in Sydney or Melbourne."
—u/darbol82
17. Consider moving somewhere that's considered 'cold' for Australia.
"Live somewhere cold, it’s easier to warm up when cold, then cool down when it’s hot."
—u/cairnsus1987
"So true. Sincerely, Brisbane resident. I like this town, but I wish it wasn't so humid and hot. We're in mid-autumn, when the temperature dips below 20 degrees, Brisbanites bust out the tracky dacks."
18. Be kind and generous to your tradespeople.
"I can't say for sure this is something anyone else does — it would likely work anywhere really.
Anytime we have contractors at the house (especially for large jobs like fencing or tree-lopping) my partner leaves a pack of beer for the tradies. We always have a super tidy house after, no mess left behind after the work and the tree-lopping guys even did some extra pruning for us without charge."
—u/DctrCat
19. And finally, never underestimate how deadly the sun can be and ensure you cover yourself in sunscreen, sunnies, long sleeves and a hat.
"Always remember the 3 S rules: Slip, slop, slap."
—u/2centsworth
"It's the 5 S-rules now, no joke. Slip, slop, slap, seek and slide."
—u/GreenLurka
"That means seek shade and slide on sunnies."
—u/2centsworth
What do you think of these responses and do you know of any other great tips for hacking the lifestyle in Australia? Let us know in the comments below!
Reddit responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.