Intlmove - Tips on Moving to Australia

Australia is considered by many to be one of the most popular countries to relocate to whether it is for a job transfer, because you are a returning citizen, want to retire, or for any other reason. Australia offers breathtaking landscapes and a diverse, multi cultural population (about 21.7 million).

When you are not working, take advantage of the numerous activities Australia has to offer. You can ski and snowboard down Victoria’s powdered slopes or swim, snorkel, dive or sail the balmy waters of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is a living masterpiece that is so big it can be seen from outer space. Plan a walkabout or learn more about the Australian outback a place where plains stretch to eternity. Visit Sydney and view the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House as you ride a ferry across the harbour to Manly. Western Australia will take you back in time; enjoy Freemantle’s majestic and historic architecture. Perth’s marine heritage will draw you to the ocean.

Are you’re a returning citizen? Do you know what documents you will need to relocate to Australia? Are you moving permanently or for a temporary period of time? Are you going by yourself, as a family, considering taking any pets, considering taking a vehicle? Planning is the key to make your relocation successful and stress free.

Contact the local embassy, consulate or contact Customs directly and start to learn what you will need to do and what documents will be required. How long does it take to get a visa? What costs are involved in getting the paperwork in order? Will you need an attorney? If you are bringing your pets with you, be aware that the application process will take time and your pet will more than likely be quarantined for a period of time (about 30 days) before being released.

For your household goods, you will be required to complete form B534 – Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement. Your customs clearance agent will provide you with the form or you may be able to download it directly from the Australian Customs website.

Terminal Handling Charges will be charged in the destination in Australian dollars. They are determined by the port authorities and are subject to change without notice. Your International moving company can provide you with an estimate of the charges at the current time.

If you are planning to take your vehicle, the vehicle will need quarantine clearance from Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services after the vehicle has arrived at the port. This agency inspects all vehicles upon arrival and requires them to be properly cleaned; generally steam cleaned and all soil and other matter (including the underside of the vehicle) must be removed. You will need Vehicle Import Approval from the Vehicle Safety Standards Branch of the Department of Transport and Regional Services. You will be required to pay customs duty, goods and service tax (GST) and where applicable a Luxury Car Tax (LCT) and obtain customs clearance at the port of entry.

Australia has very strict laws regarding soil. All bicycle tires, all shoes (especially golf shoes), golf clubs, lawn mowers, garden tools, outdoor furniture, hiking gear, BBQ’s motor cycles must be clean and free of soil. If traces of soil are detected, then AQIS will issue an instruction that each item is steam cleaned prior to being released for delivery. The additional cost of steam cleaning, fumigation and deep burial (if required) will be paid by you. Items that could require fumigation and gamma treatments are pine cones, authentic Christmas decorations, cane products, animal skins, drum skins, straw packaging, wheat bags, fruit and vegetable cartons used for packing. Be sure not to use these types of boxes for packing if you are packing yourself. Pack all of your shoes in one carton. Provide, on the outside of each carton, a brief description of the contents of each carton. Avoid generic terms such as PBO (packed by owner) or miscellaneous. This will be especially important when packing kitchen items, should your shipment be inspected, they will be looking for food, seeds, etc. So if the box just has pots and pans in it, it should be labeled as such. This step of labeling will avoid packing and repacking of your items should your shipment need to be inspected. These costs are not included in the services of any international moving company. This is not considered normal customs clearance. It is your responsibility to know the rules and regulations of your destination country before you ship your belongings.

You should plan to take delivery of your shipment about 10 days from the AQIS approval for delivery. If you are not available or cannot take delivery within the approximate 10 day period, then you will be charged for storage and handling.

The process of relocating to Australia is easy. Your part is to do the research, learn the rules and regulations on what and what not to bring and to plan. Your international mover can direct you to where to find out information, they can help you determine the volume of your shipment, whether to pack yourself or not, what kind of insurance coverage is available and will take care of getting your belongings from your home in the US to your new home in Australia. Now you ready for your adventure and experience of a lifetime!