Living and Working Overseas
Essential information for Australians living and working overseasAt any one time there are approximately 900,000 Australians living and working overseas. This brochure, prepared by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), is designed to provide Australian expatriates with information on issues to consider when taking up foreign residence.
Be prepared
There are a number of things you can do before you arrive overseas to ensure the transition to your new environment is as hassle-free as possible.
Insurance is essential
It is essential to organise travel insurance before you depart. Medicare will not cover you outside of Australia and some hospitals overseas will not admit you unless you have insurance, no matter what is wrong with you.
Do some research into what type of insurance is appropriate for you and the country where you will be living. If you know how long you will be living overseas, make sure that you have travel insurance for the correct period of time and that you know exactly what your insurance policy covers. Be aware some travel insurance policies become invalid if you take up long-term residency abroad.
Prepare your documents
If you intend being abroad for an extended period, it is a good idea to take your personal records with you, including certificates relating to birth, citizenship, marriage and divorce. Keep them in your hand luggage while travelling and be sure to leave copies with a friend or family member in Australia in case you misplace them overseas.
Passports, visas and work permits
All Australian citizens must have a valid passport before leaving Australia, and maintain a valid passport while overseas. Find out how to apply for a passport. Some countries may deny you entry if you don't have a passport with at least six months validity. Check whether this applies to your destination and plan accordingly.
Find out early what visas you need by contacting the relevant embassy, high commission or consulate of the countries in which you intend to live or work. Remember to also check the visa requirements of countries you might be transiting through.
If you plan to work in a foreign country, you may also need a work permit or a visa that allows you to work. You must get the permit/working visa before you leave Australia. Neither the Department or Australian embassies, high commissions or consulates abroad can help you to obtain work permits. These must be obtained from the authorities of the foreign country.
Some countries require your prospective employer to sponsor you in order for you to be provided with a work permit/working visa, so be sure to find out all the details before you leave Australia. If you intend on departing and re-entering the country you are working in, enquire about a multiple-entry visa.
Certain rules apply if you wish to work while holidaying in another country. Australia has reciprocal arrangements with some countries that allow Australians to work in those countries while on holiday. Countries with which reciprocal arrangements are in place.
For Australians who travel frequently in the Asia-Pacific region for trade and investment, the APEC Business Travel Card provides streamlined entry to several regional countries.
International Driver's Permit
If you plan to drive overseas you will need to obtain an international driver's permit (IDP). An IDP is proof that you hold a valid driver's license in your home country and should be carried with a valid Australian driver's license. IDPs are issued through state and territory motoring clubs.
Be informed
Moving will be less stressful if you take the time before you leave to do some research. Familiarise yourself with the political, security, cultural and economic conditions of the country in which you plan to live and/or work. Also find out about local health issues and standards of medical care to ensure you know what to expect.
Apart from a visit to your local library, you might find it worthwhile to do an internet search. Most countries have an official government site and many tourist organisations have sites with links to political, historical and cultural information.
Try to familiarise yourself with the employment conditions by talking to people who have previously worked in that country.
If you are planning to work in a non-English speaking country you may also find it beneficial to undertake language training prior to departing.
Assessing job offers
- If you are offered a job overseas by an organisation or company, it is advisable to do some research before you accept the offer.
- Find out as much as you can about the organisation or company and the conditions of employment being offered. You may find speaking to a current employee or a previous staff member helps you to get a better understanding of what to expect.
- Check what currency you will be paid in, if the local currency is convertible and if not, whether there are any restrictions on repatriating funds. Also establish what arrangements you need to make in order for contributions to be made to your superannuation or pension scheme.
- Find out if your employer will pay for your accommodation, utilities, telephone calls, and the cost of transport to and from work each day.
- If you are going to a non-English speaking country, find out if your employer will pay for language training.
- Check whether the company offers different (and separate) standards of accommodation for single and married members of its staff, and whether you would be expected to share accommodation with other employees.
- Check to see if airfares, health and dental insurance coverage provided by the company extends to members of your family.
- Confirm if the company will pay for relocation costs, school fees and residency permits.
- Find out if you will be paid sufficient salary and/or allowances to cover basic in-country costs of living.
- Women should be particularly wary of employment opportunities that offer quick and easy money for entertainment or hostess jobs. Many such organisations are involved in prostitution rings.
Dual nationals
An increasing number of Australians are migrants, children of migrants, or were born overseas. This means that many Australians are dual nationals, or could be regarded as dual nationals by another country. You may not even know that you are a dual national.
If you are a dual national, you need to know that your dual nationality may have implications for you if you travel to the country of your other nationality. Before you depart, it is important to consider the implications of local laws concerning issues such as military service, divorce and child custody. For example:
- you might be liable for military service
- you might be liable for prosecution for offences under the laws of that country, even if they were committed outside it
- if the government of that country does not recognise dual nationality, the ability of Australian officials to provide you with consular assistance may be limited.
Keep in the know
Inform others
Before departing Australia, consider sending letters advising people and organisations you deal with of your forwarding address. If you are unsure of where you will be living overseas it is often useful to have your mail forwarded to a friend or family member.
You may also like to use the services of a commercial organisation that can forward mail to you overseas. Check the Yellow Pages directory under 'Postal Services' for company details.
Australia Post offers an international mail redirection service, at a fee, for periods ranging from one to 12 months.
Please note that Australian embassies, high commissions or consulates cannot receive or store personal mail on your behalf.
Voting
When you go overseas there are requirements you must meet in order to remain on the electoral roll. Familiarise yourself with your electoral responsibilities by visiting the Australian Electoral Commission. Bulletins containing details of state and federal elections and information for Australians wishing to vote while overseas are published on this website.
Stay healthy
Vaccinations
It is a good idea to have a health and dental check-up before you leave. Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations and disease outbreaks overseas.
Medications
Before leaving home you should check that any medications you intend to take with you are legal in the countries you will be visiting. You can do this by contacting the relevant embassy or high commission.
It is also advisable to take a letter from your doctor detailing the contents of tablets or other medicine you'll be carrying with you. Keep the letter and a copy of the doctor's prescription with the medication.
If you wear glasses take a copy of your glasses or contact lens prescription in case they need to be replaced. Your optometrist will be able to provide you with a letter detailing your prescription.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, consider wearing a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace, available from Australian chemists. The Medic Alert Foundation keeps a database of patient details and medical histories that can be accessed by phone worldwide. Be sure to also check that your travel insurance covers your pre-existing condition.
Medical certificate of proof of HIV testing
Many countries require long-term foreign residents and students to submit proof that they are free of the HIV virus. Consult the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country in which you will be living about whether an HIV/AIDS test is required and if test results from Australia are accepted.
If Australian results are not acceptable, check on the type of test you will need to undergo and if it is permissible to supply your own disposable needle.
Reciprocal health care agreements
Australia has health care agreements with some countries, including Finland, Italy, Norway, Ireland, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
These agreements enable Australians to access urgent or emergency medical treatment overseas. However, general medical services are only provided when the need for treatment arises during the visit and it would be unreasonable to delay treatment until the individual's intended return date.
It is important to remember that:
- you will only be covered by these health care agreements once you are in the specific country. Health problems which occur during travel to and from an agreement country are not covered
- health care agreements are no substitute for travel insurance. They will not cover you if a doctor recommends medical evacuation back to Australia. Further information about international health agreements can be found at Medicare Australia.
Managing your money
Settling in expenses
Before you leave Australia, make sure that you have sufficient funds available to get you settled. If you are going overseas to work, your employer may provide you with a settling-in allowance, but this may not be paid to you until several weeks after your arrival.
Remember that living expenses vary in different parts of the world. There are also many expenses to take into account when setting up a new home. Find out what all of your obligations are up front so there are no nasty surprises. If you run out of money, it may take some time before friends or relatives can get money to you.
Shipping your personal and household belongings overseas can be very expensive.
Take only what you need and find out what you can buy when you get there. If you know where you will be working, you should check with your employer to see if they will cover the removal of your goods and if they will provide you with essential items on your arrival.
Check with the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country you are going to concerning import and customs regulations, as you may not be allowed to bring certain items into the country.
Banking overseas
Before departing Australia it is advisable to check with your bank about the ease and cost of transferring money internationally between accounts in Australia and the country in which you will live. Your local bank may be able to help with introductions or references to banks overseas.
If you are staying in a country for an extended period of time you may want to set up a bank account in that country. To do this, you will need to go to a bank in your country of destination with your passport.
If transferring money to overseas accounts it is important to find out if your host country has any rules which could limit the amount of funds you can transfer between your Australian bank accounts and your host country.
Taxation overseas
The amount of tax you will be required to pay when earning money overseas will depend on your personal circumstances. Contact the Australian Taxation Office for details on 13 2861 or visit their website www.ato.gov.au.
If you earn any income while you are overseas, you may be required to pay tax on that income in the country where it is earned. Australia has reciprocal agreements in place with only a few countries to prevent double taxation. You should check the rules and regulations with the other country's embassy, high commission or consulate before you leave Australia, or consult the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate abroad.
Welfare benefits
Entitlements to many Centrelink payments change when you leave Australia. Before you depart find out how your payment will be affected by visiting Centrelink.
Family matters
Getting married
Every year Australians fall in love and get married overseas. Laws regarding marriage vary from country to country and legal complications can arise.
Some countries impose strict limitations on women's rights to seek property entitlements, inheritance, divorce, alimony, child support and custody. Accordingly, if you plan to marry overseas, check out the legal, cultural and religious implications for yourself, your intended spouse and any children either of you may have separately or together at a later date.
In certain countries, Australian women who marry nationals of those countries can be subject to strict family controls and may be prevented from leaving that country without their husband's permission.
Dual nationality issues can be very complex. For more detailed information, refer to our Travel information for dual nationals.
Divorce abroad
Divorce law can differ greatly from country to country. Rules regarding child custody and asset splitting can be different too. If your spouse is a citizen of the host country, he or she may have more rights than you do. Always make sure you understand the local laws and procedures. Seek the advice of a reputable lawyer prior to making any decisions.
Birth of an Australian citizen
Australians whose child is born overseas while travelling should contact the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate for information regarding how to lodge an application for registration of Australian citizenship by descent. See contact details for Australian embassies, high commissions and consulates abroad.
Information is also available on the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs or by phoning their Citizenship Information Line on 131 880.
Child care
If you are planning to place your child or children in a childcare facility or employ the services of baby sitters or nannies overseas, you should satisfy yourself about the standards of child care provided in the country concerned. Overseas childcare centres aren't bound by Australian regulations and standards of child care can be very different from those in Australia.
As you would before placing your child into child care in Australia, you may wish to research issues such as: accreditation standards of childcare providers; whether the childcare provider has in place appropriate strategies to prevent child abuse; the hiring and screening procedures of staff including background criminal record checks; qualifications of the staff caring for the children; ratios of staff to children; training of staff, including training in first aid and emergency procedures; the security arrangements of the childcare centre premises; validity of personal injury liability insurance; and children's health and vaccination issues.
For useful ideas on how to select reputable childcare providers please visit either the National Childcare Accreditation Council or Child Wise's 'Choose with Care' program.
Schooling
If you have school-age children and are planning to move overseas, schooling conditions in your host country will no doubt be a significant concern. It is important that you arrange for appropriate schooling for your children before leaving Australia. Take copies of your children's school records in case they are needed.
If you have a child of secondary school age you will need to consider other factors. For children wanting to attend university in Australia it is important to research the implications of completing their secondary education overseas. Older children attending local schools can often experience difficulties adjusting to new languages or teaching styles.
Death of an Australian citizen abroad
When an Australian citizen dies abroad the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate should be notified as soon as possible.
Before you depart you should consider obtaining insurance to cover the costs associated with returning your body to Australia. The cost of overseas burials or repatriation can be very expensive. The Australian Government does not pay for overseas burials of Australian citizens or fund the return of remains to Australia. Further information is available in our Death overseas brochure.
Local customs & laws
To avoid difficult situations or frustrating confrontations, you must learn what behaviour is appropriate in your new environment. Be sensitive to local customs and aware of dress codes - in some cultures people are deeply offended by revealing or inappropriate clothes.
Remember that while you are in another country, local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Consult the travel advice for your destination.
Sexual behaviour
Homosexual acts are illegal in some countries. Consult the Local Laws section of the Department's travel advisories at to find out if that is the case in your destination. Remember, a violation of local laws could result in severe penalties being imposed, including in some countries the death penalty or imprisonment.
Drugs and alcohol
Every year Australians are arrested overseas on drugs charges. Don't be fooled into thinking it is worth risking carrying or taking drugs overseas. Australians do get caught and the strict penalties in place, including the death penalty in some countries, do apply to foreigners. Also remember that in some countries, alcohol is considered an illegal substance.
To minimise your chances of getting into trouble with illicit drugs overseas:
- obey the law - don't purchase, take or travel with illicit drugs
- lock your bags as a sensible precaution against tampering or theft
- don't leave your bags unattended in public areas
- don't leave your bags in the care of a stranger
- never carry anything into or out of another country for someone else
- ensure your medicines are not considered illegal drugs overseas by contacting the nearest embassy of the country you are visiting before departing. Contact details are available from www.dfat.gov.au/protocol.
Every year the Australian Government provides consular assistance to Australians who have been arrested or jailed overseas for drug offences.
In the event that you are arrested on drug charges overseas, be aware that:
- some countries, such as Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, impose tough penalties including the death penalty and life imprisonment
- in some countries the possession of small quantities of so-called 'soft' or 'recreational' drugs can also attract jail sentences or heavy fines as soon as you arrive in another country, you are subject to that country's local laws
- ignorance of local laws is not a valid defence
- following your arrest you have the right to contact the Australian Government, but consular assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh by Australian standards.
Bribery
It is a criminal offence under Australian law for an Australian resident, citizen or company to bribe a foreign public official, whether in Australia or another country. An Australian in another country who bribes or attempts to bribe an official of that country can be prosecuted in an Australian court.
Australian law provides for up to ten years in prison and/or fines for persons and companies found guilty of bribing foreign public officials. For further information, visit www.ag.gov.au/foreignbribery.
If you require assistance
The Consular Services Charter sets out the standard of service all Australians can expect to receive from consular staff.
Keep in touch
While travelling it is important to keep in regular touch with your family and let them know of any changes to your travel plans. You may be having a great time on your holiday but forgetting to contact family and friends can cause them needless stress and worry. Each year, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (DFAT's) consular service receives hundreds of calls from concerned families who have not heard from travellers and are concerned for their safety.
To save your family and friends needless worry:
- leave a copy of your itinerary with your family
- register your travel plans at www.smartraveller.gov.au or in person at any Australian Embassy,High Commission or Consulate
- establish an email address that you can access overseas
- activate global roaming on your mobile phone but keep in mind your mobile phone may not work in some remote areas
- contact your family and friends immediately if there is a natural disaster, major accident or terrorist attack in the area you are in, to let them know you are safe
- advise your family how regularly they can expect to hear from you and stick to your word.
Top 10 tips for safe travel
Many problems encountered overseas can be avoided if some simple precautions are taken. Follow our overseas travel tips to be well on your way to having a hassle-free journey.
- Check the latest travel advice for your destination and subscribe to receive e-mail notification each time the travel advice for your destination is updated.
- Take out appropriate travel insurance to cover hospital treatment, medical evacuation and any activities, including adventure sports, in which you plan to participate.
- Before travelling overseas register your details online at the local Australian embassy, high commission or consulate.
- Obey the law. Local laws and legal processes can be very different from those in Australia. Consular assistance cannot override local laws, even where local laws appear harsh or unjust by Australian standards. Be aware that penalties for drug-related offences can be severe and include the death sentence.
- Check to see if you require visas for the country or countries you are visiting or transiting. Be aware, however, that a visa does not guarantee entry.
- Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, travellers' cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home.
- Check with health professionals for information on recommended vaccinations or other precautions and find out about overseas laws on travelling with medicines.
- Make sure your passport has at least six months validity and carry additional copies of your passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
- Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone at home and keep in regular contact with friends and relatives while overseas.
- Before departing Australia check whether you are regarded as a national of the country you intend to visit. Research whether holding dual nationality has any implications for your travel.
Returning home
Departure tax
Many countries impose a departure tax payable prior to departing the country. When you go to the airport to leave a country, make sure you have enough local or convertible cash to pay the tax. If you can't pay the local authorities you may not make your plane!
Packing your belongings
The Australian Customs brochure Guide for travellers - know before you go contains extensive information on what you can and can't bring back. If you need to know more, you can ring +61 2 6275 6666 from overseas or 1300 363 263 from within Australia, or go to the Australian Customs Service. On arrival in Australia, you must present a completed Incoming Passenger Card that contains important information for Customs, Immigration and Quarantine.
Getting help overseas
Consular services
DFAT provides help to Australians who find themselves in trouble overseas. Through this support, known as consular services, the Department's consular officers provide a lifeline to Australians who are away from home.
The Australian Government will do what it is able to help Australians in difficulties overseas. But Australians need to appreciate that, when they go abroad, they leave behind Australia's support systems, emergency service capabilities and medical facilities. There are legal and practical limits to what consular officers can do for travellers overseas and Australians need to have realistic expectations.
Australians made over five million trips in 2005-06, compared to 3.4 million four years ago. In 2005-06 alone, the Department assisted over 15,000 Australians in difficulty in over 152 countries and handled over 346,000 public inquiries.
The Australian Government cannot decide for Australians where to travel and how to behave when they arrive at their destination overseas. Australians are intrepid travellers and are going in ever greater numbers to out-of-the way, sometimes dangerous places. These are personal choices which the government respects. But, Australians need to accept responsibility to minimise risks to themselves. Consular functions are governed by international agreements and the Australian Government cannot impose Australia's laws, rules or standards on other countries.
What we can and cannot do
Examples of what we CAN DO to help Australians overseas include:
- help during crises, such as civil unrest and natural disasters
- provide advice and support in the case of an accident, serious illness or death, or if an Australian is a victim of a serious crime, and arrange for next-of-kin to be informed
- visit or contact Australians who are arrested and arrange for their family to be informed(if they wish)
- contact relatives and friends on an Australian's behalf and ask them to assist with money or tickets
The Consular Services Charter sets out the standards of service all Australians can expect to receive from consular staff.
Where to get help
Consular officers can be found in Australian diplomatic and consular posts overseas. DFAT's consular network extends to some 160 points of service around the world. These overseas posts are usually located in capital cities but there are also some in regional centres. Sometimes the head of an Australian consulate will be an honorary consul.
Not all countries have an Australian diplomatic or consular post but there is usually an Australian post in the region. Under a consular agreement with Canada there are a number of locations where Australians can access consular services through Canadian embassies and high commissions. Informal arrangements also exist with other consular services including those of the United Kingdom and the United States to lend assistance to Australians in need.
Address and telephone numbers of Australian embassies, high commissions and consulates can be found in local telephone directories, hotel, tourist offices or police stations in the country concerned.
A directory of Australian overseas posts appears in the 'Contacts' section of each edition of Hints for Australian travellers. This booklet is issued with your passport. Canadian posts that help Australians are also listed in the Hints booklet.
The 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) in Canberra can also be contacted for assistance from anywhere in the world on +61 2 6261 3305 or +61 1300 555 135.
This information was provided by smartraveller, The Australian Government's travel advisory and consular assistance service. For more information, click here
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Pty Limited. All rights reserved.
Advertise with Us - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Help