Despite the name, there’s close to nothing to be a cause of ire in Ireland. The Emerald Isle is home to the most stunning views in the world, the most beautiful ancient castles, and the most modern companies like Google, Facebook, Apple, and Twitter (thanks to their low corporate tax rates). The food is good, the people is very friendly, the lifestyles are very active, and the place is quite rustic and even sometimes provincial. And did we say they also love beer?
Ireland and Australia have so much in common. So today we compare the two so you may choose wisely on which country to settle to.
Relying mainly on services and high-tech industries as well as trade, industry and investment, Ireland’s economy can be categorized as of modern knowledge type, focusing mostly on technology and groundbreaking ideas to further growth. In 2005, survey by The Economist found the country to have the best quality of life in the world. It has an unemployment rate of 7.8% and a deflation rate (Yes, deflation. That’s not a typo.) of 0.5%.
Industries that pay on an above average rate include food, drink and tobacco processing; telecommunications, transport medical appliance manufacturing; construction, and oil and gas exploration. Currently there are no oil reserves discovered in the country, so huge opportunities await to whomever will first find one. You might want to stay away from material manufacturing (metal, plastics, rubber, textiles, leather, pottery and glass), electrical and electronic engineering, and printing and publishing as these are the lowest paying ones.
Ireland’s average working time is 1,821 hours annually, or 35 hours a week.
One of the largest mixed market economies in the world, Australia’s economy is primarily driven by its service sector, comprising 68% of its GDP. Other sectors (and biggest employers) include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, tourism, media, education, and logistics. It is the 12th largest in the world in terms of GDP. Unemployment here is higher by a small margin at 5.8%, but still very low in overall scale. Inflation rate is 1.3%.
Australia makes sure its migrants adhere to its strict standards of skill and qualifications through a point-based system. The most paramount of these qualifications is the ability to speak English. Also, there will be more assessments to make sure your trade and competence is something the country needs. The industries in need of migrant workforce in the country are varied and disparate, ranging from technology to medicine to construction to finance to manufacturing. Currently, Australia is providing what deemed to be the highest minimum wage in the world. Also, average working hours here is just the same as Ireland’s level at 36 hours a week.
Ireland’s health care system is divided into two tiers: the public and private sectors. All residents are eligible to receive health care via the public health care system. The Health Service Executive manages this and is funded by taxation. Depends on his/her income, age, illness or disability, the patient may be obligated to settle a subsidised fee for certain health care received. There are no charges for maternity services and child care up to the age of six months.
Meanwhile, private health insurance can be accessed by those who want to avail of it. They are available through private companies offering this type of service.
Australia’s health care system functions on a centralized level, and is carried out by both private and government institutions. The state and territory governments supervise aspects of health care within their jurisdictions, such as the operation of hospitals.
Just like in Ireland, it is two-pronged: the private health system and the Medicare. The latter is funded partly by a 2% Medicare levy (with exceptions for low-income earners), with the rest being supplied by government. An additional levy of 1% is imposed on high-income earners without private health insurance. To find out more about how Australia’s healthcare system works, check our blog here.
Due to its temperate climate, Irish cuisine centers on the grown crops and meat from farmed animals with contributions from the English cuisine. Common foods/ingredients include butter, cheese, oats, wheat, cod, shellfish, trout, salmon (typically smoked), lamb, mutton, potatoes, rhubarb, pear, and plum. The country is also known for its alcoholic beverages, mostly bearing its name, such as the Irish whiskey, Irish stout, Irish red ale, Irish mist, and Irish cream.
When dining outside, be conscious about place settings. The knife above your plate is for the butter, while the little plate next to your bigger plate is for the potato peelings. It is not for bread as many assume, as bread isn’t usually served here. Holding the potato down using your fork in one hand, and peel the skin with your knife in the other. Also, keep your hands on your lap when not using, as opposed to most western settings where hands must always be visible. Service charges are usually included in your bills.
Australian cuisine is a fusion of native aboriginal inventiveness and British colonial contribution, with mix of Asian and Mediterranean traditions provided by wave after wave of post-colonial migrations and helped transform their cuisine. They usually take advantage of meat available in the continent, such as lamb, kangaroo, and emu, as well as pork, beef, and chickens. Like the Japanese, Aussies prefer the freshest produces as much as possible (check here for Australia’s most amazing/weirdest foods).
When dining, it is not encouraged that you talk about business or work, unless your host initiates so. Even during business lunches or dinners, it is rare that people will dive in straight on to business conversations. Always start with small talks during meals. Tipping here is usually 10 to 15 percent.
Irish families would rather buy properties than rent them, this results to a less than reliable rental market in the country. There’s a very apparent shortage of apartment here, especially the three- to four-bedroom apartments which is perfect for the family. However, just like the general rule in other countries, it is unwise to purchase a property if you just arrived or you don’t see yourself living in the country for more than three years.
While searching for a private rented accommodation, you may turn to local newspapers, real estate agencies, or even websites such as myhome.ie, let.ie, and daft.ie. It is advised that you view first the rental accommodation before making any tenancy transactions as the quality of apartments vary heavily. For long term agreements, minimum rental period is usually six months to a maximum of three years. The region, city, neighborhood, number of bedrooms, age, and quality of a property usually determine the rental price.
Unlike in Ireland, owning a house is not very common in Australia. Around 33% of residents here lives in a fully owned properties, 31.4% rents their home, while 35%of homes are mortgaged.
The departments of state governments provide public housing in Australia. It is divided into two categories: the inner-city medium to high-rise apartments and the low-density townhouses/fully detached houses located in the suburban fringes of cities and towns. The inner-city public housing is generally found in Melbourne and Sydney. They are usually 3-5 story walk-up flats and 11-22 story high-rise towers. Low-density suburban estates is located in almost every city and town in Australia.
Expectedly, rents are cheaper in rural than urban areas. It’s also lower the further a property is from a large city or town, public transport or other facilities. The average rents are highest in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin. You may check here for a comprehensive guide on how to find an apartment in the country.
Ireland has a few extensive light rail networks serving the suburban areas. These include the Dublin Area Rapid Transport (DART) rail line running the length of Dublin's coastline as well as the Luas tram system which has two popular lines. Light rail systems also exist in Cork, Limerick and Galway. However, buses are the main means of transport in the country. They are convenient, affordable, generally fast, frequent and reliable. Roaming around by car is also an excellent way to go around the country, as roads and infrastructures in the country are well developed. Taxis and Uber services also operate here.
A one way train ticket here costs US$2.87, while a monthly pass is at around US$122.66. Starting taxi tariff is US$4.57 with US$1.45 for the first one kilometer. A Toyota Corolla 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or any equivalent new car) will set you back US$26,486.77. Gasoline is at US$1.45 for every liter.
The rail way system in Australia is extensive and efficient logically due to its huge size also. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide all sport expansive electric commuter rail networks which eventually have developed and expanded over time. Trams have operated extensive across the country but have since shut down in favor of cars, except in Melbourne and Adelaide. While Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth have partially underground transit systems. Buses and taxis also operate in the country. However, despite the very good public transport system, driving is the most used mode of transport in the country, and this number continues to rise. If you want to find out how commuting etiquette here works, check here.
Commuting costs here are less expensive than in Ireland, though. A one-way ticket here sets you back by US$2.96 while going for a monthly pass will increase it to US$96.96. A kilometer ride of taxi is US$1.62 with US$2.98 as starting tariff. If you want your own car, a Toyota Corolla 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or any equivalent new car) will cost you US$17,430.44 plus US$0.96 for every litter of gasoline.
Ireland has a maritime influenced, mild and humid climate. It is characterized as mild, moist and shifting with generous rainfall and not much temperature extremes. The driest and warmest time of the year is during May to mid-September, while January and February are the coldest. Winter days can be most, cold, and short. But temperature rarely falls below freezing due to the Gulf Stream. Snow might be very occasional here, but it is very common in the mountainous regions. It can be very windy in the coastal areas, while hale and thunderstorms are very rare occurrences.
Due to its massive size, climate also varies vastly in Australia to a wide degree. This is reflected on the snow-capped mountains in the south and arid deserts in the interior. Majority of the country leans more towards the temperate, tropical rainforest climate. Australians get plenty of sun and warmth most of the year but with huge drops in temperature during winter.
The weather widely differs with every city. To find out more about the climate in each of them, check it here.
Advantages of Irish citizenship include:
Advantages of Australian citizenship include:
If you can survive the uncertainties of the weather, then either Ireland or Australia is perfect for you. Both nations are known for their unpredictable patterns. Also, the two share their love for beer, reflected on the many pubs and bars on major cities and even small towns. Also, both countries are relatively safe and known for their strict gun laws.
Because of its location, Ireland’s main draw is its proximity to Europe. Within two to three hours, you can be either in Barcelona or Spain, while the United Kingdom is a mere 45 minutes away. Also, accommodation is highly affordable, though you have to compete your way to find a good one. And if you are working full time, you are entitled to 20 holidays, and this is mandated by the law.
However, unemployment rate is quite high in Ireland. There are also lots of redundancies and the job competition is stiff. The European Union is going through some financial challenges already, and may or may not be worsen by Brexit, but Ireland is one of those who can feel the woes already.
Australia, on the other hand, is much stable economy-wise, as it is not part of any economic bloc who decides what is its financial fate. In fact, it is one of the very few who came out unscathed by the recent global recession. The outdoor and active lifestyle is Oz’s best pride, coupled by the warm weather and friendly people.
However, while Ireland’s properties can be very low-cost, houses and rents here can be very expensive, as is the general cost of living. And if you love going around Europe, you may like to settle in Ireland instead, as the Land Down Under is bordered by the ocean from the rest of the world.
While the entire Europe is busy having a generally anti-immigrant stance, a political party in the Netherlands called Denk (or “Think” in Dutch) courageously stood up to oppose the rising xenophobia and racism slowly embattling much of the continent these days. This only represents the country’s position of slowly opening its gates wider for immigrants is the waves of globalization enables more people to be expatriates, travelers, and migrants.
Today we compare the Low Lands and the Land Down Under to get to the bottom of their migration potentials (pun intended).
Considering that the Netherlands has only 17 million inhabitants and is the 18th largest economy in the world, the country is undoubtedly one of the wealthiest in the world. It operates on an open economic structure (they can freely trade internationally) and relies on export. Other main industries include metal and engineering products, agriculture, petroleum, electronic machinery and equipment, chemicals, and construction. It has an unemployment rate of 6.8% and inflation rate of 0.3%.
At US$28,000 to US$30,000 annually, the wage here is average compared to most of European countries. It is deemed higher than that of Spain and Italy, but lower than that of England and Germany. However, work-life balance here is guaranteed, with Dutch Laws prohibiting anyone from working more than 45 hours a week. This policy resulted them to have one of the lowest average working time in the world at 1,425 hours annually or 27 hours a week.
One of the largest mixed market economies in the world, Australia’s economy is primarily driven by its service sector, comprising 68% of its GDP. Other sectors (and biggest employers) include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, tourism, media, education, and logistics. It is the 12th largest in the world in terms of GDP. Unemployment here is higher by a small margin at 5.8% with an inflation rate of 1.3%
The country currently has the highest minimum wage in the world, making up for the considerable high income taxes. Like in the Netherlands, a law is also mandating employees to work for a maximum of 40 hours a week only (they fought for that right in the past), making the average working time here to be only at around at 1,664 working hours annually or 32 hours a week.
And if you came here unemployed (or became unemployed in the process) here’s a quick and comprehensive guide on how can you land another job.
The Dutch health care is considered as the best in Europe, taking the top rank in the list of 34 nations in the 2012 Euro Health Consumer Index. It spends a lot on its health care system at 11.9% of GDP, second only to the United States. They have a network of 160 primary care centers, with open surgeries 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most of the doctors speak very good English, making them fairly accessible to expats and new immigrants.
Health insurance here is mandatory. And is covered by four statutory forms:
Australia’s healthcare system functions on a centralized level, and is carried out by both private and government institutions. The state and territory governments supervise aspects of health care within their jurisdictions, such as the operation of hospitals.
It is two-pronged: the private health system and the Medicare. The latter is funded partly by a 2% Medicare levy (with exceptions for low-income earners), with the rest being supplied by government. An additional levy of 1% is imposed on high-income earners without private health insurance. To find out more about how Australia’s healthcare system works, check our blog here.
Because of its coastal location, main ingredients of Dutch cuisine include fishes, but also centers around pork, chicken, or beef. On the traditional level, their method of cooking and preparation is simple and straightforward, focusing more on vegetables and farm produces than meat. Dutch diet is mainly rich in fat and carbohydrates and contains dairy products, reflecting the nutritional requirements of farmers, fishermen, and laborers back then.
Cafes are located everywhere in the country, all serving quick snacks. Broodjeswinkels (small shops) sell open-faced sandwiches, consumed traditionally with a glass of milk or buttermilk. Meanwhile, informal restaurants like Poffertjes offer fried dough pancakes, typically with powdered sugar. And lastly, raw, salted, smoked, or dried herring are being sold on street stalls. You will usually purchase the herring from a barrel, then hold it by the tail and eat it on the street.
Australian cuisine is a fusion of native aboriginal inventiveness and British colonial contribution, with mix of Asian and Mediterranean traditions provided by wave after wave of post-colonial migrations, thus helping transform their cuisine. They usually take advantage of meat available in the continent, such as lamb, kangaroo, and emu, as well as pork, beef, and chickens. Like the Japanese, Aussies prefer the freshest produces as much as possible.
The country is has a rich culinary atmosphere, evident by the many restaurants continuously sprouting in cities from ultra-exclusive joints to pubs to dives serving street food. Melbourne itself has become famous for gastronomical adventurers because of the many restaurants and cafes lining up its streets. Also, Australian food is diverse as they are enjoyable and sometimes challenging. Check some of them here.
Social housing is high level and well developed in the Netherlands, as 60% of the residents here own their properties. However, that doesn't mean the renting market is underdeveloped for the other 40%. The properties for rent are up to par also, though the process can be pretty complicated. On some areas, restrictions are applied on who gets prioritized to live in the house. The odds mostly go for those who have strong connection to the area i.e. they were born there, working nearby, or has a family in the area.
As a foreigner, a migrant, or expatriate, there is no restriction for you to own a property. However, like in renting, it is restricted to low-income earners, which makes it quite challenging. It is mostly advised that you rent if you are new to an area or planning to stay there for three years only or less. If you are able to own a property, on the other hand, there are tax benefits and mortgage costs are often lower than that of renting.
Unlike in the Netherlands, owning a house is also not very common in Australia. Around 33% of residents here live in fully owned properties, 31.4% rent their home, while 35% of homes are mortgaged.
The departments of state governments provides public housing in Australia. It is divided into two categories: the inner-city medium to high-rise apartments and the low-density townhouses/fully detached houses located in the suburban fringes of cities and towns. The inner-city public housing is generally found in Melbourne and Sydney. They are usually 3-5 story walk-up flats and 11-22 story high-rise towers. Low-density suburban estates is located in almost every city and town in Australia.
Expectedly, rents are cheaper in rural than urban areas. It’s also lower the further a property is from a large city or town, public transport or other facilities. The average rents are highest in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin.
Public transport in the Netherlands is well-developed, efficient, and relatively affordable compared to the average income. The OV-chipkaart is the country’s main smart card system in traveling, and can be used in trains, metros, and buses. Various railway systems operate in the country. They have three rapid transit systems (metros) serving various cities, a rail transport that connects almost all major towns and cities (it is the busiest in the world), three large tram networks which operate in three cities, and two light rail networks. There are also regional and city public transport bus services, but their connections are quite limited due to the extensiveness of the train networks.
A one way train ticket here costs US$3.13, while a monthly pass is at around US$84.92. Starting taxi tariff is US$4.47 with US$2.35 for the first one kilometer. A Toyota Corolla 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or any equivalent new car) will set you back US$24,255.49. Gasoline is at US$1.71 for every liter.
Australia also has very efficient public transport system. But unlike Japan where trains are more popular, driving is the most used mode of transport here, and this number continues to rise. Trains only come second, then walking (the country has a very good culture of walking), and then buses. All of Australian cities have reliable, affordable public bus networks and train lines, plus taxis operate nationwide. These train lines include commuter rail networks, trams, light rails, and rapid transits.
Commuting costs are a bit less expensive here than in the Netherlands. A one-way ticket here sets you back by US$2.96 while going for a monthly pass will increase it to US$96.96. A kilometer ride of taxi is US$1.62 with US$2.98 as starting tariff. If you want your own car, a Toyota Corolla 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or any equivalent new car) will cost you US$17,430.44 plus US$0.96 for every liter of gasoline.
The Netherlands has a moderate maritime (or oceanic) climate characterized by cool summers and mild winters, with typically high humidity. This is more evident in the Dutch coastline, where the difference in temperature is definitely smaller between summer and winter, and between day and night than it is in the southeast part of the country. Since the country is small in land area, there isn’t much else variation in temperature and climate from region to region, however, the marine influences are less felt inland. Rainfall is distributed throughout most of the year with a dryer period from April to September.
Due to the massive land area, Australia goes through differing climates. This fact is characterized by the severely hot climate in the Kimberley region in the north-west of the continent to below zero in the Snowy Mountains in the south. Also due to its size, there just can’t be one seasonal calendar for the whole continent.
Depending upon where in the continent you are each month, the seasons will vary, whether the weather is defined by the Temperate zone seasons or the tropical seasons. To find out more what is the climate and weather patterns in each of the states in the country, check our blog here.
The Netherlands and Australia have as so many similarities, their qualities and characteristics are almost mirror-like. Both have a well-structured economy, an all-encompassing health care, very low crime rate, an egalitarian culture, and efficient transport system. Also, both countries have the tendency to build traffic congestions, especially in bigger cities, and the unpredictable weather patterns.
However, The Netherlands has the upper hand when it comes to their tax system, which provides a 30 percent tax-free allowance available, as well as lower average working hours. Living the country also opens more opportunities in other European countries by the agreement in the European Union.
But this specific benefit is also a major drawback, job and career opportunities are mostly restricted towards migrants from EU countries only. Also, you need to learn Dutch to better get along with the residents.
Australia, on the other hand, prioritizes the job market according to skills, not nationality, and opportunities are available to almost everybody. And since English is the main language, it’s fairly easy to deal with people. Also, the country offers the highest minimum wage in the world, which makes up for the expensive living.
If you like traveling the world or fond of going abroad, however, Australia is isolated by ocean from the rest of Europe and Asia, and provides a major challenge. Also, the properties can get very expensive, the reason why only 30% of people here owns their home.
When we hear of Denmark, we think of Hans Christian Andersen, the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen’s waterside, and the country’s enormous tax rate. The thing is, Denmark is more than these. The country features one of the best living standards and highest quality of life in the world and is home to one of the happiest people in the planet. These qualities, among others lie, parallel to the Lucky Country, so we decided it’s time we compare the two of the best migration destinations these days.
Although rife with valuable natural resources such as mature oil and gas wells in the North Sea, Denmark relies more on human resources to support its main economic sectors such as agriculture, food processing, electronics, construction, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and tourism, among others. In a nutshell, Denmark sports a mixed-economy structure. It has an unemployment rate of 3.19% and inflation rate of 0.50%.
In the office environment, the country operates on an egalitarian convention. Superiors and subordinates are expected to work on a “horizontal” principle, i.e. the bosses working with the team rather than just handing down orders. If you are employed by the government sectors, your salary is determined by trade unions and employer associations. If you work for the private companies, it will be based on your qualifications. At 1,436 hours a year (or 28 hours a week), it has one of the lowest working hours in the world.
Australia operates on a mixed market economy structure, and the 12th largest economy in the world. The economy is primarily driven by its service sector, comprising 68% of its GDP. Other sectors (and biggest employers) include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, tourism, media, education, and logistics. It is the 12th largest in the world in terms of GDP. Unemployment here is higher by a small margin at 5.8% with a lower inflation rate of 1.3%
Much like in Denmark, a culture of egalitarianism and consultancy also define the Aussies’ working style. Subordinates are required to share opinions and suggestions or even challenge their superiors’ ideas as long as executed professionally. This adheres to the Australians’ virtue of mateship, in which everybody is treated equally with respect. Australia enjoys a lower than average working hour at 36 hours a week.
The Danish health care is a public system funded though income tax at a regional and municipal level with integrated financing at the regional level. It is divided into two parts: the primary health care which is provided by general practitioners and handles general health problems and is generally the first point of contact if you ask for general medical treatment, and the hospital sector which is deals with patients who need more specialised medical treatment such as intensive care or the need for specialist equipment.
All Danish residents and European Union citizens have access to Denmark’s health care benefits.
Australia’s healthcare system functions on a centralized level, and is carried out by both private and government institutions. The state and territory governments supervise aspects of health care within their jurisdictions, such as the operation of hospitals.
It is two-pronged: the private health system and the Medicare. The latter is funded partly by a 2% Medicare levy (with exceptions for low-income earners), with the rest being supplied by government. An additional levy of 1% is imposed on high-income earners without private health insurance. To find out more about how Australia’s healthcare system works, check our blog here.
Denmark might be an ultramodern wealthy country, but its cuisine originated from what the peasants’ ingenuity and local produce back in the old times. This was further developed with the cooking techniques on the 1800s as well as ingredients available during in the Industrial Revolution. Not to mention, foreign cooking methods and ingredients imported from tropical countries further contributed to the national cuisine’s enhancement. Danish cuisine is famous for its open sandwiches, cold cuts and buffets, and beers.
When dining, do not begin eating until the host says “Skol.” Always finish everything on your plate. Not doing so is a waste of food for them and Danes do not like it. Do not discuss business, follow your host’s lead. And wait to be told where to sit, as there may be a seating plan. For tipping, restaurants usually include a 12-to 15-percent gratuity in all bills already.
Australian cuisine is a fusion of native aboriginal inventiveness and British colonial contribution, with mix of Asian and Mediterranean traditions provided by wave after wave of post-colonial migrations and helped transform their cuisine. They usually take advantage of meat available in the continent, such as lamb, kangaroo, and emu, as well as pork, beef, and chickens. Like the Japanese, Aussies prefer the freshest produces as much as possible (check here for Australia’s most amazing/weirdest foods).
When dining, it is not encouraged that you talk about business or work, unless your host initiates so. Even during business lunches or dinners, it is rare that people will dive in straight on to business conversations. Always start with small talks during meals. Tipping here is usually 10 to 15 percent.
The living cost in Denmark is already expensive, so people who migrate here chose to rent than to buy a property. Danish property is of high standard is usually spacious. Rental accommodation here differs from houses with gardens in the suburbs to city apartments. Most of them, however, tends to be in the form of multi-storey buildings or terraced housing. Majority of these are clustered together in the residential parts of the major cities in the country.
Like with any country, location typically determines the price of the rent. The average monthly rent for a place outside the city is expected to be cheaper than an apartment in Copenhagen. However, this does not mean that a house located miles away from Copenhagen is going to be cheap. Finding a place to settle here can be challenging. Apartment ads are usually posted in newspaper and internet adverts.
Owning a house is also not very common in Australia. Around 33% of residents here lives in a fully owned properties, 31.4% rents their home, while 35%of homes are mortgaged.
The departments of state governments provides Public housing in Australia. It is divided into two categories: The inner-city medium to high-rise apartments and the low-density townhouses/fully detached houses located in the suburban fringes of cities and towns. The inner-city public housing is generally found in Melbourne and Sydney. They are usually 3-5 story walk-up flats and 11-22 story high-rise towers. Low-density suburban estates is located in almost every city and town in Australia.
Expectedly, rents are cheaper in rural than urban areas. It’s also lower the further a property is from a large city or town, public transport or other facilities. The average rents are highest in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin. You may check here for a comprehensive guide on how to find an apartment in the country.
Denmark’s public transportation and infrastructure is ultramodern, efficient, and of high standard. Three types of railway networks operate in the country: Regional (Re), InterCity (IC) and InterCity Lyn (ICL). The Regional trains connect local stations to the main national network. InterCity and InterCity Lyn trains run on the same routes, ICL trains are just faster and do not stop at as many stations. Copenhagen, however, is the only city to have a metro system, and it operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week. It utilizes unmanned, automated trains on the network.
A cheaper alternative to trains when traveling within Denmark are buses or coaches. Some of them also operate to travel to and from the country. You may ride a taxi here, but expect the fare to be expensive.
A one way train ticket here costs US$3.57, while a monthly pass is at around US$55.75. Starting taxi tariff is US$5.95 with US$2.27 for the first one kilometer. A Toyota Corolla 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or any equivalent new car) will set you back US$35,715.16. Gasoline is at US$1.56 for every litter.
The rail way system in Australia is extensive and efficient logically due to its huge size also. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide all sport expansive electric commuter rail networks which eventually have developed and expanded over time. Trams have operated extensive across the country but have since shut down in favor of cars, except in Melbourne and Adelaide. However, partially underground transit systems still operate in Sydney, Brisbane Perth, and Melbourne. Buses and taxis also operate in the country. However, despite the very good public transport system, driving is the most used mode of transport in the country, and this number continues to rise. If you want to find out how commuting etiquette here works, check here.
Commuting costs here is less expensive that in Denmark, though. A one-way ticket here sets you back by US$2.96 while going for a monthly pass will increase it to US$96.96. A kilometer ride of taxi is US$1.62 with US$2.98 as starting tariff. If you want your own car, a Toyota Corolla 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or any equivalent new car) will cost you US$17,430.44 plus US$0.96 for every litter of gasoline.
Located between three European climatic zones, Borea influence in the north, Atlantic influence the west and Continental influence in the east, the climate throughout Denmark is a combination of these influences, and is generally described as temperate. Characterized by mild winters and cool summers, rainfall here is evenly distributed throughout the year. The western part of the country, however, features an Atlantic climate while the eastern parts sports a more continental influenced one. During summertime (May to August) the temperature is pleasant especially during the first month. Winter on the other hand, is ruled by snow, ice and icy winds.
Required clothing here includes lightweights with rainwear during summer, and a waterproof and warmer clothing during winter. Bring an umbrella and a sweater for almost any time of year.
Due to the massive land area, Australia goes through differing climates. This fact is characterized by the severely hot climate in the Kimberley region in the north-west of the continent to below zero in the Snowy Mountains in the south. Also due to its size, there just can’t be one seasonal calendar for the whole continent.
Depending upon where in the continent you are each month, the seasons will vary, whether the weather is defined by the Temperate zone seasons or the tropical seasons. To find out more what is the climate and weather patterns in each of the states in the country, check our blog here.
Despite the huge distance gap and the culture in which they thrive on, Denmark and Australia have more similarities than we can imagine. Both are home to the happiest citizens on the planet, have excellent living standards, healthy lifestyles, short working hours, egalitarian cultures, and the remarkable love for beer. Also, they share the same downsides, such as the expensive cost of living and the competitive housing market. It will just come down to matter of preference.
If you prefer a cooler climate, Denmark is your country. Also, the Scandinavian culture is very inviting. What with their very formal, humble, and laid-back way of living. There’s always something going on each day. The health care here is also superb, albeit at the cost of high income tax.
And speaking of which, as mentioned, Denmark has the second highest tax rate in Europe, so that’s another huge consideration. Also, you may have to learn Danish to survive the language barrier. And most establishment closes before eight in the evening, so you will be left with an empty street after dark.
Australia, meanwhile, has English as its main language, so you won’t have difficulties communicating here. Plus, the Aussies are warm, friendly people who will have no trouble striking a conversation with you, even the random strangers. And the climate is very warm, which is the main draw among those from Europe. The lifestyle here is very active, with everybody going for a jog, a walk, or a sport to enjoy the sun.
On the downside, Australia has a very unstable weather, and if you live in small towns, there won’t be much going on, as the entertainment and activity centers are mostly in the city (on the upside, less congestions). And traveling to other countries can be a bane, as Australia is bordered by the ocean on all sides. It’s more expensive and takes longer to get around.
Like Australia, Thailand also flourished from the countless waves of migrants arriving on its shores. For centuries, people from China, India, USA, the United Kingdom, Germany and other Scandinavian countries came here to settle, work, and contribute to the nation’s further progress. This puts Thailand on the spotlight as one of the most popular migration destinations not just in Asia but in the world.
So, would you rather settle in the Land of Smiles or the Land Down Under?
Relying heavily on exports, Thailand is a newly-industrialized country whose economy is the second-largest in Southeast Asia after Indonesia. Main industries include automobiles and automotive parts, financial services, electric appliances, tourism, cement, computers and parts, furniture, plastics, textiles and garments, beverages, tobacco, and agricultural processing.
Going to Thailand without a firm job offer will leave you unemployed for quite a while, as most jobs are being offered to Thai citizens only. However, online resources such as Jobzing and Monster advertises job postings. It’s also very important that you speak Thai here to get a job. English teaching and IT related work are the ones easiest to find, and it’s easier to find them in Bangkok than anywhere else. Also, the employer must prove that there is no Thai citizen available for the job post before they can hire you.
Australia operates on a mixed market economy structure, and the 12th largest economy in the world. The economy is primarily driven by its service sector, comprising 68% of its GDP. Other sectors (and biggest employers) include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, tourism, media, education, and logistics. It is the 12th largest in the world in terms of GDP.
As long as you can speak English, there will be opportunities in Australia. The country focuses more on specialists, especially on fields such as accountancy, computing, electronics, engineering and mining, catering, cleaning and maintenance services. The payout can also be lucrative, as the country currently has the highest minimum wage in the world.
Check here for a list of resources where you can find jobs in Australia.
Health care in Thailand is divided into private and public system. The private system is quite expensive, but provides a wide range of health insurance packages. Relative to other developed countries, this cost is quite low already, thus attracting many medical tourists. Most foreign workers choose to opt for the private health insurance. There are over 470 private hospitals with superb medical facilities in the country.
Public healthcare, meanwhile, is free for Thai citizens. The medical staff are well-trained. However, the facilities in public hospitals are not in the same standard as in private hospitals. Thai hospitals cannot treat you for free. Before any treatment is administered, you need to provide first proof of acceptable insurance or money to pay your hospital stay. Otherwise, the hospitals might not admit you for in-patient care.
Like in Thailand, Australia’s health care is also divided into two systems. There is the private health system, and there is the Medicare for the public system. The latter is funded partly by a 2% Medicare levy (with exceptions for low-income earners), with the rest being supplied by government. An additional levy of 1% is imposed on high-income earners without private health insurance.
Medicare is the government’s universal health insurance scheme. It provides Australian residents free treatment as a public patient in a public hospital and free or subsidized treatment for optometrist, dental care, and psychology services as well as treatment by doctors.
Check here how the Australian Public Health Care System Works.
Thai cuisine is one of the most famous in the world. It focuses on balance, detail, and variety are the most significance elements. Thai cuisine is known for blending in at least three and up to four or five elementary taste senses in each dish such as sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and spicy. This technique of combining can be executed on the overall meal. Unlike other dishes in other country, Thai stays away from simplicity and aims for a complex and harmonious combination of different taste.
When dining, do not pour your own drink. This goes the same with your neighbor. So be alert if their glass/cup is half-empty already. Chopsticks are not normally use, except when eating Japanese or Chinese dishes. Do not slurp on soups or broth. Remember also that when you eat all the rice in your bowl, it means you want more. Do not take the last bit of food from a central serving plate. And tipping is not usually practiced here.
Australian cuisine has changed over time and is a fusion of native aboriginal inventiveness and British colonial contribution, with mix of Asian and Mediterranean traditions provided by wave after wave of post-colonial migrations and helped transform their cuisine. They usually take advantage of meat available in the continent, such as lamb, kangaroo, and emu, as well as pork, beef, and chickens. Check here for Australia’s most amazing/weirdest foods).
When dining, it is not encouraged that you talk about business or work, unless your host initiates so. Even during business lunches or dinners, it is rare that people will dive in straight on to business conversations. Always start with small talks during meals. Tipping here is usually 10 to 15 percent.
Getting a good place to settle in Thailand can be challenging. And this escalates furthermore if you live in large cities. However, property prices are generally lower here compared to other developed countries. When it comes to renting, your choices will boil down to four types of properties here: Serviced apartments (condominiums with hotel-like atmosphere and services, popular in the country's business districts), rented condominiums (regular condominiums without the additional services), houses (mostly located in the suburbs), and town houses (smaller than regular houses).
If you’re planning to rent, you need to have at least a passport, a copy of your work permit, and proof of income.
Suburban fringes of cities and towns sports the inner-city medium to high-rise apartments and the low-density townhouses/fully detached houses, while Melbourne and Sydney cradles the inner-city public housing is generally found in They are usually 3-5 story walk-up flats and 11-22 story high-rise towers. Low-density suburban estates is located in almost every city and town in the country.
Logically, rents are more affordable in rural than urban areas. It’s also lower the further a property is from a large city or town, public transport or other facilities, the cheaper it is. The average rents are highest in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin.
To find out more how to rent a house in the country, check here.
Thailand’s public transport is varied, dynamic, and can sometimes even be chaotic as roads can be congested and there are no dominant means of transportation. However, road travel has been the primary method of roaming around. One such public transport is the tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled auto rickshaw. The tuk-tuk is especially useful during traffic congestions. Rapid transit systems also operate in Bangkok such as Skytrain, Bangkok Metro (MRT), Bangkok Skytrain (BTS), and the Suvarnabhumi Airport Link (ARL). Buses, on the other hand, are the most popular means for long distance travel. They also operate in Bangkok for in-city travels. Other alternative methods of transportations are motorbikes, taxis, van, and boats.
A one way train ticket here costs US$0.57, while a monthly pass is at around US$34.27. Starting taxi tariff is US$1.00 with US$0.23 for the first one kilometer. A Toyota Corolla 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or any equivalent new car) will set you back US$24,235.67. Gasoline is at US$0.80 for every litter.
All of Australian cities have reliable, affordable public bus networks and train lines, plus taxis operate nationwide. These train lines include commuter rail networks, trams, light rails, and rapid transits. But, like in Thailand, driving is the most used mode of transport, and this number continues to rise. It is followed by train, walking (the country has a very good culture of walking), bus, and lastly, train. Despite this, roads are unlikely to get congested, except in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Fares are pricier than in Brazil, though. A one-way ticket here sets you back by US$2.96 while going for a monthly pass will increase it to US$96.96. A kilometer ride of taxi is US$1.62 with US$2.98 as starting tariff. If you want your own car, A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or any equivalent new car) will cost you US$18,644.84 plus US$0.96 for every litter of gasoline.
Throughout most of the year, the climate in Thailand is typically hot and humid. It has only three distinct seasons: the hot season from March to May, the cool season from November to February and the rainy season from about June to October. The landlocked provinces i.e. the central, northern, and northeastern Thailand experience all the three seasons while the southern and coastal regions goes only through two seasons. This makes the general climate here quite easy to understand.
All in all, the climate here can be defined as tropical monsoon. It features strong monsoon influences, has a substantial amount of sun, high rate of rainfall, and high humidity that sometimes makes the weather feel quite disagreeable.
Due to its massive size, climate also varies vastly in Australia to a wide degree. This is reflected on the snow-capped mountains in the south and arid deserts in the interior. Majority of the country leans more towards the temperate, tropical rainforest climate. Australians get plenty of sun and warmth most of the year but with huge drops in temperature during winter.
The weather widely differs with every city. To find out more about the climate in each of them, check it here.
Advantages of Thai citizenship include:
Advantages of Australian Citizenship include:
For a more detailed information about these benefits, check our blog here.
While Thailand has yet to reach the status comparable to that of Australia’s economy, the Asian culture and standard of living has been the main draw among expatriates and migrants. The costs of living here is relatively low, the health care efficient and affordable, and Thai way of life is very unique as it is charming. It is reflected in its world class cuisine, the South Asian architecture, and the colorful festivities. Work life here might be hectic, but their traditions and way of living is already a tradeoff.
On the downside, you initially have to deal with the language barrier, as very few people here speaks English. Also, the cities tend to be congested, leading to heavy flow of traffic, especially during rush hours. Not to mention, the Thais’ etiquettes, manners, and social protocols are very far to that of the western world. So big adjustments are needed here.
Australia, on the other hand, is as Western as it gets. It maintains its British Colonial influences while integrating it to American contributions, and completed by Asian and Mediterranean influences. English is the primary language, so you will have no difficulties communicating. Also, Aussies are very warm, friendly, and very open to small talks, even to total strangers. No to mention, the stable economy means it always have opportunities to migrants.
However, its unstable weather, large size, and isolated location are the main drawbacks here. The country can experience as many as four weather patterns in the single day. Also, due to its size, driving form once city to another can take a while. The same is also with traveling to other countries .
Before the 1930s, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was one of the most underdeveloped countries in the planet. Upon the discovery of oil, it transformed into one of the wealthiest nations and migration hotspots in the world. Relying essentially on foreign labor to efficiently make use of their vast oil reserves, there are roughly 9 million foreign workers now in the country from all over the world such as the United States, Europe, Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia. Most of them engineers, architects, technicians, machine operators, and some are even agriculturists and domestic workers.
Today we compare the world’s Oil Baron with the Lucky Country.
Possessing over 18% of the world's proven petroleum reserves, Saudi Arabia has an oil-based economy with the government having strong control over major economic activities, and ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum. Main industries include crude oil production, petroleum refining, petrochemicals, industrial gases, cement, fertilizer, plastics, metals, commercial ship repair, commercial aircraft repair, and construction. Unemployment rate is at 11.4% while inflation rate is 3.77%
Just like its neighbor country, United Aram of Emirates, salary level here is just the same (or slightly greater) as those offered by western countries. What makes the country a lucrative destination is the absence of personal taxation. This makes the net income much bigger. Also, housing, car, and education provisions that were previously given are now being offered as cash packages. Though you have to endure the 40 to 48-hour working time that is a norm here.
Australia too operates on a mixed market economy structure, and the 12th largest economy in the world. The economy is primarily driven by its service sector, comprising 68% of its GDP. Other sectors (and biggest employers) include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, tourism, media, education, and logistics. It is the 12th largest in the world in terms of GDP. Unemployment here is higher by a small margin at 5.8% with a lower inflation rate of 1.3%
The country currently has the highest minimum wage in the world. Though income taxes may apply, the net income is still very much considerable. Packages and fringe benefits include company cars, mobile phones, laptops, and even utility bills.
In Saudi Arabia's national health care system, the government administers health care services through a number of its agencies. However, there is a growing role and increased participation from the private sector in the provision of health care services.
Both the natives and expats are entitled for a comprehensive package of benefits. These include public health, preventive, diagnostic, and curative services and pharmaceuticals with very minor exclusions and without cost sharing. Majority of such as state of the art cardio-vascular procedures, organ transplants, and cancer treatments (including bone marrow transplants) are covered. For private sector expatriates, sponsors and/or employers are contracted for settling for an extensive package of services
Australia’s health care is divided into two systems. There is the private health system, and there is the Medicare for the public system. The latter is funded partly by a 2% Medicare levy (with exceptions for low-income earners), with the rest being supplied by government. An additional levy of 1% is imposed on high-income earners without private health insurance.
Medicare is the government’s universal health insurance scheme. It provides Australian residents free treatment as a public patient in a public hospital and free or subsidized treatment for optometrist, dental care, and psychology services as well as treatment by doctors.
Check here how the Australian Public Health Care System Works.
Arabian cuisine had gone through thousands of years with little to no evolution. Some of the common food items include wheat, rice, lamb, chicken, yogurt, potatoes and dates. The Islamic dietary laws prohibits the eating of pork and the drinking of alcoholic beverages. This law is encompasses all of Saudi Arabia. Also, animals must be butchered in a halal way and blessed before they can be eaten as per Islamic law.
Dinning etiquettes here is quite complex. As the food is served before meals, guests say, "Sahtain" (much like "bon appetit"), or "Bismillah" (“In the name of God”); when the meal is over, guests should also say, "Daimah" ("may there always be plenty at your table"). Never use your left hand when eating. Women should not directly touch Muslim men’s’ food, unless they are direct relatives. Men and women may be asked to dine separately. And spouses are typically never invited to business meals and dinners.
Australian cuisine has changed over time and is a fusion of native aboriginal inventiveness and British colonial contribution, with mix of Asian and Mediterranean traditions provided by wave after wave of post-colonial migrations and helped transform their cuisine. They usually take advantage of meat available in the continent, such as lamb, kangaroo, and emu, as well as pork, beef, and chickens. Check here for Australia’s most amazing/weirdest foods).
Unlike in Saudi Arabia, gender equality is being observed here. Women can dine with men and can partake in business meeting. There are no laws governing which food to eat to anything available can be served (and yes, including pork and alcohol). However, it is not encouraged that you talk about business or work when dining here, unless your host initiates so. Even during business lunches or dinners, it is rare that people will dive in straight on to business conversations. Always start with small talks during meals. Tipping here is usually 10 to 15 percent.
Due to the rapid growth of the economy and the abrupt arrival of expats, housing for new migrants had to be built as fast as possible. This means that, instead of individual houses, apartment blocks were constructed. The term ‘compound’ refers to a group of houses or small apartment blocks within a walled enclosure. This may include a communal swimming pool, a restaurant, a shop, tennis and squash courts, and a gymnasium. There might be a play area for children and a form of community hall known as a majlis – the traditional Arab meeting area for visitors.
Expats and natives usually do not live together. The Arab culture usually call for large, extended families, which require large houses. The affluent typically own villas while the less well-off tend to own medium-sized houses.
Suburban fringes of cities and towns sport the inner-city medium to high-rise apartments and the low-density townhouses/fully detached houses, while Melbourne and Sydney cradles the inner-city public housing. They are usually 3-5 story walk-up flats and 11-22 story high-rise towers. Low-density suburban estates is located in almost every city and town in the country.
Logically, rents are more affordable in rural than urban areas. It’s also lower the further a property is from a large city or town, public transport or other facilities, the cheaper it is. The average rents are highest in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin.
To find out more how to rent a house in the country, check here.
Operated by two government-owned companies, a railway network move around in Saudi Arabia, transporting people and good across the country. Inter-city buses also operate country and operated by the Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company. It includes 2,000 buses connecting Saudi Arabia’s major cities such as Riyadh (the capital), Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Taif, Dammam, Abha, Gaseem, Tabuk and Hael. But the most used mode of roaming around the country is road transport; such as private driving and getting a taxi. The country funneled much of its resources in building roads and infrastructures
A one way train ticket here costs US$53, while a monthly pass is at around US$53.33. Starting taxi tariff is US$2.67 with US$1.33 for the first one kilometer. A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) will set you back US$17,331.48. Gasoline is at US$0.17 for every litter.
The rail way system in Australia is very extensive and efficient due to its huge size also. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide all sport expansive electric commuter rail networks which eventually have developed and expanded over time. Trams have operated extensive across the country but have since shut down in favor of cars, except in Melbourne and Adelaide. While Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth have partially underground transit systems. Buses and taxis also operate in the country. However, despite the very good public transport system, driving is the most used mode of transport in the country, and this number continues to rise. If you want to find out how commuting etiquette here works, check here.
Commuting costs here are pricier than in Russia, though. A one-way ticket here sets you back by US$2.96 while going for a monthly pass will increase it to US$96.96. A kilometer ride of taxi is US$1.62 with US$2.98 as starting tariff. If you want your own car, A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or any equivalent new car) will cost you US$18,644.84 plus US$0.96 for every litter of gasoline.
Saudi Arabia has a desert climate defined by extreme heat during the day, a sudden drop in temperature at night, and very minimal annual rainfall. There is considerable variation in temperature and humidity due to the influence of a subtropical high-pressure system. Meanwhile, the region of Asir along the Western coast is influenced by the Indian Ocean monsoons, usually occurring between Octobers. The two main differences in the climate of Saudi-Arabia can be felt between the coastal areas and the interior.
The average summer temperature is approximately 45° C, but readings of up to 54° C are not rare. The heat becomes intensified just after sunrise and lasts until sunset, followed by surprisingly cool nights. In the winter, the temperature seldom drops below 0° C.
Due to its massive size, climate varies vastly in Australia to a wide degree. This is reflected on the snow-capped mountains in the south and arid deserts in the interior. Majority of the country leans more towards the temperate, tropical rainforest climate. Australians get plenty of sun and warmth most of the year but with huge drops in temperature during winter.
The weather widely differs with every city. To find out more about the climate in each of them, check it here.
Aside from both having the warm, dessert climate, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Australia are worlds apart. The earlier thrives with a strictly middle eastern-culture governed by Islamic laws. The latter is rife with Western influences with no adherence to a specific religion or ideology.
Saudi’s employment comes with unusually high perks not found in most countries such as high salaries, free tickets back home, and the absence of tax. The also offer free education for kids and lucrative end of service benefits after two or three years of employment. Not to mention, the free health care and other medical benefits. On the down side, you may need to survive the language barrier, the very intense climate, and the ultra-conservative nature of their society, especially when it comes to women (they are not allowed to drive, wear certain clothes, compete in sports, swim, interact with men, etc.). Also, there isn’t much freedom when it comes to religion and the lack of entertainment options in the country is very apparent.
Meanwhile, Australia provides greater freedom to its citizens and migrants in choice of their religion and beliefs, employment, and choices in life regardless of gender, race, and status in life. Everybody speaks English so it’s easier to communicate. And expats can go for permanent residency and even citizenship to further improve their quality of life, a benefit not typically found in Australia. Though the country offers the highest minimum wage in the planet, the income tax and cost of living offset that.
It was Christmas day of 1991 when the Soviet flag flew over the Kremlin in Moscow for the last time. This marks the final stage of the demise of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), or more popularly known as the Soviet Union. The dissolution happens essentially due to the many number of radical reforms being implemented during the last six years. Earlier before December 25, the 11 Soviet republics, including the mighty Russian Federation, announced they will they would establish a Commonwealth of Independent States.
Russia’s history and political transitions are sometimes tumultuous, but it survives every time just like the robust empire it is since the medieval times. Now, it is one of the hottest migration destinations in the world.
Today we compare two of the most massive countries in the world to help you decide where to go.
A high-income mixed economy with state ownership in strategic areas of the economy, Russia largely rely on natural resources for revenue. Due to its massive size, it is estimated that the country has 30% of the world’s natural resources. Economic sectors include energy (oil, gas, coal, and timber), mining (minerals and gold), fishing and forestry, agriculture, aerospace, automotive, banking, and telecommunications, among others. It has an unemployment rate of 5.6% and inflation rate of 7.5%
As an expat, working here will likely to hand you high salaries and a great financial quality of life. But you have to manage your expectation, huge pay-outs are hard-earned, and jobs for foreigners are increasingly challenging to find. Foreigners mostly secure executive or senior managerial positions through Russian or international executive search offices. Locals usually fill in the Junior and middle-management positions
Like Russia, Australia too operates on a mixed market economy structure, and the 12th largest economy in the world. The economy is primarily driven by its service sector, comprising 68% of its GDP. Other sectors (and biggest employers) include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, tourism, media, education, and logistics. It is the 12th largest in the world in terms of GDP. Unemployment here is higher by a small margin at 5.8% with a lower inflation rate of 1.3%
There are many opportunities here both for upper and middle management, but the country focuses more on specialists, especially on fields such as accountancy, computing, electronics, engineering and mining, catering, cleaning and maintenance services. The payout can also be lucrative, as the country currently has the highest minimum wage in the world.
The Constitution of the Russian Federation mandates the right to all citizens to free health care under Mandatory Medical Insurance. For every 10,000 people, there are 43.8 doctors allotted. This is lower in rural areas at only 12.1. There are around 9.3 beds per thousand population, almost double the OECD average. The country allots 6.5% of Gross Domestic Product on health care expenditure. Approximately 5% of the population have health insurance, most of them from major cities.
Though Russia has relatively poor statistics in the health care system. Quality medical treatment in can still be found. As it has pioneered some of the most specialized fields of medicine in recent years, such as laser eye surgery. Not to mention, the many different developments and breakthroughs in heart surgery. Quality medical treatment can also be found at several health centers.
Australia’s health care is divided into two systems. There is the private health system, and there is the Medicare for the public system. The latter is funded partly by a 2% Medicare levy (with exceptions for low-income earners), with the rest being supplied by government. An additional levy of 1% is imposed on high-income earners without private health insurance.
Medicare is the government’s universal health insurance scheme. It provides Australian residents free treatment as a public patient in a public hospital and free or subsidized treatment for optometrist, dental care, and psychology services as well as treatment by doctors.
Check here how the Australian Public Health Care System Works.
Russian cuisine has no singular characteristics. It is a collection of the diverse cooking traditions of the people from all around the country, which is massive. It is essentially influenced by foods consumed by peasants and people of the rural population in often harsh climates, and usually includes fish, pork, poultry, caviar, mushrooms, berries, and honey. Over time, foods such as smoked meats and fish, pastries, salads, chocolate, ice cream, wines, and juice were imported from other countries and made as their own.
When dining, do not start eating until all the guests have received food on their plates and your host invites you to begin. If gravy or sauce is included, use your bread to soak some of it up. When offered a drink, always take it. Give a good excuse if you cannot drink. The more you drink, the more you will be offered. Tipping at 9% to 10% is appropriate.
Australian cuisine has changed over time and is a fusion of native aboriginal inventiveness and British colonial contribution, with mix of Asian and Mediterranean traditions provided by wave after wave of post-colonial migrations and helped transform their cuisine. They usually take advantage of meat available in the continent, such as lamb, kangaroo, and emu, as well as pork, beef, and chickens. Check here for Australia’s most amazing/weirdest foods).
When dining, it is not encouraged that you talk about business or work, unless your host initiates so. Even during business lunches or dinners, it is rare that people will dive in straight on to business conversations. Always start with small talks during meals. Tipping here is usually 10 to 15 percent.
Since the early 1990s, the housing market in Russia has gone through important shifts, as the thriving economy has contributed to an increase in prices. Over the past 4 years modern apartments in the city centres have become available. Price of rentals is determined by location, condition of the flat and type of building.
The types of apartments available here include luxury apartments, elite renovation (both are built with excellent materials and modern design.), Western-style (or "evroremont," suited to more practical and comfortable tastes), above-average (or "cosmetic renovation," the most typical Russian homes, their style dates back to the Soviet era and are usually clean and simple) and standard apartments (average or poor quality).
Suburban fringes of cities and towns sports the inner-city medium to high-rise apartments and the low-density townhouses/fully detached houses, while Melbourne and Sydney cradles the inner-city public housing is generally found in They are usually 3-5 story walk-up flats and 11-22 story high-rise towers. Low-density suburban estates is located in almost every city and town in the country.
Logically, rents are more affordable in rural than urban areas. It’s also lower the further a property is from a large city or town, public transport or other facilities, the cheaper it is. The average rents are highest in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin.
To find out more how to rent a house in the country, check here.
The largest country in the world naturally is home to one of the most extensive transport network. Russia has the world's second-largest railway network, second only to that of the United States. In the capital, the metro is the most popular form of transport. The Moscow metro system serves 7 million passengers a day, while the St Petersburg system serves 2 million. This is a lot of people considering the network only has five lines. There are also underground metro systems in Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Samara and Yekaterinburg. Due to the competition between public and private bus companies and lack of centralised organization, it is challenging to find information about timetables online, so it is best just to check at the bus stops. Taxis, on the other hand, cannot be hailed off the street, they have to be called in advance.
A one way train ticket here costs US$0.43, while a monthly pass is at around US$23.00. Starting taxi tariff is US$2.06 with US$0.23 for the first one kilometer. A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) will set you back US$15,653.22. Gasoline is at US$0.53 for every litter.
The rail way system in Australia is just as extensive and efficient as it is in Russia logically due to its huge size also. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide all sport expansive electric commuter rail networks which eventually have developed and expanded over time. Trams have operated extensive across the country but have since shut down in favor of cars, except in Melbourne and Adelaide. While Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth have partially underground transit systems. Buses and taxis also operate in the country. However, despite the very good public transport system, driving is the most used mode of transport in the country, and this number continues to rise. If you want to find out how commuting etiquette here works, check here.
Commuting costs here are pricier than in Russia, though. A one-way ticket here sets you back by US$2.96 while going for a monthly pass will increase it to US$96.96. A kilometer ride of taxi is US$1.62 with US$2.98 as starting tariff. If you want your own car, A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or any equivalent new car) will cost you US$18,644.84 plus US$0.96 for every litter of gasoline.
Due to its size, it is quite difficult to give any sort of general description about the climate in Russia, except from the fact that summers are warm to hot, and winters get very cold in some areas. The climate in the country is highly influenced by continental climate with warm to hot dry summers and very cold winters and sometimes with heavy snowfall. Sometimes very strong easterly winds, called buran can occur, bringing freezing cold temperatures and snowstorms.
Heavyweight clothing is largely needed for the winter, no matter where your location is. Waterproof light- to medium weight is suggested for the summer. Be ready for extreme conditions in the northern and northeastern parts of Siberia in the winter.
Likewise, due to its massive size, climate also varies vastly in Australia to a wide degree. This is reflected on the snow-capped mountains in the south and arid deserts in the interior. Majority of the country leans more towards the temperate, tropical rain forest climate. Australians get plenty of sun and warmth most of the year but with huge drops in temperature during winter.
The weather widely differs with every city. To find out more about the climate in each of them, check it here.
Both Russia and Australia are unbelievable large countries in terms of land size and economy. Both rely on a mixed market structure to support their trade, have expansive transport services, offer a wide variety of houses to choose from, and feature a wide range of climate regions. These are just a few of their similarities. The differences, however, are just as vast.
Lifestyle in Russia features a culture unique in its own, this can be very apparent in their architectures, traditions, and food. If you are not fond of a warm climate, you’re in luck. Majority of the country has a fairly cool atmosphere. There are also lots to do with the many organizations and clubs having events everywhere. And lastly, there are so much opportunities to travel, since the country is large and landlocked with other countries. Going to Asia and Europe is easier. However, you may have to deal with the language barrier, the small space usually offered in apartments, and the crowded transport and congested traffic all the time. The winters are also very long and very cold.
Australia, on the other hand, has a mix of European and American culture, with its unique element thrown in. Everybody speaks English, so you can communicate everybody easily. The country also offers high minimum wage, and there are lots of choices with the apartments with decent spaces. Unlike in Russia, the cities aren’t really crowded and traffic congestion can be rare, especially in smaller towns. On the flip side, there isn’t much activities in the aforementioned smaller towns, as most entertainment centers are in the bigger cities. The properties can also be pricey, and driving from one city to another can take a while. Also, since it’s isolated by water, a trip to Asia, United States, or Europe can take a while.
A month from now, Brazil, specifically Rio de Janeiro, will stage the foremost sports competition in the world, the 2016 Summer Olympics. Rio beat three other major cities namely Chicago, Madrid, and Tokyo (Tokyo will host again in 2020, though). This will be the first time the country will host the Olympic Games, and this is a clear testament that Brazil is now up and ready to compete and be recognized in the world’s center stage, not just in sports, but in terms of economy, culture, and migration.
Today, we shine the spotlight on the Land of Brazilwood.
Brazil
Characterized by moderately free markets and an inward-oriented economic structure, Brazil has the world's ninth largest economy by nominal GDP. Its major industries include textiles, shoes, chemicals, lumber, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment. However, unemployment and inflation is a bit high, at 7.5% and 7.27%, respectively.
If you plan on working in the country, you need to find a job prior to your departure. The job market and regulations for expatriates provides very limited opportunities. This is due in part to the increasing number of well-trained and well-equipped natives, filling in Brazil’s ever growing workforce. Knowledge of Portuguese language is also a requirement here. Average working time is 40 to 44 hours a week.
One of the largest mixed market economies in the world, Australia’s economy is primarily driven by its service sector, comprising 68% of its GDP. Other sectors (and biggest employers) include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, tourism, media, education, and logistics. It is the 12th largest in the world in terms of GDP. Unemployment here is higher by a small margin at 5.8%, but still very low in overall scale. Inflation rate is 1.3%.
Like in Brazil, it is best here with a job already intact. However, coming to Australia unemployed doesn’t leave you in the dust. Employment sites on the internet are everywhere, and they are increasingly being used by Australian agencies and headhunters. Everybody speaks English so you can communicate with basically everyone. At 1,664 working hours annually (or 32 hours a week), it is lower than in Brazil, and way lower than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average of 1,770.
Health care in the country is a right as mandated by their Constitution. It is a responsibility of the federal government and is overseen by the individual states when it comes to operations of hospitals. It is available to anyone who is legally in Brazil, which, including foreign residents.
This service can be accessed from the public national health system, from private providers subsidized by the federal government through the Social Security budget, or from the private sector through private insurance or employers. Those who cannot afford healthcare can utilize the government’s free public national health system. Doctors’ fees, lab fees, hospitalization, surgery, or even prescription drugs are all free through this. The private system, on the other hand, have shorter waits and better care. The wealthier Brazilians, which covers about 20% of the population, usually utilize this system.
Australia’s health care is divided into two systems. There is the private health system, and there is the Medicare for the public system. The latter is funded partly by a 2% Medicare levy (with exceptions for low-income earners), with the rest being supplied by government. An additional levy of 1% is imposed on high-income earners without private health insurance.
Medicare is the government’s universal health insurance scheme. It provides Australian residents free treatment as a public patient in a public hospital and free or subsidized treatment for optometrist, dental care, and psychology services as well as treatment by doctors.
The extent to which the health care system is used is flexible among Australian citizens, overseas visitors, and temporary and permanent visa holders. Check here how the Australian Public Health Care System Works.
Brazilian cuisine differs vastly region by region, and is heavily formed by European, African and Amerindian influences. Typical dishes include feijoada (considered as the country's national dish), vatapá, moqueca, polenta and acarajé, all of which are regional foods. Coffee is the national beverage, and cachaça is Brazil's native liquor. Cachaça is distilled from sugar cane and is the main ingredient in the national cocktail, caipirinha.
When dining outside on informal settings, you may summon the wait staff by making eye contact, and may require you to share a table. Do not discuss work and/or business matters unless your Brazilian associates start doing so. Follow their lead. Generally, the one who does the inviting settles the bill, although the guest is expected to make an effort to do it. Tipping with 10% is considered sufficient already.
Australian cuisine has changed over time and is a fusion of native aboriginal inventiveness and British colonial contribution, with mix of Asian and Mediterranean traditions provided by wave after wave of post-colonial migrations and helped transform their cuisine. They usually take advantage of meat available in the continent, such as lamb, kangaroo, and emu, as well as pork, beef, and chickens. Like the Japanese, Aussies prefer the freshest produces as much as possible (check here for Australia’s most amazing/weirdest foods).
When dining in exclusive restaurants, making reservations and confirming them are a protocol. For informal places, not much. And you may share a table with a stranger. You may strike a conversation if welcomed.
Housing is still a major challenge in the country is facing today due to accelerated urbanisation and population growth especially in major cities. As these cities grow too quickly, the resources are not able to catch up with the ballooning population. The migrants who are unable to afford proper housing are built temporary housing without proper utilities which formed what is now called favelas. There are over 7 million houses in the country with no adequate conditions to be habitable.
The cost of living has been rising over the years, and that includes housing. Economic experts claim that a housing bubble is on the rise and will soon collapse. As an expat with place to settle yet, you may seek local help to find a house for you. Expats and migrants can definitely buy a house in Brazil. However, foreign nationals may need to obtain first specific permission from authorities to purchase property in close proximity to beaches or agricultural land.
The government works hard to increase house-ownership in Australia. Only 33% of residents here lives in a fully owned properties, 31.4% rents their home, while 35%of homes are mortgaged.
Suburban fringes of cities and towns sports the inner-city medium to high-rise apartments and the low-density townhouses/fully detached houses, while Melbourne and Sydney cradles the inner-city public housing. They are usually 3-5 story walk-up flats and 11-22 story high-rise towers. Low-density suburban estates is located in almost every city and town in the country.
You may check here for a comprehensive guide on how to find your first apartment.
Brazil is constantly being criticized due to the lack of investment in its infrastructure. Because of the fast-growing economy, there will be increasing demands in the transport networks, especially to efficiently allow the follow of exports, But Brazil has yet to meet them. A high-speed rail, one connecting São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, is currently under development. Subways can be found in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, and five other cities. They are useful in avoiding intense traffic. But buses remain the most common form of transport especially amongst Brazil’s common mass who have to travel long distances from the outer-city limits to the wealthier areas where they work. Taxis also operate in the country. You can call for them in advance or wait at the tax station.
A one way train ticket here costs US$1.06, while a monthly pass is at around US$45.48. Starting taxi tariff is US$(1.44 with US$0.83 for the first one kilometer. A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) will set you back US$21,222.41. Gasoline is at US$1.09 for every litter.
All of Australian cities have reliable, affordable public bus networks and train lines, plus taxis operate nationwide. These train lines include commuter rail networks, trams, light rails, and rapid transits. Despite this, driving is the most used mode of transport, and this number continues to rise. It is followed by train, walking (the country has a very good culture of walking), bus, and lastly, train.
Fares are pricier than in Brazil, though. A one-way ticket here sets you back by US$2.96 while going for a monthly pass will increase it to US$96.96. A kilometer ride of taxi is US$1.62 with US$2.98 as starting tariff. If you want your own car, A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or any equivalent new car) will cost you US$18,644.84 plus US$0.96 for every litter of gasoline.
Due to the difference of heights above sea level of the Brazil landscape and also the proximity to the coast, the climate varies from region to region. There are four distinct climatic zones.
An equatorial climate in which rainforests can be found due to the year-round humidity and precipitation. There is no winter season and no period it is particularly dry. The semi-arid zone receive less rain than they actually need to make up for evaporation, turning the area into an almost desert. They are the halfway mark between deserts and humid forests. The highland tropical zone, also called an oceanic climate or a maritime climate, and is found along the coast of the country. It features cool summers and warm winters, although the annual temperature does not change by significant amounts. The subtropical zone refers to the areas that are just outside of the formal tropical zones. It is hot, but not quite as hot and humid as tropical areas. Winters are mild to cool, but not cold enough for snow or frost.
Due to its massive size, climate varies vastly in Australia to a wide degree. This is reflected on the snow-capped mountains in the south and arid deserts in the interior. Majority of the country leans more towards the temperate, tropical rainforest climate. Australians get plenty of sun and warmth most of the year but with huge drops in temperature during winter.
The weather widely differs with every city. To find out more about the climate in each of them, check it here.
Advantages of Brazilian Citizenship include:
Advantages of Australian Citizenship include:
For a more detailed information about these benefits, check our blog here.
When it comes to the warm overall climate, friendly people, fun beach culture, and an exciting nightlife, Brazil and Australia share these similarities and are two of the top countries to go to. For everything else, however, is heavily a matter of preference.
Brazil boasts of Spanish and Latin American culture, where parades and festivities are everywhere. Plus, the opportunities and salary for executive positions are high, coupled with the high interest on savings in local bank accounts. On the flipside, you may need to learn Portuguese before settling here without any hassle. Also, the cost of living and inflation rate is slowly rising. And as mentioned, it gets pretty crowded in major cities, which sometimes lead to safety and security concerns.
Australia, meanwhile, sports a more American lifestyle. The cities are safe (with low crime rates and strict gun control laws) and pretty laidback. There also a lot of opportunities for workers of all levels, all giving what is considered as the highest minimum pay in the world. And it is home to seven of the best universities in the world. However, there is the issue of the cost of living gradually rising also. Not to mention, the highly erratic weather can add to further inconvenience along the way. Also, you need to learn to drive at the left side of the road.
Going back a century or two ago, China was the one sending its migrants abroad. The Chinese citizens, most of them laborers and the unemployed, traveled as far as the United Kingdom, United States, or even Australia, looking for new jobs and a new life. Fast forward to the current times, people are now going to China for opportunities. The last three decades of accelerated economic growth placed the country in the global spot of immigration, characterized by the increasing number of foreigners and expats there.
Today we compare the Red Dragon with the Land Down Under.
China’s economy is the second largest in the world (beyond the United States), the largest in terms of purchasing power parity, and fastest-growing one. Its major industries include mining and ore processing, iron, steel, aluminum, petroleum, cement, chemicals, transportation equipment, heavy engineering, commercial space launch vehicles, among many others. Current unemployment rate is at 4.05% with an inflation rate of 1.4%.
However, this robust economy does not automatically translate to well-regarded working conditions. Chinese law mandated a 40-hour weekly working period, but this is not widely practiced. Working overtime is very ordinary and most employers never compensated their workers for it. Each year, employees are entitles to three holiday offs only, each one lasting for a week. Even by then, they are mandated to make up on these offs by working through the previous weekend.
One of the largest mixed market economies in the world, Australia’s economy is primarily driven by its service sector, comprising 68% of its GDP. Other sectors (and biggest employers) include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, tourism, media, education, and logistics. It is the 12th largest in the world in terms of GDP. Unemployment here is higher by a small margin at 5.8% with an inflation rate of 1.3%
At 1,664 working hours annually (or 32 hours a week), it is lower than in China, and way lower than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average of 1,770. However, this cannot be strictly applied to professions with special working conditions.
The Ministry of Health of the State Council manages the health services system. Close to all the major medical facilities are managed by the government. The country spends 5.4% of its gross domestic product on healthcare expenditures, a number still much lower as compared to OECD countries. Because of its expansive size, conditions of care, access to facilities, and related costs differ vastly across locations and institutions. Cities might have quick access to hospitals and clinics, but rural will have to travel hours to obtain medical services.
Private healthcare is mostly well-represented only in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou and other large cities. They offer English-speaking staff with Western training, though the price will be double of those in public hospitals.
Medicare, the Australian government’s universal public health insurance scheme, provides residents free treatment as a public patient in a public hospital and free or subsidized treatment for optometrist, dental care, and psychology services as well as treatment by doctors.
The extent to which the health care system is used is adjustable among Australian citizens, overseas visitors, and temporary and permanent visa holders. Their needs, entitlements, and expectations are influenced by many components such as the nature and degree of their health status, age, gender, location, and cultural background.
Check here how the Australian Public Health Care System Works.
Chinese cuisine can be dated back to thousands of years of history, constantly changing from period to period. It is primarily divided into different categories, known as "Eight Culinary Cuisines," they are Anhui, Cantonese, Fujian, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Sichuan, and Zhejiang cuisines. Chinese food staples include rice, noodles, vegetables, and sauces and seasonings.
When dining out, wait for the host to start eating before doing so. Also, it is expected that you say "youyi," meaning “here’s to friendship” before eating or drinking anything. Likewise, you should thanks the host after the dinner. Never refill you own glass. This goes the same with your neighbors. Only use the chopstick and never your fingers. Otherwise, ask for Western utensils. Tipping here is considered illegal, so do not leave any loose change on the table.
Australian cuisine is a fusion of native aboriginal inventiveness and British colonial contribution, with mix of Asian and Mediterranean traditions provided by wave after wave of post-colonial migrations and helped transform their cuisine. They usually take advantage of meat available in the continent, such as lamb, kangaroo, and emu, as well as pork, beef, and chickens.
Business discussions over a non-business dinner is not encouraged here. And heading straight to business talk on a lunch/dinner meeting is frowned upon.
When going for an exclusive restaurant, you are expected to make reservations first and confirm. In informal restaurants, you might be expected to share a table. Be open to conversations when invited. Australians are not known to decline a friendly chat.
Since the late 1970s, the Chinese government has been pushing through the commercialization of housing in urban areas. This led into the property business expanding in the country. Apartments are getting built at fast-paced rate, resulting into soaring prices. This largely outgrew the number of people who can afford them. Currently, there 89 million houses, apartment complexes, and shopping malls currently unoccupied for years now.
Experts say that China is now undergoing a housing bubble, and is nearing collapse. This will result in a pin fall of housing values, putting homeowners underwater. The bubble is supposed to burst in 2011, but kept afloat these days due to China’s strong economic condition.
Owning a house is also not very common in Australia. Around 33% of residents here lives in a fully owned properties, 31.4% rents their home, while 35%of homes are mortgaged.
Suburban fringes of cities and towns sports the inner-city medium to high-rise apartments and the low-density townhouses/fully detached houses, while Melbourne and Sydney cradles the inner-city public housing is generally found in They are usually 3-5 story walk-up flats and 11-22 story high-rise towers. Low-density suburban estates is located in almost every city and town in the country.
Expectedly, rents are cheaper in rural than urban areas. It’s also lower the further a property is from a large city or town, public transport or other facilities. The average rents are highest in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin.
Due to its vast size, rail is the primary mode of transport in China, since it is accessible to everybody and can cover large distances. The country has over 600,000 freight cars and 50,000 coaches in its disposal. Also, the metro, subway, and rapid systems are undergoing rapid construction. There are currently 40 subway systems and 15 rapids transit systems across the country and more are coming along the way. At twelve lines, 233 stations, and 420 km (261 mi) of track in operation, the Shanghai Metro is by far the longest metro system in the world. Buses also operate in the country on a provincial level while shuttle and trolley buses like this link smaller towns. Taxis can be found in almost every city. Tipping is not a custom.
A one way train ticket here costs US$0.30, while a monthly pass is at around US$22.43. Starting taxi tariff is US$1.50 with US$0.34 for the first one kilometer. A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) will set you back US$22,428.90. Gasoline is at US$0.98 for every litter.
All of Australian cities have reliable, affordable public bus networks and train lines, plus taxis operate nationwide. These train lines include commuter rail networks, trams, light rails, and rapid transits. Despite this, driving is the most used mode of transport, and this number continues to rise. It is followed by train, walking (the country has a very good culture of walking), bus, and lastly, train.
A one-way ticket here sets you back by US$2.96 while going for a monthly pass will increase it to US$96.96. A kilometer ride of taxi is US$1.62 with US$2.98 as starting tariff. If you want your own car, A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or any equivalent new car) will cost you US$18,644.84 plus US$0.96 for every litter of gasoline.
If you want to find out how commuting etiquette here works, check here.
Because of its massive size, the climate in China differs from region to region. The winters in North China are quite unrelenting since temperatures drop as an impact of the cold and dry northerly winds. In Beijing, the weather is cold and sometimes snowy, but also dry and sunny. While in South China, the weather here remains humid from April through September due to the typhoons that usually affect the coastal regions. The summers in Central China are very warm and very humid. The winter months are also very cold, with freezing temperatures.
Just Like China, Australia goes through differing climates as well. This fact is characterized by the severely hot climate in the Kimberley region in the north-west of the continent to below zero in the Snowy Mountains in the south. Also due to its size, there just can’t be one seasonal calendar for the whole continent.
Depending upon where in the continent you are each month, the seasons will vary, whether the weather is defined by the Temperate zone seasons or the tropical seasons. To find out more what is the climate and weather patterns in each of the states in the country, check our blog here.
Article 7 of the Nationality Law of the PRC states that foreigners can apply to become Chinese citizens if they:
Chinese citizens who are employed in PRC are entitled to the following
Advantages of Australian Citizenship include:
For a more detailed information about these benefits, check our blog here.
China and Australia are two of the biggest nations out there, in terms of landmass and economy. Both are also prime destinations for expats looking for better opportunities. And that’s where the similarities end.
Culturally, China is a powerhouse, especially if you’re from a Western country looking for a more Oriental life. Also, it’s easier to travel to other Asian countries since they are closer. Not to mention, there will be a lot of opportunities especially if you work for the I.T. Industry and/or project management, since the Chinese highly regard those with western training. Though you might have to deal with the severe traffic that is gripping the major cities these days, especially the more congested ones. And most television channels and Internet sites are blocked in China, since the government heavily censors them. Not to mention, there’s the language barrier.
Australia, on the other hand, is as Western as it gets because of the UK and US influences, so there is much freedom in the media, and English is the main language here. Expats are also treated very well since most of its history and economy is built by immigrants. There isn’t much traffic since the cities are not as congested as in China. Though, compared to China, the cost of living here is higher. Private schooling can be expensive, and getting between states can be take a while if you are not flying because of its size.
UPDATE: This article was updated on May 15, 2017.
United Arab Emirates is one of the top destinations of expatriates and is now home to hundreds of thousands of immigrants from all over the world. UAE is comprised of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain, each one governed by an absolute monarch. Most migrants currently stay in Abu Dhabi, the capital, and in Dubai, the country’s most populous city.
If you are considering whether to migrate to UAE or Australia, we have compared the two countries to help you decide.
United Arab Emirates is the second largest economy in the Arab world, beyond Saudi Arabia. Although the country is heavily reliant in oil (with the exception of Dubai), it has highly diversified its economy, which currently included industries such as high-class tourism, automotive, aerospace, and international finance, among others. Inflation rate has increased to 3%, as of March 2017 while the unemployment rate has decreased to 3.69%, as of May 2017.
The salary level in UAE is similar to (or slightly greater) the amount offered by western countries. The huge difference is the absence of personal taxation in the country, making the net income much bigger. In addition, housing, car, and education provisions that were previously given are now being offered as cash packages. However, you would have to endure a 40 to 48-hour working time.
Australia’s federal structure allows it to focus on disparate economic sectors to support the country. Its economy is primarily driven by its service sector, comprising 68% of its GDP. Other sectors (and biggest employers) include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, tourism, media, education, and logistics. Australia’s inflation rate has risen to 2.1%. There has also been a slight increase in the unemployment rate which went from 5.7% to 5.9% this year.
The country currently has the highest minimum wage in the world. As for packages and fringe benefits, these may include company cars, mobile phones, laptops, and even utility bills.
Health care standards are regarded to be customarily high in the United Arab Emirates, with the country spending 3.6% of its gross domestic product on health care expenditures. However, health care currently is free only for UAE citizens.
In Abu Dhabi, comprehensive health insurance program was rolled out in 2006, which will have the costs to be shared between employers and employees. The capital city currently has 57 primary health care centers, 13 hospitals, 3 specialized dental centers, maternal and child health centers, one center for autism, and 5 specialized facilities like rehab, blood bank and herbal center.
Dubai, on the other hand, has the Dubai Healthcare City, a healthcare free zone that provides international-standard advanced private health care as well as quality medical education.
Australia’s health care is divided into two systems. There is the private health system, and there is the Medicare for the public system. The latter is funded partly by a 2% Medicare levy (with exceptions for low-income earners), with the rest being supplied by government. An additional levy of 1% is imposed on high-income earners without private health insurance.
Medicare is the government’s universal health insurance scheme. It provides Australian residents free treatment as a public patient in a public hospital and free or subsidized treatment for optometrist, dental care, and psychology services as well as treatment by doctors.
Check here how the Australian Public Health Care System Works.
Because of the harsh desert conditions, the traditional food of the United Arab Emirates is centred on meat, grain, and dairy, and vegetables, as these ingredients are being used liberally. Traditional meats being used are chickens, goats, and other small fowls. Camels are eminently prized for their milk and transporting capabilities, so serving them as meat is being reserved for special occasions only. Currently, Emirati cuisine features influences from around the world.
Dining in UAE is seen as an opportunity to talk about business or work. It is best to follow the host, though. It is also important that you do not eat with your left hand, as their custom dictates. Tipping is ten percent over and above the service charge.
Australian cuisine has changed over time and is a fusion of native aboriginal inventiveness and British colonial contribution, with mix of Asian and Mediterranean traditions provided by wave after wave of post-colonial migrations and helped transform their cuisine. They usually take advantage of meat available in the continent, such as lamb, kangaroo, and emu, as well as pork, beef, and chickens. Check here for Australia’s most amazing/weirdest foods).
Unlike in UAE, it is not encouraged that you talk about business or work when dining, unless your host initiates the topic. Even during business lunches or dinners, it is rare that people will dive straight to business conversations. Always start with small talks during meals. Tipping here is usually 10 to 15 percent.
Renting a house, specifically in Dubai, can be daunting. Rental contracts here are for a fixed term of one year from the start date. The landlord is obligated by law to offer the same term the following year with a few requirements, so it is best to read the contract carefully. Legally, it impossible to rent an apartment for long term basis without a valid residence visa. However, if you’re able to present a letter from your company stating that the visa is under process, the banks can allow you to open an account.
Most landlords will only accept payment in one to four checks. These checks are payable at the start of the contract and in the event that you have agreed to pay in more than one, the others are post-dated. In Dubai, checks are legally enforced bonds (more than just a method of payment), so there can be serious consequences if you are not able to cover the funds.
Suburban fringes of cities and towns sport the inner-city medium to high-rise apartments and the low-density townhouses/fully detached houses, while Melbourne and Sydney cradles the inner-city where public housing is generally found in. They are usually 3-5 story walk-up flats and 11-22 story high-rise towers. Low-density suburban estates are located in almost every city and town in the country.
Logically, rent is more affordable in rural than urban areas. The fee also decreases the further a property is from a large city or town, public transport or other facilities. The average rent fee is highest in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin.
Agencies and estate agents will usually charge you a an initial fee of two weeks’ rent for a one-year lease and one week’s rent for a six-month lease. These are the legal maximum fees. You are also expected to settle one month’s rent in advance, depending on the type of property and the rental agreement, including a bond which is held against damages.
Private vehicles are widely utilised in the country due to the extensive and modern road network that connect the main coastal cities. The desert roads, however, are less developed. Driving licenses are accessible to anyone who are 18 years of age and above. Women with a valid driving license are permitted to drive, unlike in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
Etihad Rail, the only commercially available railway network in the country, operates in Dubai. Buses can be found in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Taxis also operate in the country, and managed by both government and private agencies.
Despite the very good public transport system, driving is the most used mode of transport in the country, and this number continues to rise. It is followed by train, walking (the country has a very good culture of walking), and then bus. All Australian cities have reliable and affordable public bus networks and train lines. Taxi cabs also operate nationwide. These train lines include commuter rail networks, trams, light rails, and rapid transits.
If you want to learn more about the commuting etiquette in Australia, click here.
Because of its sandy landscape, the United Arab Emirates Climate sports extreme heat although it is cooler in the eastern mountains. Enjoying a sub-tropical climate, UAE weather is sunny all the year round. The months between June and September are the hottest. It is very hot during the day along with high humidity levels. In the coastal regions, it is quite discomfortingly humid.
The country’s minimum temperature is typically recorded during January, which is 12 degrees centigrade while the highest temperature record is during August with 39 degrees centigrade. Dubai usually enjoys a minimum rainfall of 23 millimeters in January and a maximum of 36 millimeters in December.
Due to its massive size, climate varies vastly in Australia to a wide degree. This is reflected on the snow-capped mountains in the south and arid deserts in the interior. Majority of the country leans more towards the temperate, tropical rainforest climate. Australians get plenty of sun and warmth most of the year but with huge drops in temperature during winter.
The weather widely differs with every city. To find out more about the climate in each of them, check it here.
Advantages of Australian citizenship include:
For a more detailed information about these benefits, check our blog here.
Aside from the well-supported economy and great labour terms, the United Arab Emirates and Australia are worlds apart. The previous sports a middle-Eastern culture, has a desert climate, and uses Arabic language (though English is fairly common), the latter is more westernized, has a more temperate climate, and uses English as the mother tongue.
UAE, specifically Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has no income tax, making earning opportunities here great. It also features higher real estate investment returns, as the country is a booming real estate heaven by now. Lastly, the two cities sport a modernized and even a futuristic façade. On the down side, the laws can be a bit of a shock, especially if you’re someone from the west, as the rules are governed by Islam, and democracy is quite limited. The cost of living and real estate can also be pricey.
Australia, on the other hand, is a more stable country, economically and culturally. It’s where modernity, old architecture, and natural sceneries converge. There is great democracy, and the people are laid back, warm, and friendly. On the flipside, the constantly changing weather can be a deal breaker. Travelling to other countries can be expensive and the travel time can be quite long since the country is geographically isolated from the world.
UPDATE: This article was updated on May 17, 2017.
Last 2015, Sweden made headlines when it announced that it will be adapting a gender-neutral pronoun, hen. Hen can be used as an alternative to han (he) and hon (she) for situations when gender in unknown or irrelevant. This step highlights Sweden’s emphasis towards gender equality, which the country is famous for, aside from the high standard of living, free day care education, and the irresistible Swedish meatballs.
If you are in the process of choosing a country to migrate to, read on to see whether Sweden or Australia is the best match for you.
Sweden is a well-designed mixed-economy whose performance and competence heavily hinges on export. Its main industries are motor vehicles, industrial machines, precision equipment, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, chemical goods, forestry, iron, steel, home goods and appliances, timber, hydropower, and iron ore.
As opposed to most European countries, there is no legal minimum wage in Sweden. Trade Unions and employers settle the salaries via collective bargaining. Although working hours are set by collective agreements and the Swedish Parliament limits it to 40 hours a week, the country enjoys one of the lowest working times in the world at 1,609 hours annually or 33.5 hours weekly.
Like Sweden, Australia is also one of the largest mixed market economies in the world. Its economy is primarily driven by its service sector, comprising 68% of its GDP. Other sectors (and biggest employers) include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, tourism, media, education, and logistics. It is the 12th largest in the world in terms of GDP.
But unlike Sweden, a legal minimum wage exists in the country as determined by the Minimum Wage Panel of the Fair Work Commission, and is deemed the highest in the world. Employers cannot violate a term of award or minimum wage order. The Fair Work Act 2009 mandates that an employer cannot force an employee to work more than 38 hours a week, unless for reasonable basis. Average working hours in Australia is around 1,664 hours annually or 34.7 hours weekly.
Sweden’s health care is mostly government funded, decentralized, and operates on three levels: national, regional and local. Costs for health and medical care accounts to generally 11% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The state finances the bulk of health care costs, with the patient paying only a small percentage of the fees.
Australia’s health care is two-tiered, the private health system and the Medicare for the public system. It is funded partly by a 2% Medicare levy (with exceptions for low-income earners), with the rest being supplied by government. An additional levy of 1% is imposed on high-income earners without private health insurance.
Medicare, the Australian government’s universal public health insurance scheme, provides residents free treatment as a public patient in a public hospital and free or subsidized treatment for optometrist, dental care, and psychology services as well as treatment by doctors.
Check here how the Australian Public Health Care System Works.
Swedish cuisine is largely divided between North and South, as the two share many regional differences. One prominent example is that the north focuses on reindeer and semi-game meat while the south has fresh vegetables playing a larger role. Their food mostly concentrates on contrasting flavours, such as the famous Swedish meatballs being paired by tart cream sauce and pungent lingonberry jam.
The dining etiquette when discussing business is that you must wait for your Swedish business associates to initiate the conversation. When eating outside, waving or calling the waiter is considered disrespectful. Eye contacts will suffice. Dinners usually start with a toast and it is considered impolite to take a drink before the toast is done. If you are invited to a social gathering, it is expected of you to write or call the host the next day to express your gratitude.
Australian cuisine is a hybrid of native aboriginal ingenuity and British colonial influences, with a mix of Asian and Mediterranean traditions contributed by the waves of post-colonial migrations. They usually take advantage of meat available in the continent, such as lamb, kangaroo, and emu, as well as pork, beef, and chickens. Australia’s cuisine is exciting as it is unique. For some of its most amazing dishes, check it here.
In formal restaurants, you are expected to make reservations first and confirm. In informal dives, you might be expected to share a table. Be open to conversations when invited. Tipping is not required, but optional.
The country’s public housing, called Allmännyttigt bostadsföretag, is composed of flats controlled by the local council, and does not impose any income restrictions. 29.1% of the Swedish population live in rental houses.
In major cities, the housing market is quite competitive, and it takes time to find a place to rent. You may utilize any of the many websites in the country to find about the costs, locations, and availability of the houses, or you may sign the municipality waiting list (which can take years). Also, when it comes to first-hand contracts, it can be challenging to sign one without a Swedish personal identity number or a guaranteed income.
Costs of rental houses differ considerably depending on the region, city, neighbourhood, quality of a property, size (number of bedrooms), age, and the facilities provided.
Expectedly, rents are cheaper in rural than urban areas. It also decreases the further a property is from a large city or town, public transport or other facilities. Average rents are highest in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin.
Letting agencies and estate agents will usually charge you a fee of two weeks’ rent for a one-year lease and one week’s rent for a six-month lease. These are the legal maximum fees. You are expected to settle one month’s rent in advance, depending on the type of property and the rental agreement, in addition to that, there is also a bond which is held against damages.
For a quick, easy -to-follow-guide on how to rent in Australia, check it out here.
The metro system (called Tunnelbana or T-Bana) operates solely in Stockholm, the country’s capital. It is comprised of 100 stations servicing the entire city. The railway system runs country wide, and is operated by Swedish Railways. Local buses and trains in each city operate typically under the same ticketing system. This means you can purchase a ticket which can be used on both buses and trains. Regional buses also run in the country, and is cheaper to ride than trains. Taxis, on the other hand, can be booked by phone, taken from a taxi rank, or flagged in the streets. Taxis here often run on fixed prices rather than on a meter, so ask for the cost first before taking the ride.
A one-way train ticket here costs US$3.08, while a monthly pass is at around US$92.52. Starting taxi tariff is US$5.34 with US$1.61 for the first one kilometre. A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) will set you back US$23,723.95. Gasoline is at US$1.59 for every litre.
Australia also has very efficient public transport system. However, driving is the most used mode of transport here, and this number continues to rise. Trains only come second, then walking (the country has a very good culture of walking), and then buses. All Australian cities have reliable, affordable public bus networks and train lines, plus taxis operate nationwide. These train lines include commuter rail networks, trams, light rails, and rapid transits. Proper etiquette must be observed as you take these transportations. Click here for the do’s and don’ts of Australia’s commute.
A one-way ticket here sets you back by US$2.96 while going for a monthly pass will increase it to US$96.96. A kilometre ride of taxi is US$1.62 with US$2.98 as starting tariff. If you want your own car, a Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or any equivalent new car) will cost you US$18,644.84 plus US$0.96 for every litre of gasoline.
The Gulf Stream influences Sweden’s climate. It is a warm ocean stream that flows off Norway’s west coast. In addition, the gulfs of Bothnia and the country’s many lakes give Sweden generally a relatively mild climate.
February is normally Sweden’s coldest month, with temperatures from – 22 to -3°C, while July temperatures average 13 to 17°C. In northern Sweden, winter temperatures often drop to -30°C, and sometimes it even goes lower. From December to April, snow covers the ground in southern Sweden. In northern Sweden, the first snowfall often lands in October. Most of the country is icebound during winter, but special icebreaking boats keep the major ports open.
Due to the massive land area, Australia goes through differing climates. This fact is characterized by the severely hot climate in the Kimberley region in the north-west of the continent to below zero in the Snowy Mountains in the south. Due to its size, it isn’t possible to have one seasonal calendar that covers the whole continent.
Depending upon where you are in the continent in a certain month, the seasons will vary. The weather may be defined by the temperate zone seasons or the tropical seasons. To find out more what is the climate and weather patterns in each of the states in the country, check our blog here.
Advantages to Swedish Citizenship include:
Advantages of Australian citizenship include:
For a more detailed information about these benefits, check our blog here.
As far as economy, quality of life, political stability, education opportunities, and employment benefits, Sweden and Australia are both up there on the top. It all boils down to a matter of preference.
Sweden boasts of the European facade with its natural wonders and infrastructures. Also, it enjoys free day care and after school programs, snowy winters, and closer proximity to Europe and United States. However, English is not the official language here, so you would be challenged with the language barrier. In addition, the winter season can be extremely cold and barrelled by constant rain.
Australia, on the other hand, has a lot of sunshine year-round, enjoys low unemployment rate, and has a good standard of living. However, you would have to deal with the erratic weather pattern, and traveling to Europe, US, and most parts of the world can be a bane, since the country is quite distant geographically, and the trip takes a while.