Perhaps no nation is closer to Australia than New Zealand, physically and poetically. The countries are like siblings. They share a common parentage (United Kingdom), have many similarities, and have their own share of differences.
Despite that, New Zealand and Australia have very good relationship with one another and are both up there in the top migration destinations in the world.
So we compare the two to find out which one suits your dream migration country more.
One of New Zealand’s driving industry is agriculture, especially the forestry, horticultural, and fishing industries. Mining also further contributes to the country’s economy. Agriculture accounts for 24% of its international trade output. So if you arrive here as a visitor on a Working Holiday Scheme (as most migrants start), occupations like seasonal fruit picking, pruning and harvesting are thriving and the best options, that is if you don’t mind working under the sun, getting your hands dirty, and get paid the bare minimum. Though office-based work are available in IT, telemarketing, banking, and finance industry.
The country is currently enjoying a low 5.4% unemployment rate, however, this number has heavily fluctuated in the past decades, especially during recession.
The country’s leading industry includes manufacturing, banking, and telecommunications, with the mining boom adding to the economy’s benefactors. The diversity of work is very good. With the service, technology, and hospital industry that does most of the employment. Poverty rate might have increased from 10.2% to 11.8% in 2013, but it’s still the country with the highest median wealth.
Unemployment here is slightly higher at 5.7%, and is gradually decreasing as a result of franchising and trade shifting from Europe and North America to Japan and other East Asian markets to revitalize the market and add to the investment portfolio.
Renting prices vary here throughout the country, depending on the quality, location and size of the property, but the pricier deals can be found in the main centres. When it comes to contracts, fixed term residential rental houses are mostly short to medium term, while fixed contracts are relatively rare.
You can locate rental properties either by seeking help from real estate agents or by directly contacting landlords. You can locate these landlords online through websites such as Trade Me Property, RealEstate Co NZ, and Open 2 View. They privately operated websites can offer you a very good overview of properties available in the area you’re seeking, including prices, types, and the contract categories.
Be sure to make you contact as soon as possible, since there is a very high demands for the renting houses here.
Like in New Zealand, costs of rental houses differ considerably depending on the region, city, neighborhood, quality of a property, size (number of bedrooms), age, and the facilities provided.
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 cheaper it is. The 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. Also, you’re expected to settle one month’s rent in advance, depending on the type of property and the rental agreement, plus a bond which is held against damages.
Before going in with the transactions, before to make a careful inspections of the property. This will give you a feel of the house and decide wither this is the home you are looking for.
Buses are the main and most common form of public transport here. They make up the bulk of trips in cities where public transport is available. And more often, it is the only form of public transport around.
Suburban rail systems can be found in in Wellington and Auckland, but not used as much, though recently, they are getting increased patronage and new investments for further development. Taxis also operate in the country. Trams and cable cars were used to be employed but operations has since stopped and are just relegated as heritage displays.
A one way train ticket here costs AU$3.27, while a monthly pass is at around AU$130.96. Starting taxi tariff is AU$2.81 with also AU$2.81 for the first one kilometer. A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) will set you back AU$28,063.21 A$. Gasoline is at AU$1.81 for every litter.
Reliable, affordable public bus networks and train lines operates in all of Australian cities, plus taxis function nationwide. These train lines available include commuter rail networks, trams, light rails, and rapid transits scattered across cities. Despite this, driving is the most used mode of transport, with the number constantly rising. It is followed by train, walking (Australia has a very good culture of walking), and buses.
Fares are pricier here compared to Cana. A one-way ticket sets you back by 3.93 AU$, while going for a monthly pass will increase it by 130.00 AU$. A kilometer ride of taxi is 2.17AU$. If you want your own car, A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or any equivalent new car) will cost you 25,000.00AU$ plus 1.32 AU$ for every litter of gasoline.
For a country with close ties with United Kingdom, New Zealand is dominated by Asian flavors, especially Thai and Indian cuisine. It is an unspoken rule that when the chef or the server says the spiciness flavor of a food is weak, then it’s strong; if it’s strong, then you better have high tolerance for spicy food. Kiwis eat dinner quite early, between six and nine in the evening. You better dine here early since most restaurants close at ten.
A three-course meal for two people on a restaurant costs around AU$84.19, while dining at a less expensive café costs AU$16.84. A McDonald’s combo meal is at AU$9.35.
Cooking and dining at home is best in Australia. Fresh produces come in a wide variety and are offered virtually everywhere. They might come as expensive in some places, but you can get them by bargain in most areas. The fact that kitchen tools and gizmos are uber-cheap also. Dining out is another story. Eating at restaurants and cafes can be pricey, reinforcing further the cook-at-home culture here.
Dining out, a three-course meal for two people on a restaurant is at around AU$80.00, while dining at a less expensive café costs AU$1800. A McDonald’s combo meal is at AU$10.00.
For the past few decades, New Zealand’s health care system has gone through various incarnation in structure, form, and policies. For the past thirty years, it has transformed from a completely public system to a mixed public-private structure.
The government covers the entirety of the hospital and specialist costs, funded from government expenditure (77%), if the patient is referred by a general or family practitioner. Although the cost of payments are comparably lesser, private payment by individuals also presents a vital function in the overall system
People earning less than specific amounts, can be eligible for a Community Services Card (CSC), depending on the number of dependents in their household. This trims down the expenses of after-hours doctors' visits and prescription fees, but doesn't curtail the expenditures of visits to a person's regular doctor.
Medicare is the Australian 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 amount paid by the federal government includes patient health costs based on the Medicare benefits schedule (85% of specialist and 100% of public in-hospital costs) and other concessions or benefits once they have go beyond a so-called safety net threshold, determined by the total health expenditure for the year.
Check here how the Australian Public Health Care System Works
New Zealand’s climate straddles between warm and mostly cool temperate with a bit of maritime or oceanic climate. The ocean influence diminishes any possible extremes in coastal temperature. Most parts of the country, specifically in the upper North Island, have high humidity all year round, which provides the effect of a warmer feeling in summer and cooler in winter than the thermometer indicates.
Rainfall is generally plentiful in the country, and is evenly diffused throughout the year in most parts of the country, though there are small differences based on topography. Snow mostly falls in the South Island and also at higher altitudes in the North Island and is quite rare at sea level in that area.
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. Unlike New Zealand, 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.
Advantages of New Zealand Citizenship include:
Advantages of Australian Citizenship include:
New Zealand and Australia have a lot in common than we actually know. They are located on the same part of the world, they were both former colonies of Great Britain, and a huge proportion of both countries are migrants.
However, this is where the similarities end.
If you appreciate nature and a service-oriented profession more, New Zealand is the place. Its overall look and ecosystem lean more on the green-ish façade (thanks to the high rainfall), with thick forests, huge rivers, melting glaciers, and rich soil. It is basically an environmental paradise. For this reasons, it relies more on the tourism industry as a major force of its economy despite the very high natural resources.
Australia on the other hand, has its beauty relying on a more diverse portfolio of features from scorching desserts to thriving jungles to snow-capped mountains. Employment opportunity-wise, it is a powerhouse of different industries ranging from mining to agriculture to manufacturing to service to information technology, since it has successfully created a mixed economy with an assortment of trades to support the economic structure.
United Kingdom and Australia share a very long history. The Land Down Under was made a penal colony by the British Empire in 1788. For the next few centuries, Australia worked hard until it was able to set up a federal government and earned its freedom.
But that doesn’t mean it completely severed ties with the mother country. Australia is still a realm Great Britain and recognizes Queen Elizabeth as the as the ruling queen. And for many years until 1966 , the country uses the pound as its currency before switching to dollars
In our continuing effort to compare Australia with the other top migration destinations in the world, it is only fitting that we put the two countries side by side to give you a better decision for your visa applications.
The service sector is the main driving force of UK's economy, which makes up for almost 80 percent of its total GDP. Banking, business, and insurance are the most outstanding service sectors.
Despite these, the country is one of the largest manufacturing-driven economies in the world. It cradles the many vital players in the aerospace sectors, such as Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, as well as pharmaceutical giants like Astra Zenica and GlaxoSmithKline. Construction and automotive industries were also thriving in the country, but took a hard blow from a recession.
Much like UK, The structure of the Australian economy rests on service and technology. This comprises for more than 70% of the GDP in 2008 and the industry accounts for about 20%. In the 2007 Globalisation Index which was conducted for Foreign Policy by consulting firm A.T. Kearney, the country was ranked as the third most technology-savvy country in the world.
On the other hand, agriculture and mining (which was on a boom recently) account for 4.7% of the GDP. Though they supplied to roughly 65% of the exports.
Housing affordability in the United Kingdom is driven by market factors such as the state of the local economy, supply of housing, and transport links. And it differs broadly on a regional basis.
Financial arrangements when it comes to housing here is divided in to three classifications: Owner-occupied; Private Rented Sector (PRS); and Social Rented Sector (SRS). House prices, income, interest rates, and purchase costs largely determines the affordability for the owner-occupied properties. PRS is based on house prices. While SRS rents are regulated by Local Authorities and Housing Associations or depending on what the lower income groups can afford.
An apartment in city center costs AU$ 7,988.71 per square meter while one outside the city costs AU$6,144.26.
The departments of state governments provides Public housing in Australia. It is divided into two categories: The inner-city medium to high-rise apartments and the low-density townhouses/fully detached houses located in the suburban fringes of cities and towns. The inner-city public housing is generally found in Melbourne and Sydney. They are usually 3-5 story walk-up flats and 11-22 story high-rise towers. Low-density suburban estates is located in almost every city and town in Australia.
An apartment in city center costs AU$ 8,436.67 per square meter while one outside the city costs AU$5,861.34.
Healthcare in the United Kingdom is decentralized, with England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales each operating their own healthcare systems, each funded by their governments with smaller private sector and voluntary provision.
Each of the National Health Service (NHS) system utilizes General Practitioners to give primary healthcare and to provide referrals to further medical services. Hospitals then supply more specialist services, such as care for patients with psychiatric illnesses and direct access to Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments.
A 2014 report ranking healthcare systems in developed countries listed UK as the best healthcare system in the world. Though in 2005 to 2009, cancer survival rates reportedly lagged ten years behind the rest of Europe, though survival rate is increasing constantly.
Contrary to the United Kingdom, Australia’s healthcare system operates on a centralized level, and is administered by both private and government institutions. The state and territory governments manage aspects of health care within their jurisdictions, such as the operation of hospitals.
It is two-pronged. There is the private health system, and there is 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. Death rate from medical care in the country is reportedly one of the lowest in the English-speaking world. It is lower than that of the USA and UK.
To find out more about how Australia’s healthcare system works, check our blog here.
United Kingdom has a well-placed and connected transport system. Modes of commuting include metros (trains moving above ground), tubes (underground subway), buses, and taxi. The country prides itself as having the oldest rail network in the world. It comprises of two independent parts, that of Northern Ireland and that of Great Britain. Taxis service, on the other hand, is of commendable quality, since they are strictly regulated, particularly in London, where mechanical integrity and driver knowledge are of high priority.
A one way bus ticket here costs around AU$4.52, while a monthly pass is at AU$117.90. Starting taxi tariff is AU$5.90 with AU$2.78 for every kilometer. But you could also get your own car. A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) will set you back AU$33,406.09, while a litter of gasoline is at AU$2.14.
Much like in the United Kingdom, Australia has an efficient transport system, too. However, the citizens rely more on road transport, as it is a significant component of the Australian transport network. The substantial dependence on road transport is largely in part to the country’s extensive area and the low population density. As a result, Australia has the second highest level of car ownership in the world, with Melbourne as the most car-dependent city.
As for commuting and public transport, commuter rail, trams, light rail, and rapid transit systems can also be found around the country, and services the citizens adequately.
A one way bus ticket ride costs AU$3.96, with the monthly pass at AU$130. Starting taxi tariff is AU$4.00 with AU$2.17 for every kilometer. Getting your own car will set you back AU$25,000 for a Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car). A litter of gasoline is at AU$1.31.
United Kingdom is big, so its climate varies on each area. But it is generally described as temperate oceanic climate. Northern Ireland, Wales and western parts of England and Scotland are the windiest, wettest, and mildest regions due to their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The eastern regions are less windy, drier, and cooler. However, they also encounter the greatest daily and seasonal temperature difference.
The northern regions, on the other hand, are mostly wetter, cooler, and have marginally bigger temperature ranges than southern areas.
The Land Down Under experiences an assortment of climates also due to its size. It can range from severely hot in the Kimberley region in the north-west of the continent to below zero in the Snowy Mountains in the south. And due to its size, there just can’t be one seasonal calendar for the whole continent.
The seasons will vary depending upon where in the continent you are each month, 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 dining scene in UK is still in the process of explosion. With the past ten years, it is slowly shifting from traditional British cuisines to involve more diversity in flavors and recipes from around the world.
But more interesting is the British’s way of eating. They will usually have around six separate meals each day. This will start off with the breakfast, then the elevenses (a mid-morning snack usually tea and biscuits), and then the lunch. And then tea time follows in the afternoon, to be seconded by dinner, and capped off by desert. And then another tea.
If dining out is your thing, a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant will cost around AU$98.05. Going for a modestly-priced café clocks around AU$23.53. A McDonald’s Combo Meal is at AU$9.81.
Eating here is just as exciting, but in the wallet. According to studies, income had risen faster than food prices. Over the past 20 years, food spending has increased by 13%, while income climbed by 36%. This results to people spending a decreasing proportion of their salary to food. No to mention, food prices here are rising at a slower rate than in most parts of the world.
Also, Australia cradles an exciting food scene. It draws inspiration to British, American, aboriginal, and even Asian influence. It is home to some of the most exotic and palate-challenging food like Kangaroo meat, Burger Rings, and the infamous Vegemite (you can check here for the complete list of Australia’s weirdest food).
Advantages of British Citizenship include:
Advantages of Australian Citizenship include:
We have already compared Australia with United States. But there’s something about US of A’s northern neighbor that makes it so attractive to immigrants, too. The very polite Canadians, the amenable culture, the vast opportunity for employment, efficiently health care system, and the history built on migration, and so on. In many cases, the Great White North is very similar to the Land Down Under.
Or is it? We compared Australia and Canada for you, so we can help you decide before applying for that visa.
Both countries thrive on the mining industry that saw a boom in the recent decade. But the Great White North is bigger when it comes to the manufacturing industry. Not to mention, blue collar jobs, especially nursing, offers better opportunities and bigger compensation here.
Canada might be closer to the US, but most of American-owned IT firms and their regional headquarters set up shop here. Also, white collar jobs have greater opportunities and have better payoff here.
Despite having an ultra-efficient economy, housing has yet to be relaxed and uncomplicated for Canadians. By 2007, roughly 1.7 million residents have housing affordability issues. Which is ironic since the country is considered to be one of the most affordable places to settle. Currently, eighty percent of Canadians still rely on market based housing, in which the citizens finance their own housing without help from the government.
It is reported that high cost housing gets growingly difficult for blue collar jobs e.g. nurses, police officers, teachers; despite them earning very good income.
Public housing in Australia is provided by departments of state governments, though they operate on the groundwork of the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement, in which both federal and state governments provide the funding for public housing. The government is trying its best to make housing very affordable to encourage families to buy landed houses instead of renting.
Being the second largest country in the world (yes, even bigger than Australia), the Canadian government dedicated effort to efficient, high-capacity multimodal transport for its citizens. Of the commuters, 63.5% roam by bus, 25.0% through subway or elevated rail, 11.2% via light rail, streetcar or commuter train, and 0.3% by ferry.
Compared to Australia, fares are cheaper also. A one-way ticket costs 3.15 AU$, while going for a monthly pass will hike it up to 95.58 AU$. A taxi tariff is at AU$3.78 with AU$1.89 for each kilometer. If you want your own car, A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or any equivalent new car) will cost you 24,157.23 AU$ plus 1.13 AU$ for every litter of gasoline.
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, trucks.
Fares are pricier here compared to Cana. A one-way ticket sets you back by 3.93 AU$, while going for a monthly pass will increase it by 130.00 AU$. A taxi tariff is at AU$4.00 2.17 with AU$1.89 for each kilometer. If you want your own car, A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or any equivalent new car) will cost you 25,000.00AU$ plus 1.32 AU$ for every litter of gasoline.
Not unlike its southern neighbor, Canada has a culture of dining out well placed. What with the French, South American, Asian, and other ethnic restaurants thriving in the country. A three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant will set you back by 64.05 AU$, while dialing it down to an inexpensive Restaurant will cost you 15.75 AU$. A McDonalds combo meal clocks only at 9.45 AU$.
But it doesn’t mean cooking at home is dead. Though you have to shell more (as compared to Australia). A grocery with all the basic necessities like milk, bread, eggs, potatoes, chicken breasts, beef, onion, lettuce, bananas, wine, beer, and a pack of cigarettes, among others, will set you back AU$122.92.
Just like Canada, Australia was built by the tide of immigrations. Thus becoming a melting pot of different cuisines from various cultures. But compared to Canada, dining out is pricier here. A three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant will cost you 80.00 AU$, you can save by going fo an inexpensive Restaurant instead, which will cost you 18.00AU$. A McDonalds combo meal is at AU$10.00.
According to recent studies, home cooking is slowly overriding eating out. And it’s cheaper here compared to Canada. A grocery with all the basic necessities just like above will cost you only AU$ 111.92.
Canada’s health care is provided through a publicly funded system. That means it is mostly free to use with the services provided by private companies. The government ensures that citizens receives all medically necessary and hospital physician services.
While citizens have guaranteed access to hospital and medical services, it is up to each province’s preference whether to cover "supplementary" benefits, such as dental care and drug coverage. About two-thirds of Canadians take out private, supplemental insurance policies (or have an employer-sponsored plan) to cover these services.
Medicare is the Australian 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.
Much like Australia, Canada’s climate differs greatly based on geography (both countries are huge). The northern part is a complete perma-frost while the equatorial areas enjoy four distinct seasons. These regions experience varying temperature ranging from 35 degrees Celsius in the summer to a chilly -25 degrees Celsius during winter.
During late May, summer begins and this extends through September. July and August are the hottest months. The months of September and October, when autumn falls, are the best time to visit Canada as most days are cool and pleasant. The winter is the longest.
Climate also varies vastly in Australia, with snow-capped mountains in the south and arid deserts in the interior. But unlike Canada, 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 Canadian Citizenship include:
Advantages of Australian Citizenship include:
Not everyone come to Australia with the intent of working a nine-to-five job. Some wants to earn a living with their own products or services, doing trade, or even acquiring a company.
So, how do you do business in Australia? We lined up the things you need to know in every situation for you.
Much like setting up shop on your homeland, establishing a business in Australia means you need capital, a concrete business plan, management skills, all the works.
But beyond those, you need to iron out the documents and processes necessary, such as (we provided the links for you for more details):
Australian companies grow in an opportunity-rich business environment, so it’s no wonder businessmen and investors would come and takeover some of the businesses here.
Companies here are all regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). It holds a record of rules and supervisory documents regarding acquiring companies.
If you are interested in taking over a company (or companies) here, you may refer to ASIC’s regulatory index of takeovers and reconstructions.
Foreign investors and businessmen may begin by submitting a formal proposal, which will be subject to approval by the Australian Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). The board reviews and advises the Australian government if such proposals qualifies for approval under the government’s policy.
You may refer to FIRB’s Investment section page here for more details.
These days, growing your business means expanding your operations to a global level. If you are trying to register a foreign company with ASIC, here are the steps you need to do to help your affair going smooth.
After your registrations is completed, there are still some obligations that you have to fulfill, such as:
For a complete and detailed information for each step, you may check here.
Listing for the Australian Stock ExchangeAustralia, being a financial hotspot of the world, has a very active stock market. The main stock exchange in the country is the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
Australian and foreign companies may apply to ASX for listing, provided they meet the recommended requirements as prescribed by the ASX rules (you may check the listing rules here). These may include company disclosures and reporting requirements.
When it comes to migration, Singapore is up there with Australia on the top of mind list to settle in. The two countries are alike in so many ways. Both are former colonies of the British Empire. Both openly accept immigrants as part of their ever growing work force. Both offer high quality of life. And both are so different and foreign to the rest of the world, among others.
But when it comes to permanently establishing a life, which country really is the better haven? We’ve dissected what each destination has to offer. Because we know, choosing between the two can be a headache, too.
AustraliaFamily friendly working hours. The Land Down Under makes sure their workers only toil for eight hours, and overtime is rare unless necessary. Working environment is remarkable. Compensation is good. The only let down here is the high income tax.
Professional work is very easy to find here. Getting a job in a short time is a casual occurrence. So unemployment is virtually a non-existing problem. Do note that employers may require local experience. They may offer lower base salaries, but the hefty bonuses usually make up for that.
Homes are very affordable, both in actual and annual prices. No wonder families will opt for landed houses than rent, unless accessibility to work plays in. Renting prices vary vastly. Though the apartments come in very high standards, the units are usually unfurnished, save for the stove and dishwasher. So budget is a huge consideration on both scenarios.
Housing here is the other way around. People tend to go for apartments and flats managed by HBD (Housing and Development Board), or settle for private condominium units. Getting a house is an option only the affluent can afford. But accessibility (not only to work, but to everything) is the biggest leverage here. Singapore covers only a small land area, so everything is just a few minutes’ drive away.
AustraliaTransport can be incredibly expensive in Australia with train and taxi fares hiking twice or even three times as much as in Singapore (despite the lower gasoline prices). The network of roads and trains are just as efficient and extensive, but getting your own car is a win as tag prices are two to four times lower here.
Commuting is a way of life here. Buses and trains are superb, and the tickets and passes are way cheaper compared to Australia. You can forget getting your own set of wheels, though. Like buying a house, it’s mostly reserved for high-income earners. Plus, you also have to shoulder the upscale gas prices.
If you enjoy cooking, dining at home is best in Australia. Fresh produce come in a wide variety and available everywhere. They might be expensive in some places, but you can get them by bargain in some. The fact that kitchen tools and gizmos are uber-cheap also makes dining at home the better option. Dining out is another story. Eating at restaurants and cafes can be pricey, reinforcing further the cook-at-home culture here.
Dining in Singapore is built on busy working life (which is not as lax as in Australia), so dining out is the way of life here. Inexpensive hawker centers and kopi tiam food courts are literally everywhere, from residential to business areas. More than half of the population run to these shops for snacks and nourishment, anytime of the day. The menus vary from store to store. They offer Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Japanese, Italian, and even Australian cuisine, you name it.
AustraliaAustralia goes through four seasons in a year. Some cities even go through four seasons in a week. It becomes more diverse as you go farther, so you would need to do a bit of adjusting here. (To find out more about Australia’s weather and climate, check our blog here).
The world's only island city-state is just 277.6 square miles (compared to Sydney’s whopping 4,689 square miles), therefore the country experiences uniform temperature, humidity, and rainfall, most of the time. It thrives on a tropical rain forest climate and has no distinctive seasons.
Immigrants in Australia are eligible for health care benefits and housing grants the moment they become permanent residents. Beyond two years of stay, permanent residents can have access to social security. Once they’ve been granted citizenship, they can finally obtain an Australian passport, have their education fees deferred, work for the government, and even vote.
Being an immigrant here can be quite challenging. You cannot immediately buy a new HBD house, have access to government subsidies, and be eligible to most of the benefits you pay for in form of taxes. But once you obtain citizenship, things will start to go well.
AustraliaAustralia has one of the highest income taxes in the world. Depending on your wage, it may deduct a huge chunk from your take home salary.
Singapore has very low income tax. But property and vehicle tax make up for that, which can be pricey,
Australian citizens and permanent residents are entitled for coverage by Medicare funded both by government and tax levy. This allows them to have access to general practitioners and hospital services, for very low, if not free, costs. (For more information regarding Australia’s heath care system, check our blog here).
Singapore has a non-modified universal health care system funded by the government. Although medical services are not provided free of charge, subsidies and price controls come into play to get the burden off the citizens’ back.
AustraliaAustralia is a parliamentary democracy headed by the Queen of Britain. Freedom of speech is provided, criticisms against the government are allowed without fear of punishments, and elections are being held to appoint members of the House of Parliament from a two-party system (Check out here to find out what type of government Australia really has).
Like Australia, Singapore has its constitution and Members of the Parliament (the two were former British colonies after all, and therefore share the same government structure). But it is more stringent when it comes to freedom of speech, as it limits certain rights of the citizens.