New and old travelers should include Australia on their list of places to visit. It’s a fantastic destination, and you’re likely to fall in love with the country.
Of course, it’s also a large country, and you’ll need some help if you want to make the most of your time there.
The Essential Things You Need to Know as a Digital Nomad in Australia
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Visa Requirements
The good news is that Australia offers a digital nomad visa. Of course, you’ll have to fit the criteria. You’ll need a valid passport, be over 18, and have a job that allows remote work.
It’s also essential that you have health insurance arranged before you land in Australia. You’ll need to provide proof of this insurance when you apply for your visa.
The good news is there are no restrictions on the length of stay. You can designate on your application how long you intend to stay.
Visa applications can be completed online. You’ll need to provide proof of your employment, health insurance, and passport. Best of all, there’s no charge for a visa, and you can get it in as little as ten days!
Where to Stay in Australia as a Digital Nomad
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You should do your research first, as this will ensure you choose the right location for your lifestyle and tastes. Some of the most popular starting points for digital nomads in Australia are:
Sydney
As the largest city in Australia, Sydney is known for its artistic and cultural scene. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes, ensuring you always have something to do. You’ll also find a lot of ex-pats in the area.
While it may not be the cheapest place to live, Sydney can be a great starting point if you're new to Australia. Not only is it relatively easy to find international flights from all over the world to Sydney, you can also easily book an inter-city bus in Australia using platforms like Busbud if you plan to start moving around.
Melbourne
Melbourne is an attractive alternative to Sydney. Known as the hipster city with a lot of cafes and pubs to explore, Melbourne has just as much to offer as Sydney, but there is a bigger emphasis on outdoor activities.
Destinations like Great Ocean Road or Phillip Island can be reached from Melbourne on a day trip, making it a great choice if you're more an outdoorsy person!
Brisbane
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Brisbane is a very relaxed city with plenty of sunshine. Despite being the third largest city in Australia, it feels much smaller.
This is reflected in the more relaxed lifestyle, which can be more suitable if you're looking for a place to live a laidback lifestyle while still offering the big-city vibes during your digital nomad life in Australia.
As always, the exact cost of living will depend on your lifestyle and which city you hope to live in. The bigger the city, the higher the living costs. You may prefer a slightly rural location. It’s cheaper but still allows you to explore all the surrounding areas.
Australia has a first-class public transport system, which will help you get where you need to go.
Accommodation
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It’s possible to book a hotel or holiday apartment to get you started. If you have a reasonable level of funds behind you, this will give you time to find the right long-term rental.
Of course, as a digital nomad, you’ll want to secure a longer-term apartment. They are easy to locate in most cities. You can look locally after you arrive or try to book one online via sites such as AirBnB. If you have extra money to spare, you may also want to consider purchasing a home in Australia to get you settled.
Health Insurance
Since health insurance is required even for just for your visa application, it's worth considering the pros and cons of choosing the best nomad insurance in Australia. The price will depend on your medical history, age, and several other factors but it's important to have this arrange well in advance.
I personally recommend SafetyWing for the best nomad insurance in the market, as you can use it all over the world as a nomad – even when you plan to leave Australia after that.
If you need the emergency services while in Australia, you’ll want to ring 000. It’s for all emergencies; you’ll find them well-equipped and can handle virtually any situation.
The healthcare system in Australia is excellent. To make sure you get the service you need and peace of mind, get your insurance sorted out now.
Public Transport System
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Australia has an extensive public transport system. You can fly between destinations, catch the train, use a bus, or even hire your own vehicle. It’s surprisingly cheap and cost-effective.
You can use public transport to check out some of the best tourist sites, such as Sydney Harbor Bridge, Great Ocean Road, the Great Barrier Reef, and even Ayers Rock. Each one is unique to Australia and offers a stunning glimpse into the beauty of Australia.
Summing Up
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Becoming a digital nomad is the easy part; you simply need to commit to a working while traveling lifestyle.
Before you start your Australian adventure, make sure you’ve applied for the right visa. There are several to choose from. Once you’ve sorted that, get your finances in order, select your accommodation, and book a flight. Australia is a fantastic destination and not one you’ll ever regret.
Disclaimer:
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