WelcomeIf you are new to Poms In Oz and migrating to Australia or currently living in Australia feel free to say hi to all the other either in or moving to Oz.
Hi
It seems strange using this forum now we are actually here!!
We have been in Oz for three months now and loving every second of it. I thought I would just do a little post to let other know the things that are so different over here or just not so good.
Firstly, the supermarkets are a definate experience so if you like M&S/Sainsbury's etc. I would get your fix before you fly. I really miss the uk supermarkets, the Oz ones have all the food you could want and some but they are totally different, very hard to explain. The food here is also quite expensive....Especailly fruit and veg, I was really shocked by this but meat, fish etc is a touch cheaper than the uk and much better quality. A loaf of bread can cost anything up to $4 and last time I want shopping brussel sprouts were $8.98 a kilo.
The other thing that is very strange is you can not buy alcohol in the supermarkets, their off licences are drive through shops and totally independant to other stores.
Clothes, what can I say.....Arrrrrrgh !! If you are down in Sydney you are fine, gold/sunshine coast not so bad, any where else give up. Definately bring any favorite clothing items and have a mad shop in next before you fly.
Television, you will need sky !! I am currently watching the 'My Hero', 'Minder', 'Some Mothers do Have Em' episodes and coronation street is about 5 months behind the uk.
Cars are much cheaper here as is the road tax, car insurance and fuel.
Child care is much cheaper and subsidised very well by the government.
Just in case anyone is interested, smoking in public places is also banned here like in the uk.
Alcohol and cigaretts are about the same price as the uk.
Drinking in pubs is much the same as the uk price wise as is eating out.
Australia is a fantastic county, the little bit we have seen is beautiful and the people are just fantastic, much more laid back than the uk and unless you are in the city there is no rush to do anything.
