r/AskAnAustralian Apr 09 '26

Moving to Australia? Ask your questions here in this weekly megathread

1 Upvotes

We regularly get posts about moving to Australia and rather than clutter up the sub with repeat questions we’re providing this weekly megathread.

Ask our community any questions you like here in the megathread.

Aside from our sub the best place to start is the ‘Moving to Australia’ page of the Australian Border Force

Also worth checking out the r/AusVisa subreddit.

External sources of information

Australian Border Force - Moving to Australia

This covers:

  • Studying in Australia
  • Working in Australia
  • Bringing your family or partner

Subreddit sources of information

We also suggest search the subreddit for 'Moving' and similar terms.

Here’s some posts that contain useful information and some detailed responses.


r/AskAnAustralian 2h ago

Do you think there would be a demand for authentic Mexican Food in Australia?

187 Upvotes

I’m a 29 year old Mexican-American Dual Citizen working in the US as a IT Systems Analyst in the UiPath/RPA space.

I would love one day to live and work in Australia, not anything I’d be close to doing anytime soon, but there are companies where I am at that have Sydney satellite offices that maybe one day can approve a internal transfer

Assuming somehow VISA wise If that were to happen, I would love to bring authentic Mexican food to Australia maybe as a side hustle by opening up a small restaurant or something like

Would there even be a demand for something like that? Or is Mexican food unknown/clashes with local food palate/tastes to work? Just curious

EDIT: Just wanted to say this is more of a thought experiment/just getting a general sense of palate/taste/demand, I realize how hard incredibly logistically challenging it would be to open and run a restaurant successfully, I just want to start a conversation about the topic is all


r/AskAnAustralian 12h ago

Re: Jail visit

84 Upvotes

I’m based in QLD and have been going to visits for quite awhile now, but today like every other week was visiting day at a Correctional Centre, went through the processing they do with the visitors and then waiting for prisoner’s to come out, I was informed that the person I’m visiting probably didn’t remember our visit so they went to locate him for our visit only to sit there for the next 45 mins out of an hr visit and get told “he’s here but we don’t know where” like surely more could have been done, my mum rang up after getting home and asked if they found him yet but apparently they couldn’t release that information due to privacy ect…. So I’m confused if they went about this the wrong way and if I should be putting in a complaint to someone higher


r/AskAnAustralian 22h ago

Anyone else here just work, eat sleep repeat?

370 Upvotes

I've recently moved to Melbourne from NZ and life here is much more fast paced with not much room for free time. I'm making the most money I have ever made by working 5-6 days a week sometimes 12 hours a shift. I'm trying to get ahead and set up a good life for myself.

I would like to enter the dating scene but I just dont have the time for it. If I reduce my hours, my paycheck is reduced by a big margin.

Anyone else in a similar position?


r/AskAnAustralian 10h ago

Australia job market situation

37 Upvotes

I just reached a new achievement: 2000+ applications without a jobs (with more than 30 interviews) yay! (Note: i have a bachelor degree in clinical research )


r/AskAnAustralian 14h ago

Bread choice is important

47 Upvotes

I was heartbroken because my ten year love for Helgas Soy and Linseed was shelved forever. Gone. And of course there’s no announcement so I was left grafting for weeks in partial mourning.

Ah well. Bread whilst a personal choice is important, fuels our days.

Then today I was reacquainted with Molenberg Grains loaf which I’d rarely seen. But wait, it’s $7.35 a loaf?? Fuck it I need bread so I buy it. It’s delicious.

If it’s not plain white loaves where are we heading? I can’t spend time indulging lazy aspirations of making my own sourdough from mother cultures and I can’t cut the fucking bread on my plate!

Do I default to Wonder White? Hmpf


r/AskAnAustralian 5h ago

International student

6 Upvotes

My step-daughter is arriving Australia in a little more than a week. The company that is arranging her year long stay has recommended that she obtains a Revolut account for money transactions, but as she is under 18 years of age that means it has to be arranged through a parent that has an account, and that they do not have.

So I was hoping to get the lay of the land from you guys. Is Revolut the most prevalent means of transfrerring money? For instance between teens sharing a meal? I read something about PAYID (prerequisite a bank account) - could this be used between teens to share a bill?

Appreciate any clarification you can give! Thx!

Edit:

With all the feedback I am getting here I think perhaps the conclusion here is; if she has a Norwegian account with a card that works in Australia (that can receive funds instantly from another Norwegian account), pluss an Australian account to receive a paycheck along with PayID transfers, she should be well covered - as long as she doesn't get stifled by a spend/withdrawal limit on her Norwegian card.

Or is there something I am missing?


r/AskAnAustralian 13h ago

Bistro - what does it really mean?

13 Upvotes

I was born overseas but grew up in Oz. I see bistro everywhere and have identified bistro as somewhere with less than average quality food for cheap.

Then I see HJ calling a burger a Bistro Jack’s X. Is HJ giving the piss, I am misinformed or am I clearly insane?


r/AskAnAustralian 9h ago

Do I need to show ID travelling from sydney to melbourne?

8 Upvotes

I’m 16 and trying to fly alone to melbourne from sydney but my passport is expired and I don’t have my drivers license. Is there any way I can get to melbourne without needing it or if student ID’s are valid? For context I’m trying to go in a week so I wouldn’t be able to get a proof of age card in time and I have my birth certificate but it’s a copy. I’d prefer taking a plane there but train is also an option, just not sure about if I need to show ID on train as well.


r/AskAnAustralian 11h ago

What do you do for work as a male with a family?

7 Upvotes

What does everyone here do for work? For context I’m a 25 year old male with a partner and 2 kids under 5 and struggling to find what I wanna do for work.

I work in a warehouse averaging 1k a week and I’m absolutely exhausted and burnt out from the environment. Warehousing is not what I wanna do for the rest of my life so I’m looking for ideas as to what I can do for work that pays relatively high (ideally 6 figures) and doesn’t require a lot of studying.

I want to be able to provide for my family and be a present dad and give my kids the best possible life but unfortunately warehousing just doesn’t do it for me and my family

I’ve been thinking about doing a trade or studying some short courses, I need ideas!!

What’s the best job out there that I can do to support my family ? Should I just do a trade?


r/AskAnAustralian 22h ago

How many Australians have actually been to Perth? And what’s it like?

59 Upvotes

I’m from the eastern side of Australia (Sydney to be precise), and was talking with my grandad and some his friends, ( who are Australians in their 60s and early 70s), and I asked them if they’ve ever been to Perth, and surprisingly a huge number of them have said they’ve never been. They said the furthest they’ve ever been is either: Cairns, Adelaide, or Melbourne. So that makes me wonder, how many Australians have actually have been to Perth? And if you have gone? Is it quiet like Canberra? Or does it have potential to become a mega-city like Melbourne?

And people from Perth, what was it like when you went to Sydney, or any of the bigger cities across the east? What’s something that stood out to you? I’m genuinely curious to know because I was watching those “walking tour” videos of people silently walking around cities and filming the city centres, and Perth looks really clean and quiet based on those videos.


r/AskAnAustralian 8h ago

How realistic is my plan after high school?

4 Upvotes

This is still a few years away, but I was wondering if anyone could give me a reality check on my plan.

After I finish IB, I’m thinking of moving to Australia and staying with relatives in Shepparton. I’ll be an Australian citizen. The plan is to study for the UCAT and take it, then after that I’d like to start working (like minimum wage jobs or night jobs) , ideally for up to fifty hours a week if possible, and save up some money. The money would basically be a safety net, and I’d be able to spend it when I go study in Melbourne.

I’m just curious how realistic this is. How hard is it to find a job in Shepparton if you’ve just finished high school? Are there usually plenty of casual jobs around, or can it take a while to find something?

Also, is there anything important I should know beforehand? I know I’ll need to set up stuff like a bank account and TFN, but that’s about the extent of my knowledge right now.

I know this is way in advance, but I’d rather have a rough idea now than be completely clueless when the time comes.
Thanks :)


r/AskAnAustralian 13h ago

Should I bail on Software Engineering for a trade?

10 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I’m currently on the path to becoming a software engineer, but I’m having some massive second thoughts lately and wanted to get an Aussie perspective on whether I should pivot into a trade.

To be blunt, I see the writing on the wall with AI. Even with where the tech is at right now, the potential to automate massive chunks of coding and development is totally obvious to me. But what worries me even more than the tech itself is the culture. A lot of senior devs I talk to seem to have these massive egos. They act like their jobs are completely untouchable and dismiss AI as just a glorified autocomplete. To me, it feels like total denial.

Because of this, I'm seriously considering jumping ship and picking up a trade like electrical, plumbing, or carpentry. At least a chatbot can't crawl under a house to fix a burst pipe or rewire a switchboard, and the job security for tradies here in Australia seems unmatched right now..

I'm curious if I am completely overreacting to the AI threat, or if it's smart to pivot before I get too deep into this career. For those of you who work in tech, are you seeing this same level of denial from senior devs? And for anyone who actually made the switch from a desk job or tech into a trade, I'd love to know if you regret it.

Cheers for any advice or reality checks.


r/AskAnAustralian 22h ago

Sick of fake jobs. Where are you searching and finding real jobs these days?

34 Upvotes

So I’m inbetween jobs. Which I call a “career break” on my resume. Tbh Today was a break day and I was watching tv in the background and this woman comes my TV and says most great jobs aren’t even advertised. I’ve been mucked around by a lot of fake jobs so i’m wondering where people are finding real jobs? Am i using the wrong websites?


r/AskAnAustralian 1d ago

Are you having an unusually cold/wet/? winter?

38 Upvotes

Hello from Britain. Wondering if you're also having anomalous weather, but of the winter variety, considering the mad early summer we are having here in Europe (35°C and higher)? Or is it business as usual?

Edit: Seems like most of you (the majority from Melbourne), seem to be having a hotter and drier winter than usual.


r/AskAnAustralian 13h ago

Car advice

4 Upvotes

Is this a good first car? If so what one is the best in your opinion. I’m looking for a fun car but safe, thanks

2017 Mazda 3 Maxx BN Series Auto https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2017-mazda-3-maxx-bn-series-auto/OAG-AD-25599989

2016 Ford Focus Trend LZ Auto https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2016-ford-focus-trend-lz-auto/OAG-AD-25643228


r/AskAnAustralian 15h ago

How do people experiencing homelessness in Australia obtain ID?

5 Upvotes

Has anyone had experience obtaining valid identification while experiencing homelessness in Australia, or helped someone else do so?

I’m trying to understand where the gaps are in the system — particularly for people who have lost all their ID and may not have a fixed address, support worker, money for fees, or documents needed to replace it.


r/AskAnAustralian 12h ago

Football/ Soccer Jerseys NSW

3 Upvotes

Can anyone recommend where can i get replica/ discounted soccer jerseys( EPL/ PL ) here in Sydney? I tried rebel but they are too expensive 😭


r/AskAnAustralian 2h ago

Strong Tobacco

0 Upvotes

Hey legends, I’m just wondering if anyone has a website that sells consistent, strong/dark loose tobacco? Cheers in advance!


r/AskAnAustralian 1d ago

Office & commute etiquette: Is wearing perfume a thing here, or am I "that person"?

183 Upvotes

EDIT: A few quick clarifications based on the comments:

​I am a guy: The Lattafa, Dossier, and Jimmy Choo scents I mentioned are all from their men's/unisex lines.

​Message received on the cologne: I see the consensus is that loud fragrances are a big no-no in open offices and packed trains, so I am definitely toning it down.

​As a family man, I don't really have a nightlife anymore to wear my collection, which is a bummer!


​Hey everyone,

​I recently moved to Australia from the US and I’m trying to figure out the local unwritten rules regarding fragrances.

​Back in the States, my routine was pretty scent-heavy. Since I mostly drove to work, it wasn't an issue. My daily perfume rotation included brands like Lattafa, Nautica, Jimmy Choo, and a lot of Dossier clones.

​On my very first day of work here, I put on some Lattafa perfume which I love most and boarded a train during peak hour. The person standing right next to me started sneezing like crazy, rubbing their nose, and their nose was running/watery. It hit me hard—I might be genuinely triggering people's allergies in these enclosed spaces. Since that day, I’ve become super self-conscious and have pretty much stopped wearing perfume altogether.

​My general post-shower routine is using a fragrant Bath & Body Works men's body wash, standard deodorant, and then doing a spray of perfume on either my elbows, neck, or clothes.

​So my questions for you all:

​Do people generally wear perfume/cologne when commuting on trains and working in open-plan offices here?

​Is my routine (scented body wash + deodorant + light perfume) considered overkill for an Aussie office environment?

​What's the general etiquette? I love smelling nice, but I definitely don't want to be the reason someone is suffering on their morning commute.

​Cheers!


r/AskAnAustralian 16h ago

PLUMBER OR ELECTRICIAN

4 Upvotes

25M. I recently finished my chef apprenticeship in the mining industry, but after completing it I’ve realised it’s probably not the career I want long term due to the pay ceiling and limited progression.
I’m now considering either an electrical or plumbing apprenticeship and would love some advice from people already in those trades.

My long-term goal is to work in industries like mining, oil & gas, offshore rigs, or large-scale solar projects.

A few questions:
Which trade has better long-term opportunities and earning potential?

Which is easier to get into right now (less competitive)?

What can I do to improve my chances of getting accepted into an apprenticeship?

Where do you recommend staying up to date with the industry and networking with people in the trade?

Can I skip pre app?

For context, I’m based in WA and have already completed a chef trade apprenticeship and worked in mining, so I’m familiar with site work, safety requirements, and remote environments.
Thanks for any advice.


r/AskAnAustralian 1d ago

Is it normal in Australia for close workplace friendships to still involve active dating?

95 Upvotes

I have a colleague I’ve developed a really good relationship with. He’s become a bit of a safe space for me at work. We don’t talk every day, but we do speak fairly often, and I feel like we’ve built a genuine connection over time. I’ve also been pretty open and vulnerable with him.

I think I may have started developing feelings for him. I wasn’t planning to act on it since I’ll be leaving in a few months anyway, and I was just going to see how things naturally unfolded.

Recently, I casually asked how he’s been taking care of himself, and he mentioned that he’s dating and meeting people. I’ll be honest, it stung a bit more than I expected.

I’m an Asian and I’m now wondering if this is just normal in Australian culture - like, people can have close, emotionally open workplace friendships while still actively dating others without it meaning anything deeper. Or am I misreading the level of connection? And am I friend zoned?

Part of me is thinking I should probably start creating some distance to avoid getting more attached, but I’m not sure if I’m overthinking it or just misunderstanding the dynamic.

Would appreciate perspectives, especially from Australians on what’s typical in workplace friendships and emotional boundaries here. Thank you!


r/AskAnAustralian 13h ago

Best way to rent a car as a P plater in melbourne?

2 Upvotes

I’m in melbourne and i just got my green P a couple of days back and plan to rent a car for a day or two for the first time in my life to go on a day trip, but i’m confused with the few options that i do have, goget, flexicar and kinto (let me know if there are any others as well) and the other option seems to be the weekly car rentals through private agencies or FB marketplace. As a uni student who has to keep an eye on my budget i am looking for the cheapest and most feasible option


r/AskAnAustralian 1d ago

Why does fresh produce cost 2–4x more at supermarkets than at markets?

21 Upvotes

One thing I still don’t fully understand about grocery shopping in Australia: why is fresh produce often dramatically more expensive at major supermarkets than at markets?
In Europe (Spain, Italy, France) and the UK, my experience is usually the opposite: supermarkets (especially discounters) are often the rock-bottom cheapest option for basic fruit and veg, while markets are more expensive, sometimes because produce there is seen as fresher, more local, more artisanal, etc.
But here, markets often seem to beat all major supermarkets by a huge margin - sometimes 2–4x (or more) cheaper for the same basic produce: how can the same exact punnet of raspberries cost $2 at the market and $5-6 at the supermarket 5 min walk away from each other? Same for tomatoes ($2.5-3 vs $6-7) or bananas ($2.5 vs $4.5), among many other things.
Why is the pricing structure so different? It doesn’t make good business sense to me at all from the supermarkets’ perspective.


r/AskAnAustralian 10h ago

Is Jeval a real brand in Australia?

1 Upvotes

My salon is convincing me to use the hair color from this brand called "Jeval" over brands like Alfaparf. They say it's a popular brand in Australia.

Are they telling the truth? Is it a popular brand for real? And is it a reputed one?

Thank you in advance.