Customer Reviews

Living and Working in Australia: A Survival Handbook (Living & Working in Australia)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book when I found out that my company had actually agreed to transfer me to Australia ... but they were giving me very little help in what to expect. This book is not a "travel" guide. It's a practical guide on how to settle down in Australia - things like, how to get a drivers licence, where to apply for a tax file number, even how to do a hook turn in Melbourne. It has never steered me wrong, and I've recommended it to many expat friends.

A must-have if you're thinking about moving there.

Having read a number of publications of similar approach I must admit this one's outstanding. The information provided is not only considering almost every single aspect of living in Oz, but most important: it's (imho) spot-on and even pretty much up-to-date. David's writing is fun and easy to read and I would recommend this book to everyone on the move down under.

I moved to Australia from Israel, and this book was of great help.

Cultural idiosyncrasies are explained to minimise "culture shock", and possible problems are not avoided (despite the fact that the book is associated with a migration agency as I understood). I'ld say that sometimes the warnings are more like disclaimers, but I guess better safe than sorry. "To do" lists are used where applicable - great help when you're in a new environment thinking what to do next.

Another major "pro" is that this book is not just for people from UK or US or other Anglo-Saxon background. The author takes a generic, explain-it-all approach.

One thing which I think the author should change is the migration section. This is the reason I didn't give it 5 stars. This is no author's fault, of course, but the migration laws in Australia are changing at lightning speed - so there is no point to depict them in such detail. Furthermore, as much of the information in that section was hopelessly obsolete already in 2004 (for 2004 edition), it is plain misleading. Future readers - consult official sources instead, but for the rest, you can safely rely on this book.

Otherwise, I couldn't think of a better source of information.

This is an excellent book, which I really recommend to buy! It contains all the information required to emmigrate, live and work in Australia. Is written in a friendly language and has several useful websites and phone numbers. If you are thinking of emmigrate to Australia or you are already living there, this is the book for you!

We are looking to migrate to Australia and wanted to do our research. This book gives practical information on everything from visas to schools to jobs. It gives lots of useful facts that will help anyone looking to move to Australia - such as your drivers license is generally accepted for up to one year, you don't have to get a new one until then! Info on car insurance, cable and phone companies, bus routes, ferry service, PHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES! This is THE book to get if you are going to be moving to Australia or visiting long term. Hands down.

As a person who has newly migrated to Australia from the US, I have found this book indispensible. I have never lived in a foreign country before and I am in my late 50's. It is so different trying to live in a new country and attempting to get your business done from the times spent on vacation. You just want to cook your dinner and guess what, all of the settings on your oven are centigrade. How do you cook that casserole at 325 degrees? It may seem mundane and yes, you can Google it. But that book sits on my kitchen table so that I can refer to it whenever I have a question. From managing your health insurance, buying a car, the taxes, the culture or just getting your coffee right (flat white), it is a really good primer. People try to be helpful but they do not always understand where you are coming from plus you might not understand them. This book provides a good starting point for your adventure in OZ.

Provides valuable insight and up-to-date information for those thinking of moving to Australia. This has been a great reference guide, before and after the move and provided great advice and tips that we, as a family of four, needed before taking the plunge!

It is well researched and a definite read for anyone who has just moved here or are thinking of making the big move.

I read most of the books available on this subject before migrating to Australia, so I feel confident enough to say that although this guide is sometimes exhausting... if you pick out the information which is relevant to you, and not read it from cover to cover, the information is golden.

Recommended and essential reading for anyone who are considering working in Australia

It helps you in many ways to seattle in a foreing country. It is the best way to get updated information before you decide to travel.