As a cross-border financial planning company, you won’t be surprised to hear that many of our staff have lived in both the UK and Australia.
It’s very much the nature of working here, and it brings a unique perspective to the work we do.
Not long after someone joins our team, we ask them to fill out a short questionnaire about living in the UK or Australia. If they’ve moved between countries, we’re especially curious: what do they most miss from the place they’ve left behind? And what advice would they give someone planning to make the same journey?
As you would imagine, we’ve amassed quite a lot of these answers in the 16 years since bdhSterling started.
From collating the answers, we’ve noticed various themes emerging so we thought we’d share a few of our top tips and reflections.
1. What’s the best thing about living in the UK?
One of the most common answers from our team was “location, location, location.” Given Australia’s relatively remote position on the globe, proximity to Europe is often mentioned as one of the best things about living in the UK.
The English countryside also gets favourable reviews. These are often made in terms of Sunday roast lunches in cosy country pubs, followed by scenic walks.
Other factors include being able to watch Premier League football live and at “sensible” times, and the wealth of incredible museums and historical attractions.
2. What’s the best thing about living in Australia?
No surprises here. Australia’s beaches, fine weather, and the predominantly outdoor lifestyle top the list. With most major cities hugging the coastline, it’s easy to see why beach days are a regular part of life.
The consistency of the weather is also a real bonus, with John Vailes in our Perth office referencing the fact that it’s nice being able to make plans ahead of time and not have them rained off!
Other features mentioned included the quality of the coffee, and the ability to achieve a positive work-life balance, especially one that allows trips to the beach before and after work!
3. What do you miss about living in the UK?
For many of our team, it’s the small comforts of home that linger, like favourite snacks. Percy Pigs and Galaxy chocolate were two that got a mention!
There’s also a definite longing for the convenience of Marks & Spencer, especially when it comes to quick meals and quality groceries. And for football fans, the ability to watch Premier League matches at reasonable times, rather than having to cope with the time difference to follow your favourite team!
Of course, beyond the creature comforts, there’s the biggest one of all: missing friends and family.
4. What do you miss about living in Australia?
As you would expect, the main things that people miss about Australia are the same things staff told us they loved while living there.
So, the beaches, weather, and the laid-back lifestyle are all often mentioned. The UK’s (often pebbly) beaches just don’t cut it!
One other point that came up is how close many vineyards are to the major Australian cities, making them perfect for a day trip. It’s a luxury that’s missed once you’ve experienced it, according to our Operations Director, Khan McSween
5. What’s your top tip for anyone moving to the UK?
The strongest theme that comes out from the answers to this question is the importance of embracing the British weather. Don’t let a bit of drizzle stop you from exploring! There’s a well-known English saying that “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”, and several people point out that life goes on in the UK no matter what the conditions outside are like.
Along the same lines, our Senior Paraplanner, Jordan Yardley, recommends making the most of the good weather when it does come around.
Several people reference the proximity of the European mainland compared to how geographically remote Australia is. Weekend getaways, experiencing a different European culture, are surprisingly easy.
The attractions in the UK itself also get mentioned, with the Lake District and the historical sights in London being specifically referenced.
6. What’s your top tip for anyone moving to Australia?
Very few people actually mention the outdoor lifestyle when it comes to moving to Australia, presumably because it’s very much a given that it’s something to enjoy and make the most of.
The cautionary message of making sure you use sunscreen does get raised, perhaps as a result of a painful experience!
Another interesting tip suggested by some people is to avoid continually converting Australian dollars to sterling when you buy anything, otherwise you will be forever comparing the cost of living. Making sure to bring your family’s medical records, or request electronic copies prior to leaving the UK, was also a useful tip.
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No matter which direction you’re moving in, one tip stands out above the rest: plan ahead.
This applies both in terms of the logistics of your move, and also the financial planning aspects of moving from one side of the world to the other. Our Financial Adviser, Paul Lawson-Tyers says, ‘Whether it be your pensions, investments, tax position, or currency exchange, good advice can make a real difference’.
If you’re thinking about making a move and would like to talk about your own plans, please get in touch with us.
Please note
This article is for information only, it does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs.
Please do not solely rely on anything you have read in this article and ensure that you conduct your own research to ensure any actions you may take are suitable for your circumstances.