Working overseas

Many decisions you need to make depend on how long you expect to be away. Some things to consider are:

• Will this prove to be a permanent move or a temporary one?
• How long do you expect to be in this job?
• Can you take the opportunity to try a short stay first to see if the move is right for you?
• How important is the job to your career advancement?
• Will you remain technically an Australian resident?
• In which currency will you be paid, and at the end of your time there, can you easily get your funds out of the country?
• What will the employee pay for other than your salary – will they cover relocation and settling in costs?
• If language is an issue, will language classes be included?
• What’s the cost of living in the country where you plan on working? Calculate if the wage is going to be enough to maintain the standard of living you require and if it’s worth leaving Australia for.
• Does your prospective employer have to sponsor you to get a working visa for the country?
• What are the taxation and superannuation implications?

In terms of tax and residency issues you should visit the Australian Taxation Office section on working overseas.

• Check what the visa requirements are for you to work in the other country, and what insurances you'll need.
• Find out about what sort of work visa, permit or residency status is required by contacting the foreign mission of the country in which you hope to work. The key is doing this well before you plan to go.

The research doesn’t stop with the visa and insurance.

• Research the country’s medical system and any health and safety issues you may face there.
• Check the general planning tips outlined in the International Travel section, regarding safety, taking out adequate travel insurance, health and vaccinations, passports, travelling with children and a wealth of other information.

When assessing the job, if you have a partner and children going with you, then there are important factors to consider:

• Will the experience be suitable for children of their age?
• Is the childcare or schooling offered in the country what you want for your child?
• Is the healthcare system adequate to service your family needs?
• Will your partner enjoy this country and be safe and comfortable with the culture and environment?
• Has your partner got the chance to work in a field of their choice?
• Are you leaving behind sick or ageing relatives that you can return to easily if you need to? How difficult is it to travel back to Australia?
• Will the move suit not just your career but your family as a whole?

If you want to combine pleasure with a bit of work, you'll need to check what you can do legally and ensure you have the right paperwork.

• In most cases, a tourist visa does not allow you to work in other countries.
• Australia has reciprocal arrangements with a number of countries that allow Australians aged 18 to 30 to work while holidaying.

See the Immigration Department for details and criteria for the working holiday visa.

What to do about your home while you’re away will again depend on how long the trip is likely to last.

You may decide to pick up some extra money by renting out your home, or even doing a home swap with a person in the country you intend to visit. Or if you’re going for good then you may want to consider selling your home.

If you’re interested in working overseas, here are some valuable leads.

The Immigration Department - for details and criteria for the working holiday visa.

Smart Traveller – is a Federal Government site with a host of information.

Australians Abroad  - another government site that is full of helpful information regarding tax, centrelink eligibility, voting while living away from home and moving away permanently.

Medicare - for information on health care while you're in another country. It lists the countries Australia has reciprocal health care agreements with.

The International Exchange Programs – for information on areas such as the popular Summer Camp USA program, and working holidays in places like Canada, Britain, Cambodia and Ireland.

If you are planning to work overseas then you will need to consider issues such as taxation and your access to funds while abroad.

An A-Z Review^® - Make sure you have your banking in order before you go.  Things such as direct debits and access to funds can all be made easier when you talk to an ANZ personal banker. Request an A-Z Review^® at your nearest ANZ branch.

ANZ Financial Planning - you may also benefit from a more detailed appointment with an ANZ Financial Planner who can help you to consider the long term financial impact of your time away. They can help you to establish a plan for your superannuation, personal insurances, life insurance and investments so that these are in shape for your eventual return. Book an appointment with an ANZ Financial Planning.

ANZ has a number of options to help if you’re planning to live and work overseas.

ANZ Travel Insurance – can protect you from the financial impact of a cancelled trip, lost luggage, theft along with illness and injury. Medical expenses overseas can be financially beyond reach. Ask yourself this, if I can’t afford travel insurance, can I really afford to travel?  Find out more about ANZ Travel Insurance.

ANZ Travel Card – a secure and convenient way to access your money while you’re abroad, with no transaction fees on purchases. You can load funds in up to 10 different currencies on a single Prepaid Visa card which is accepted at more than 29 million locations worldwide. Find out more about ANZ Travel Card.

ANZ Access Visa Debit – allows you to use your own money, online, over the phone or in store anywhere Visa is accepted. Find out more about ANZ Access Visa Debit.

Foreign exchange – you may need some cash in the local currency for the things you can’t pay for using any other method. View current exchange rates.

International money transfers* – if you do need help while you are away, then you can arrange for a family member or friend (who is an ANZ account holder) to transfer money directly to an account held by you overseas.  Find our more about ANZ International Money Transfers.

Personal loans – we can help you find the money to fund your journey. Find out more about ANZ Personal Loans.

And remember all ANZ Credit and debit cards come with the added security of ANZ Falcon^TM and ANZ Fraud Money Back Guarantee.