Moving Back to Canada from Australia
Returning to Canada from Australia can be a bigger transition for most, both because the geography is so remote and because the lifestyle is quite different in Canada
Before you decide to move back to Canada, it is likely a good idea to really consider why you want to move back. Life in Canada really is very different from life in Australia. Here is a great recent article from The Toronto Star that highlights some of the differences:
Canada vs Australia: The upside of down-under
Some of the commonalities between Canada and Australia that returning Canadians can rely on:
- A tax treaty that avoids double taxation for Canadians.
- Similar systems such as telephone, internet, financial linkages, and language.
- Former Colonies of the UK - both Canada and Australia were former colonies and have some structural similarities as a result.
Some of the differences between Canada and the Australia.:
- Different mind frames - Australia is quite different from Canada in mind-frame. Oriented towards Asia, similar to America in some ways, rooted in different attitudes toward life.
- Different cultures. Australian culture is more "work to live", not "live to work", as is much of the Canadian mindframe. The climate of Australia is likely a major factor contributing to this difference, as most of Australia is warm year-round. Australia is also remote. Canada is next to the U.S., so we have huge impacts culturally from our cousin to the south.
- Different geography. Different hemispheres means different modes of celebration (Christmas, for example), and communicating across very different time zones a challenge. Recreation and general life activities are different in a warm climate, as well.
- Different systems such as electricity (220v), taxes, driving (left side of the road), etc.
- Cultural icons are very much different in Australia than in Canada.
Resources for returning to Canada from Australia
Moving your belongings
Unless you can ship by air a few suitcases and boxes, a 20' or 40' container is likely your best option. The distance between Oz and Canada is so far that ocean shipping is normally required.
What to bring:
Due to shipping costs, low-value items and those that won't be of use in Canada (appliances) are not generally worth shipping. Some things that are worth shipping:
- higher value furnishings and rugs
- clothes
- books, entertainment collections
- laptop computers
- kitchen dishware, cutlery, etc.
What not to bring:
- Vehicles
- Appliances (different voltage)
- low value items that can be purchased inexpensively in Canada
Taxes
As mentioned above, Canada and Australia have a tax treaty that will serve you well, particularly if you have a straight-forward personal financial situation.
If your situation is complicated I recommend getting professional advice from a tax accountant in Canada who specializes in international taxes.
Foreign Exchange
Australia has a smaller economy. Because of this, their currency is subject to movements that are not closely tied to other currencies or to the Canadian dollar. Here is a 5 year graph of the AUS-CAD exchange rates, courtesy of Oanda.com (a great FX site from Canada!). Fluctuations are common, as you can see:
As of the writing of this in November 2011, the AUD is at quite a high - AUD $1 is worth CAD $1.05, in contrast to late 2008, when it would only get you CAD $0.80. Clearly, this is a relatively good time to exchange AUD to CAD if you are moving back to Canada.
Some foreign exchange considerations:
- How long are you willing to keep your money in Australian Dollars
before you wish to convert them to CAD? If you can wait for years because
you don't need the money until quite a ways down the road, you may get
a better exchange rate in the future. Again, as of the writing of this
note, the AUD is quite strong against the CAD compared to the previous
5 years.
- If you own property and/or investments in Australia that you intend
to keep, are you concerned about volatility in exchange rates? Are you
planning on living on an Australian pension or other fixed income source?
Exchange rate fluctuations, even in the last few years, are quite large
and will have an affect on your CAD receipts.
Lifestyle
This is likely the most important consideration of all, particularly if you have lived in the Australia for many years.
Some
thoughts on lifestyle:
- Canada is a cold place to live. Expect 8 months of the year to be
below, at, or near freezing in most of Canada. Don't kid yourself into
thinking this is OK or even acceptable. It "sucks". I lived
in Dubai for 6-1/2 years where it is warm. I know the difference. "Snowbird"
is an important word in Canada: "FLY SOUTH WHERE IT IS WARM!!!"
(Still want to move home to Canada? OK, but you were warned...)
- Canada is cold. No, not just in terms of climate, but socially - at
least when you first arrive. Likely much of the reason is the result
of the cold climate and the cultural melting pot nature of the place,
Canadians are simply not as outgoing and easy-going as are Australians.
Again, don't kid yourself: This is not something that is easy to get
used to. I love Canada and really like how polite, respectful, and pleasant
we are. With the exception of in Toronto during rush hour, we are even
courteous and generous. But outgoing and easy-going? Not so much. Are
you ready for this?
- Friends. If you have made deep friendships in Australia, you will
have to make new friendships or renew old ones in Canada. The older
you get the harder it is to make significant friendships. Is it worth
coming back to Canada?
- Cost of living. In Canada many things are expensive and taxed quite
highly. Heating your homes in Canada can be very costly. If you are
living simply in Australia getting used to the high cost of life in
Canada can be a shock.
Your ideas, considerations, and experiences?
Canadians living in Australia considering moving back to Canada: Please share your ideas, thoughts, and experiences relating to returning to Canada from Australia. This is a new page and your input will really help others who are considering the move as well. I will post them here as help for others. Along with a credit to you will be a big thank you on behalf of the many people you will be helping!
Thanks!
Paul Kurucz
Victoria, BC
(Who has had Australia on his list of places to visit and possibly live in since he was a child...)
This page created and up to date as of November 18, 2011.