Working remotely is now easier than it has been in the past. A new breed of work has evolved and along with it, a new breed of worker. One is less inclined to view a stable long-term career in the same light as their predecessors.
Open to the concept of holding their own career destinies and the places it takes them. The world has changed too with countries realizing the potential of hosting remote workers and the benefits doing so brings the country.
Australia is a top destination for those looking to work remotely, the country offers much to potential remote workers.
Both those that wish to move permanently to Australia, but also to those who either want to work remotely from Australia for a few months or who want to combine work with a traveling holiday to the country.
Making Sure You’re Organised in Advance
Being aware of what preparations you should make and the different lifestyles and living costs within Australia will help ensure your planned trip goes smoothly.
Some things to consider include opening a bank account in Australia and researching your money transfer options to both funds the account and return money to your home accounts.
Having preplanned and researched this can help you keep control of costs as often there can be considerable savings in fees by choosing the right bank account but then choosing a separate online money transfer provider to make deposits and withdrawals from that account.
Always keep in mind that it can be cheaper to choose an online money transfer provider than a bank in terms of having lower fees and saving time
Will I Need A Visa?
Generally, people need a visa to work in Australia.
But applicants intending on only working remotely during a short stay or holiday, such as a trader checking stock values, reading and replying to emails, etc., can apply for a Tourist stream visa if the remote work is part-time and a continuation of their job in their home country.
The specific type of visa required and its cost will depend on your individual circumstances and intentions within Australia.
Setting Up A Bank Account
When you are remote working within Australia having easy access to your everyday money and an ability to securely deposit longer-term savings is a must. You can make an application for an Australian bank account before your departure and set the account up ready for use.
The most famous Australian banks have online application facilities for their services including both current and savings accounts. Application for an account is easy, but you will need to provide the bank with the following information.
Your intended arrival date in Australia, generally banks are looking for you to arrive within one year of your application. You will need to provide an address where you intend to stay.
If you can not provide an Australian address, it may be possible to still open an account using your home country’s address, changing it once you have confirmed living arrangements within Australia.
You will need to upload relevant documentation to prove your identity and your right to work within Australia. Generally, these will include your passport, your visa, and proof of address.
You may be asked for your employer’s details and information about your salary payments.
Once you are physically in Australia, banks require you to present your documents for verification to finally authorise the use of your accounts, so plan this into your arrangements to ensure the accounts you need are able to be used as quickly as possible after your arrival.
Types of Accounts and Services
Australian banks adopt a system similar to debit cards called EFTPOS which enables easy payments to be made for goods and services during your stay. Having at least one account with this facility will help make money management and payments easier in Australia
Three types of accounts are generally offered by banks in Australia, a chequing account, which is a standard current account, usually, this account will offer EFTPOS facilities and is the one you would use for everyday spending and payments.
A savings account would be the account you would use to store savings or money you do not intend upon spending shortly. These savings accounts generally offer interest earned on the money stored in them.
Lastly, a credit account will have facilities to extend credit, often these credit accounts will only be authorized after you have spent some time within Australia and the bank is happy with your ability to repay any credit extended.
Taxation
The tax implications of working remotely in Australia, but being a resident of another country vary on individual circumstances.
If you are classed as a UK tax-paying resident, you will need to pay UK tax on earnings from Australia. If you are to be predominantly resident in Australia but remain a UK taxpayer, you may not need to pay if your home address is where you are based in Australia.
The Australian tax system works much the same as the system in place within the UK. It is a progressive system where the more you earn, the higher percentage of tax you pay.
It has a tax-free allowance, currently $18,200 per financial year, after which all income is taxable at an increasing rate progressing in bands of income amount. The lowest rate is charged at 19% and the highest rate at 45%.
Foreign residents of Australia pay a flat rate of 32.5% for annual incomes up to $120,000 and 45% for incomes over $180,000
Those on Working Holiday visas are liable for 15% of all annual income up to $45,000. Income over this threshold is then charged at the same rate as Australian residents.
Australian Cost Of Living
Australia generally has a lower cost of living, with notable sectors like transport being considerably cheaper than the UK. However, it is not a simple comparison as sectors like borrowing and mortgages can be significantly more expensive in Australia.
Properties in Australia have seen vast increases in prices. This is especially true for city locations. So make good use of the opportunity to research how this will affect you and plan accordingly to have the best chance of successfully working remotely from Australia.