r/Ameristralia

What are some foods and experiences you cant have in aus that you’d recommend to others that arent on every single travel blog?

So I moved over from California to the Wollongong area a few months back, and I expected things like the slang and driving on the left to take some getting used to, but nobody warned me about the infrastructure differences. Back home, if something goes wrong with a drain, it's pretty simple - fix it or hire someone to do it quickly. Here, I swear every fixture feels like it was designed using completely different rules (maybe they are?)

Like, what on earth is a gully trap and why is it currently overflowing into my backyard after a heavy downpour? The real estate agency was totally useless when I emailed them about it, just sent some automated corporate response about "tenant maintenance" which is a total joke given how much rent costs down here now.

I ended up spending hours googling local terms last night just to make sure my kitchen wasn't about to flood. Found a really helpful neighborhood layout guide that explained how storm runoff and residential lines mix in these older coastal suburbs. turned out it's an overflow system designed that way on purpose so it doesnt flood the actual house..

idk maybe it's on me but it seems crazy how the most mundane things can make you feel so lost in a new country. But I do LOVE it here!

I’m getting a passport renewed at the Sydney consulate and the website keeps stating to buy the correct postage amount for the return envelope. Does anyone know if the envelope is a flat fee or is there a rate depending on where it is shipped from? I am having it delivered to Canberra so not sure if it is getting sent to the US and then delivered back or just Sydney to Canberra.

I’m an Aussie living in California, currently visiting Australia for two months.

My 7yo LOVES microwave popcorn (he doesn’t get it that often, but he really freaking loves it). In the USA it is buttery, golden and the kernels are huge and puffy. About as close to good Cinema popcorn as it is possible to get via a microwave.

In Australia, and I’ve tried several brands, it’s dry, with hardly any butter (despite claiming to be “triple” or “extra” butter on the pack) and the kernels look anemic. They are mostly shells and way less of the “puffy” part of the popcorn. My gums hurt just looking at them.

Plenty of other good food to eat but WTF Australia? What gives with your popcorn?!? 😂

EDIT: to those who say the “butter” flavoring is banned in Australia, that only explains the butter part, not the anemic shitty kernels with no puff and tons of shell.

Hi, after 8 years in the US, I’m going to be moving back to Australia. Does anyone have a tax advisor they’d recommend? We have real estate, shares, RSUs, and 401k.

Thanks,

Hello! I’m a black American female looking to study abroad in Australia for 4 months(debating between Gold Coast and Sydney). How are black people treated? Which place is better to study? And is it a good idea overall?

Thanks! All honesty is appreciated

So, we’re moving back to the US in a few weeks. Super excited. However, I want to hear from people what we should consider buying in Australia before heading to the US, from clothing to electronics. Particular items that are hard to obtain or cheaper in Australia than ‘Merica!

For example, we’re buying UGG boots as they’re half the cost of buying them in the US.

What are some ideas…?

It should be opposite I think.

And before you say "free speech" or something like that, it is not relevant becauee both countries, Australia and the US, are democratic countries with free speech protection.

I noticed that many Europeans have negative opinion on the US but they have neutral or positive opinion on Australia. Some people will say that it is because of Trump but they also had negative opinion on the US when Biden was president.

Also, there is one other thing I don't understand. I heard many people say that Americans are much more friendlier than Australians but if it is case, why do they like Australia more than America?

So I got made redundant in my job in Australia making about 220k AUD as a General Manager and had my work visa pulled. Found a new job in the USA paying the same amount plus full relocation for a Director (lower) level job. But just this last week found a company willing to sponsor me to stay in Australia as a General Manager but the salary is 165k AUD. Any compelling reason to stay?

UPDATE
The Australia job has topped the offer to 200k USD.

I am married with no kids in early 40s currently living in regional area.

Thanks

uhh, I wanna friends from Australia

Hi guys,

Since I am here in USA, I see the apple product cheaper than what they are in Australia, like iphone and macbook. I see difference of 300-500 AUD differences on the apple macbook air or pro and best to go and buy even in Oregon.

Has anyone done this , buying Apple Products in US (while already in US) ? What will be the differences in Warranty side ? Would you recommend doing this ? What other stuff you recommend I should buy while I am here in USA and they are far expensive in Australia? Will Australian border security check or inquire if I will take few electronics product ?

Thanks for advice.

Hi I assume they'll be showing the USA Turkey game everywhere, but it's a dead game, so which channel is showing Australia vs Paraguay?

What's worth watching?

I’m visiting Australia right now. I did get travel insurance including medical coverage for pre-existing conditions. Kind of.

One of the requirements of pre-existing condition coverage was being “stable” for at least 90 days prior to departure. That means no changes to medication or treatment and no medical intervention required (surgeries or procedures or hospital stays).

It was going great until I got chest pains 3 days before leaving (I had a heart attack last year). It was all fine, my doctor adjusted meds and gave me a clean bill of health, as well as her blessing to continue with my Australia trip. But now I have violated the 90 day rule for my pre-existing condition travel insurance health care coverage. So I’m probably no longer covered for the one thing I really wanted coverage for.

I have lived in the USA 11 years now, but I have been getting new Australian medicare cards when they expire (mailed to my mum). So I have a current Medicare card. I know that “officially” I lost medicare coverage 6 years ago, but medicare dont seem to be aware of it. They keep updating my cards and I can still login to medicare via mygov and it all looks current.

The million dollar question: could I get away with using medicare in case of an emergency? What are my chances that the valid card I currently hold will just work?

No health issues right now. Just asking in case of emergency. I’ll be going to the doctor no matter what either way if something comes up. I’m not messing around with that. Its just a matter of how much it would cost me.

I’m in Australia another 6 weeks