Living in Sydney, Australia – Interview With an Expat

What is it like to move to and live in Sydney, Australia? To start a new life in this popular city?

In this Ask an Expat series I interview people living all over the world but outside of their own country. I hope to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of life abroad, and share tips for others who are thinking about moving to this destination.

I visited Sydney myself a few years ago, for about a month, staying with a local family. I loved the vibrant, international atmosphere of the city combined with beautiful beaches and the laid-back Australian attitude.

Sydney is one of the places I could see myself moving to someday. And that is why I really enjoyed doing this interview to find out more about what living in Sydney is like for an expat.

Expat Life in Sydney, Australia

Name: Susi Käufer
Age: 34
Hometown: Ludwigshafen, Germany

Her Story:

“On my 30th birthday I didn’t know who I was anymore or what I wanted to do with my life. I grabbed a list of old dreams, uncertain if they still belonged to me.

Africa had always been a place I felt I had to go to, so I bought a one-way ticket to Cape Town.

I left Germany in 2014 and have never returned since. I traveled Africa, Asia, and Australia and eventually decided to stay in Australia and call it my home.

I went through visa applications, paid a lot of money, and began a completely new life as an expat.

Today I live in Sydney, working as a coach and helping people to achieve the same.”

Why Did You Decide to Live in Sydney?

“I always wanted to live in a world metropolis like Cape Town, San Francisco, or Sydney.

After traveling for one year in Africa, Asia, and Australia I had to get a job to build up some savings again. I loved my new job and life in Sydney and simply got stuck here, almost 5 years ago. 🙂

Sydney is a great place to live!”

What Do You Like About Living in Sydney?

“I love the combination of a large city with incredible things to offer, and the beaches, national parks, and nature close by.

The beach is only a 20 minute walk from my apartment and the water is refreshing and beautiful. Several bushwalks are nearby, and the coastal walks along the beaches and cliffs are stunning.

I love the focus on work-life-balance as well. Compared to my life back in Germany, Australians value their free time much more. At 4pm they leave the office, grab their surfboards and head to the beach.”

Also Read: 8 Things to Know Before Going to Sydney

What Do You Dislike About Living in Sydney?

“Rent is really high compared to other places in the world.

Our one-bedroom apartment costs $750 per week, plus bills.

Expect accommodation and cost of living in Sydney to be pricey.”

Is Sydney Safe as a Place to Live?

”Yes, overall, I would say Sydney is a very safe place to live.

Sydney consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the world, with low crime rates compared to other major cities.

Most neighborhoods feel secure, even at night, and public transport is generally safe to use.

Of course, like anywhere, it’s always good to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas or late at night.

One thing to be mindful of is Australia’s wildlife—while it’s not something that affects daily life in the city, you might occasionally come across spiders or snakes in certain areas.

But in general, Sydney offers a high quality of life in a safe and welcoming environment.”

What Is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Sydney?

“I love the Bondi to Coogee walk.

It’s a clifftop coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach. It extends for six kilometers (6.7 miles) in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, featuring stunning views, beaches, parks, cliffs, bays and rock pools.”

What Is Your Favorite Place to Hang Out in Sydney?

“Check out the Ampersand Café & Bookstore in Paddington!

I love this place for breakfast or lunch – you’ll find several tables and seats spread across the 3 story bookstore. The book café offers a wide selection of second-hand books and delicious meals.”

What Is the Expat Community Like in Sydney?

“There are so many expats in Sydney and I feel that because of that there tend to be several expat communities, based on nationality.

I work in a very international environment, with colleagues from Colombia, France, the Netherlands, Austria, and Germany. They all found a way to stay in this beautiful country and enjoy life in Sydney.

If you are looking to meet other expats in Sydney there are a lot of Facebook groups and community meetups around.

As I tend to miss traditional German food, I like to hang out in typically German restaurants with a few German friends from time to time.”

Any Tips for Moving to / Living in Sydney?

“Bring warm clothes! Winters are mild in Sydney, however, many places don’t have central heating. So if it’s 10 degrees Celcius outside it’s not very cozy inside as insulation isn’t great.

I was slightly confused about why there are no heaters in flats. We don’t get any snow, but it’s still COLD when temperatures are dropping to 5 degrees Celcius (41 Fahrenheit).

In summer you only need thongs/flip flops and a dress though. I had never imagined dressing that leisurely for an office job.

Be prepared for pricey accommodation and weekly rent as well, but it’s totally worth it and I love life in Sydney!”

Also Read: 10 Things to Know Before Moving to Australia

Any Resources You Found Useful During the Process of Moving to and Building a New Life in Sydney?

“To find cheap accommodation and anything from cars to furniture and second-hand clothes Australians use gumtree.com.au.

The most popular job search engine is seek.com.au, and all current information about visas and immigration can be found at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.”

Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are in Sydney?

“The classics of course: Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanical Garden, the harbor bridge (which you can walk across or climb), and Bondi Beach.

For a nice coastal walk and stunning views take a ferry to Manly and hike up to the North Head Sanctuary.”

Also Read: 10 Things not to Miss in Sydney – Tips from an Insider

About Susi – An Expat in Sydney

Susi is a certified Life Coach and Transformational Coach.

As a Freedom Lifestyle Expert she supports women who have lost their enthusiasm and feel stuck on a path that isn’t their own.

She guides them on their journey of self-discovery, so they can unlock their full potential and the creativity on what’s possible.

For more information check out her website: dreamlifedeluxe.com

About Sydney, Australia

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design.

Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby.

Sydney is Australia’s oldest, largest and most cosmopolitan city with a population of over 5 million. It has the enviable reputation of being one of the world’s most beautiful and liveable cities. 

The city hosts many tourist attractions as well as a number of beaches, bays and a couple of national parks.

Thinking About Traveling to Sydney?

I recommend Skyscanner to find the best flights or check out 10 Tips on How to Find The Cheapest Flights.

Also Read:

• 8 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Sydney
• 10 Things Not to Miss in Sydney – Insider Tips
• Ask an Expat: Living in Melbourne, Australia
• Living in Brisbane – Interview With an Expat

 
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