Request for info: Move from Dubai to Sydney

KyoDude

Hello Mga Kabayan

My family and I (couple + baby) are considering a move to Sydney Australia - international assignment from my company (global brand) for a period of 2-4 years. Currently, we are based in Dubai and would like some advice / insights into life in Australia.


1. where do most filipinos live in Sydney?
2. where can we buy filipino groceries & products?
3. how can we get a full time nanny to work for us?
4. what is a "reasonable" rent to pay for housing (e.g. 3 bedroom)
5. what is a typical filipino monthly expense for food?

Maraming salamat po.

heero_yuy51

Hi @KyoDude , I have lived in Sydney since 2012 and based on my experience (to answer your questions):

1) Most Filos live in Blacktown and suburbs around it (Western Sydney suburbs)
2) A lot of Filipino groceries in Blacktown (and restaurants too), I've always bought my stash of Filo groceries in West Ryde - Manila Mart (just across the station) or in Chatswood - Manila Sari Sari Store, when I'm in the area. The latter 2 are the most accessible if you live in the inner Sydney suburbs
3) Most families would ask their family friends to babysit their children. Incidentally, a lot of Aussie families would take their children to daycare centers.
4) Reasonable rent depends on the area you will be settling down in. CBD apartments/houses can cost you from AUD 1,000 rent per week minimum, almost the same price with inner suburbs. However, farther areas can set you about AUD500 for a 3-bedroom apartment, bear in mind that transportation can take an hour of your time to the CBD.
5) My brother and I try to stretch our AUD50 budget for 1 and a half weeks, we buy after hours (most supermarkets slash down prices for meat and other things like bread during late hours), it helps that I'm a chef as well so I get my meals from the restaurant, less household expenses for us.

Cost of living is not as bad as most people think, salaries are top notch even for someone with a career like mine, I can live comfortably and still afford at least 2 overseas vacations a year. In the end of it though, it's still up to you with how you manage your budget.

KyoDude

@heero_yuy51 Thank you for the useful reply!


Blacktown did come up in a few other inquiries that I have done. That seems like a 30 min drive to my (potential) office in North Sydney. A bit more than we are used to in Dubai (takes us 10-15 mins to get to work here) but not a deal breaker.

Unfortunately, we won't have family with us so was thinking of hiring nannies. Any idea how much they get paid? The hourly rate are so expensive though so I wonder if getting someone full time from the Philippines is an option?

I've seen quite a few properties online; the $1500-2000 per week seems to be the going rate for the areas near North Sydney but most houses seem to be fairly old.

Did I read your response right? AUD 50 per week? that is an impressive budget!

Again - thanks for the response, salamt po!

heero_yuy51

@KyoDude hi Kyo, why don't you try Artarmon and Chatswood areas, nearer sa potential office mo instead of going really far (Western suburbs) and cheaper than North Sydney (thing is, if the area is near the water, rent prices for the properties are expensive as those areas are where the elite and high rollers live.

With bringing a Filipina nanny, you could try out the Temporary Activity Visa https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/408-
although it might be hard, I've heard only consular and diplomatic reps can bring their nannys in. Other forums suggest using Au Pairs instead, a salary of AUD200+ for at least 25 hours minimum a week and that you need to provide them with 3 meals and lodging as well.

That's AUD50 for us on lucky weeks, but I definitely get fed a lot in the restaurant, perks of working in the kitchen is we never get hungry. So the 50 is just for my brother's grub and our stash of munchies if we get hungry at midnight.