Moving to Canberra

Are you moving from the UK to Canberra and aren’t sure how to get your belongings there safely? With years of helping countless families emigrate down under, Britannia International Movers can certainly help. Being Australia’s capital, we have helped individuals to entire large families get to Canberra seamlessly.

Located in South East Australia, Canberra holds the title of the ‘coolest little capital’. Whilst many assume Sydney to be the country’s capital, Canberra is special in its own unique way. Whilst the city is modern and rich with Arts & Crafts style architecture, it was originally home to the indigenous Ngambri and Ngunnawal people. The name Canberra is based on the Ngunnawal word for meeting.

If you’re considering the big move to Canberra, let Britannia Movers International manage the removal and make your transition overseas as easy as possible

Removal Services to Canberra

A move to Canberra can take a lot of planning and Britannia Movers International will be there every step of the way to ensure your move is seamless. We are specialists in international moves and can handle the entire process, from start to finish, for you.

When you first get in contact with Britannia we will send a moving specialist to your home to discuss logistics with you. Whilst out questionnaire may be lengthy, it means we can learn everything about your move and establish a bespoke plan for you. We can discuss dates, timeframes, storage, packaging and anything else you require.

Shipping to Canberra

Before your move to Canberra you can utilise the help of our packaging team, who will carefully wrap all of your belongings in high quality packing materials and they’ll then load them onto the shipping containers for you. Alternatively, you can simply use them for packaging or advice only. We barcode every item that belongs to you so we can monitor it throughout the journey.

The majority of people who move to Canberra tend to have their items sent across by cargo

It is by far the most affordable option for shipping your world possessions and if you have a shipping container to yourself the process only take eight weeks. If you are sharing a container (a great option to save money if you have fewer possessions) this is extended to 12 weeks.

There is a weekly shipping service running to all ports in Australia and, once your belongings arrive in Australia, they will be forwarded safely to your new address. Giving us as much notice as possible about your move to Canberra will ensure your items arrive in Australia shortly after you do.

Air Freight to Canberra

For those who have the budget or need their items in a hurry Britannia Movers International can arrange air freight for those moving to Canberra. This alternative to shipping is more expensive but does mean your items will arrive in Canberra much more quickly. However, please do bear in mind that your items may remain in customer for around two weeks. Britannia Movers International will ensure you have all the necessary paperwork completed to avoid unnecessary delays.

Additional Removals Services to Canberra

Whether you are shipping or flying your belongings to Canberra, we understand that simply getting your items from A to B isn’t enough. Over the years we have been helping people move around the world we have introduced a variety of services to make sure you are fully looked after. Not limited to removals, we will help you with every single aspect of your move to Canberra, including all paperwork and visas.

Want to ship your car to Australia? Want to take your pet to Canberra? Moving on a budget? Get in touch with us today or check out a sample of our additional removal services below.

Arriving in Canberra

The longest your items will take to arrive in Canberra is around 12 weeks, so we will arrange have them sent across far in advance of your arrival. It is perfect when our clients give us as much notice as possible about their move to Canberra as this means we can make sure items arrive when it is best for you.

With Britannia, you can rest assured that all relevant paperwork regarding visas and exports will be completed before you leave for Canberra. However, please do expect to complete some further imports paperwork when you arrive in Canberra. This is conducted by Australian imports officers and is completely normal.

You can expect your items to clear Canberra’s import system within around two weeks. Customers who have selected our door-to-door service can expect their belongings to arrive at their new home thanks to our team in Canberra and they will help you move all items in.

If you are moving to Canberra and need removal services, then give Britannia Movers International a call today on 0845 600 661. Speak to one of our international removal specialists and find out how easy it is to move to Canberra. We’ll give you a full breakdown of the process and an idea of the costs of international removals as well.

Emigrating to Canberra

Whilst many expats tend to flock to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, there is a large community also living in Canberra and its outskirts. Like all Aussie cities, Canberra is incredibly laid back and the locals are incredibly welcoming. Whilst the city is built up and boasts all the wonders of a modern metropolitan hub, it is also nestle between two incredible national parks which are easily accessible.

Australian Imports

Shipments of household goods and personal effects are allowed duty-free entry into Canberra (and the entirety of Australia) if you have owned and used all items for at least 12 months prior to importation. Like all international moves, there will be lots of paperwork prior and post customs. However, Britannia Movers International will help you with the entire process.

You and each member of your family must hold a valid passport and visa to enter Canberra.

Australian Customs Restrictions

Australia has very strict rules about what can and cannot be brought into the country, including Canberra. The government import guidelines are out in place to protect the ecosystem as Australia has a high dependence on their crops and harvests. Furthermore, they are dedicated to protecting the citizens of the country. The following items are prohibited:

• Dangerous breeds of dogs
• Psychoactive substances
• Suicide devices

The following items are restricted. This means you will need written permissions to bring the goods into the country:

• Antibiotics
• Cat and dog fur products
• Drugs and narcotics
• Endangered animals and plants
• Firearms and ammunition
• Growth hormones
• Fish and toothfish
• Hazardous waste
• Knives and daggers
• Money boxes
• Pencils or paintbrushes
• Tobacco

Moving Pets to Canberra

We completely understand that no home is complete without your pets being with you. This is why we work with a trusted partner to make sure your furry, feathered or scaled friends get to your new home in Canberra with you.

Between ourselves and our partners in Canberra your pet will be transported sagely and comfortably to your new home. We can help with all the documentation and vaccinations your pets will require to meet Australia’s stringent import rules.

Most pets will require the following:

• To be a minimum of 12 weeks of age
• Microchip
• Pet passport
• Rabies vaccination
• Tapeworm treatment (dogs only)

Taking Your Car to Canberra

If you want to take your car with you to Canberra the Britannia team can make this happen for you. However, you may want to do some research beforehand to assure that your car is compliant with Australia’s standards – we can help with this too! If your vehicle is granted approved for import you will be subject to duty charges.

Money Transfer

You will undoubtedly need to have money available when you arrive in Canberra and you will likely need to make payments before you enter the country. Britannia International Movers can recommend reputable foreign currency exchange services to help protect you from exchange rate fluctuations and save you time and money on international payments.

Moving to Canberra from the UK

Flights to Canberra from the UK tend to vary in length, but most are 25 to 40 hours. The reason most flights take longer is because there are no direct flights to Canberra, you have to stop for a layover. Whilst some layovers can be an hour or so, some require you to stay overnight. Flights with long layover times tend to be cheaper. The most common layovers for flights tend to be Singapore, Doha, Perth, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.

Airlines carrying passengers to Canberra from the UK include Qantas, Emirates, Virgin, Etihad, China Southern, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and British Airways.

Visas for Canberra

As you are moving to Canberra you will need an Australian visa. Whether you are living, working or studying you will not be allowed into the county without the appropriate visa. Whilst the Australian government has stringent views on immigration, if you are eligible, applying for a visa is actually a very straight forward process.

The Australian Department of Immigration website has a clever visa finder tool that will help you whittle down all the visas until you find the correct one for you. However, this is also something Britannia International Movers can assist you with.

To live in Canberra permanently, expats have the following options:

• Skilled work visa (sponsored or nominated)
• Skilled work visa (not sponsored or nominated)
• Distinguished talent visa
• Invest or business visa
• Parent, child or family member visa
• Partner or spouse visa

If you are at all confused about your visa options for Canberra get in touch with us today on 0845 600 6661 or visit the Australian Department of Immigration website.

Living in Canberra

Despite many thinking it’s Sydney, Canberra is actually Australia’s capital. It is one of the safest cities in the world and locals and expats alike love living and working in Canberra and its outskirts.

Whilst the hustle of the urban centre is captivating, taking a break to the Bindabella mountains or National Arboretum are certainly an activity loved my everyone. With the man-made Lake Burley Griffin at the city centre, there is always a feeling of nature wherever you go in Canberra.

Canberra Weather

Canberra’s weather can be extreme and expats from the UK won’t need to alter their wardrobe choices – just the months they usually wear them!

Summers in Canberra can be scorching and staying hydrated and covered in sun cream is important. Temperatures can reach 30°C during December and into the new year. There are the occasional rainy days and some epic thunder and lightning storms.

Winters are mild but the majority of the year’s rain falls during these months. Temperatures can dip near to freezing on some occasions, but mostly a snug coat keeps the worst of the chill off.

Canberra Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Jobs for Expats in Canberra

Many expats who have experienced life in more than one Australian city comment that Canberra has the best to offer in terms of job availability. The majority of expats end up working in the public sector which is the top employer in the city.

Finding a Job in Canberra

Expats in Canberra have a number of different avenues to explore if they haven’t been relocated to the city by their current employer. These include online searches, getting in touch with a local recruitment agency, or perusing the local classifieds.

Also, make sure your LinkedIn account is up to date and use their job search functionality.

Education

The Australian education system is celebrated worldwide, and many people move to the country so their children can benefit from high levels of schooling. Due to the government’s focus upon education there is little discrepancy between public and private schools.

Canberra is known as Australia’s academic capital and is known for being home to some of the most prestigious schools in the country.

Cost of Living in Canberra

Living costs are always going to be higher in cities than suburban or rural areas but Canberra is actually more affordable than neighbouring Sydney. Those moving from major European cities will find live in Canberra much more affordable than home, resulting in an improved lifestyle.

Australian Currency

The Australian Dollar is the country’s official currency and is used in Canberra and throughout Australia. It is often shown as AUS, $A or (most commonly) $. Each dollar is made up of 100 cents and notes come as 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 AUD. Denominations of coins include 1 and 2 AUD and 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

Opening a Bank Account in Canberra

The best time to open a bank account in Canberra is within six weeks of arrival. During this grace period many banks do not require you to provide proof of address, such as a utility bill, as they understand you may not have access to this type of documentation yet.

Customer benefits and interest rates between providers vary and some Australian banks have expat specific accounts. It is best to shop around when you are looking for a bank in Canberra to make sure you are receiving a service that is best suited to your needs.

Some of Canberra’s popular banks include ANZ, NAV, Westpac and Commonwealth.

Cost of Everyday Items

Check out some of the items you are likely to purchase regularly whilst living in Canberra below. Prices are shown in Australian Dollars and converted to UK pounds so you can see how prices match up.

Eating Out in Canberra

Canberra is hailed as a haven for foodies die to the eclectic mix of eateries and dining experiences that he city has to offer. From award-winning restaurants and trendy coffee shops to vineyards and street-food joints, people in Canberra love to eat incredible food and the variety of cuisine on offer echoes this call.

Public Transport in Canberra

Canberra is known as the cycling capital of Australia and you can get from one side of the city to another in less than 40 minutes – all without getting stuck in traffic! Whilst most people opt to walk or cycle, the public transport system is comprehensive and relied on by many every day. Expats can drive in Canberra, but this can be daunting in the city centre itself but handy if you live on the outskirts.

Renting in Canberra

If you are looking for a home in Canberra the majority of expats tend to go through an estate agent. They know the area well and can help you with the entire process. You should be prepared with references from properties you have rented before.

If you are looking at homes in the city be aware that you will unlikely be the only people present when attending a viewing. There is escalated interest in city properties which means estate agents will often hold mass viewings for ease.

In Canberra you can expect to pay your rent monthly and liaise with utility suppliers to ensure they know you are the new tenant and charge you your bills accordingly.

Buying a House in Canberra

Buying a property in Canberra is only permitted to expats that have been granted permanent residency – which initially stands for five years and can be renewed.

Like many cities around the world, expats can expect to pay a premium for properties bang smack in the centre. However, property prices are more affordable in Canberra’s suburbs and outskirts. Expats will need to pay a 4% stamp duty to the government when buying a home.

Public Holidays Canberra

There are 12 national public holidays per year in Canberra:

• New Year’s Day – 1^stJanuary
• Australia Day – 26^thJanuary
• Canberra Day – 2^nd Monday in March
• Good Friday – changes annually (usually March/April)
• Easter Saturday – changes annually (usually March/April)
• Easter Monday – changes annually (usually March/April)
• ANZAC Day – 25^thApril
• Reconciliation Day –
• Queen’s Birthday – 2^nd Monday in June
• Labour Day – 1^st Monday in October
• Christmas Day – 25^thDecember
• Boxing Day – 26^thDecember