Moving to Melbourne, Australia, is a popular choice and it has twice been voted The World’s Most Livable City. Those who live there know that this is a good description of a town that blends European style with Australian easy-going charm. Expatriates experiencing Melbourne for the first time, however, may initially question just how "livable" it is. Without insider knowledge, it is easy to miss the delights that are available in a city that is characterized by hidden treasures in its lanes and alleyways.

Arriving in a new city is overwhelming. There is conflicting information everywhere and it is often difficult to establish the´real story. ´ How safe is this suburb? Will my child be cared for in this school? How do Melbournians really feel about expats? Will I be able to find a job? What does that Real Estate advertisement really mean? Am I being ripped off because I am new? Who can I trust?

Written by an expatriate for expatriates, all of these answers are provided in the ExpatInfoDesk relocation guide to moving to Melbourne. Full of practical information that goes beyond the ´official version, ´ this easy-to-read power pack of information takes the mystery out of relocating to Melbourne. The ExpatInfoDesk Guide to Melbourne is essential reading for new Melbournians who need Plain English information about housing, schools, hidden pitfalls, cultural differences, social interaction and bureaucracy.

All of the recommendations in the guide are made as the result of first-hand experience. Further resources and contacts are provided in every section and any testing of resources has been done anonymously by the author, to ensure integrity. Covering everything from Visas the ExpatInfo Guide to moving to Melbourne maps the expatriate journey from airport to home, with occasional scenic detours by tram along the Yarra River.

Moving to Melbourne: Guide Contents

The Expat Info Desk guide to moving to Melbourne is aimed at potential and existing expatriates and covers the following topics-

1) Living legally in Melbourne

• Visas, work permits and applications processes required when moving to Melbourne.
• Tax requirements.

2) Setting up home in Melbourne

• Popular residential living areas, nearby amenities and transport links
• Cost of living
• Types of accommodation
• Tips about negotiating with landlords and examples of rental agreements when moving to Melbourne

3) Navigating the infrastructure

• Child care, education and schools including reviews and contact details.
• Methods of traveling around the city, including details of costs, reliability and driving regulations.
• Arranging utility providers, from mobile phones and Internet, through to gas, electricity and cable television. The Expat Info Desk guide to moving to Melbourne contains useful contacts, numbers and service reviews.
• Shopping and banking hours, currency regulations, time-zone and seasonal climate – plus insights into the best food markets, furniture, domestic appliances and clothes stores.
• Fitness & beauty: covering fitness centers and sports clubs, beauty parlors and salons.

4) Having fun in Melbourne

• Thorough guide to nightlife; including bar, restaurant, café and club reviews; everything you need to know to have a little fun when moving overseas.
• Details of expatriate social and networking groups.
• Information on outdoor pursuits, sports and other leisure activities and clubs.

5) Staying safe and healthy in Melbourne

• Full details of healthcare processes and providers including advice on which type of health insurance to acquire when moving to Melbourne.
• Insights into potential unsafe areas and how to protect the well being of yourself, your possessions and your family.

6) Blending in

• Full details of Australian culture, local customs and traditions and how to avoid insulting people.
• Listing of major religious and public holidays.

7) Reality bites

Written by an expatriate, for expatriates, the guide to moving to Melbourne contains real, practical information that is based on real life experiences.

Your only expat guide to moving to Melbourne; Feel at home abroad – Fast!