DhakaBoy

We are moving to Sydney in early September. Given the unattractive exchange rate, I don't feel like converting all our savings to AUD at the moment. Realistically, how much money I should bring for the initial settlement period of 3-6 months when I will be looking for jobs, rental etc? The reason I am asking is once I make the move, I will not have ready access to my savings back home due to fund transfer restrictions in my country. We are a family of 3.

scrubbedexpat055

Depends on your lifestyle, but I would suggest you need cash to cover

6 months rent up front ($16,000 ish)
Rental bond ( $2,500)
Car purchase ($10,000)
Car and contents insurances
Any health care costs / Ambulance cover
Furniture costs (if not shipping your own furniture)
4 weeks fully furnished accomodation cost for when you arrive
1 week hire car
School fees / uniforms etc
Food / phones ........

Rough estmate $ 50,000

Obviously it can be done for less

I guess just consider what you expect to earn, and then factor that you should bring 2/3rds of an annual salary in cash.

I f you get a job straight away then great, but if it takes 5 months, you need to be prepared.

DhakaBoy

Thanks. That seems like a well thought out number. I'll plan accordingly.