Living in Sydney as a UK Expat: My Honest Review (Part 1)

[@chrisbossman1978]

Great review, I lived in Perth and Melbourne and now live in Manchester UK temporarily and I miss the outdoor lifestyle in Oz so much, I cant even remember the last time I had the opportunity to do anything outdoors in the UK

[@hemalmistry]

Thanks 🙂 I lived in Perth for a few months, loved the sunsets there and with Melbourne I love going back for the food. That’s a shame but I guess you’ll be coming back to enjoy it again. Hopefully there’ll be some outdoor activity in Manchester during this summer.

[@Outback_Recluse]

Job well done. I'm an Aussie by birth and I feel this is a candid, honest review delivered with integrity. Many such videos are delivered from a position of falsely justifying a person's decision to leave their motherland. In my experience of something portrayed as being too good to be true it usually is exactly that, too good to be true. The other side of that coin is also true, if someone is constantly negative about a place I'm sceptical of their testimony because I feel there is good and bad in everything. I find your video believable because you present it without bias which is something to be truly appreciative of.

[@hemalmistry]

That’s very kind of you to say, much appreciated 🙂🙏🏽 I couldn’t agree with you more, there’s always going to be different perspectives based on a persons experience. Thanks again for your comment, it means a lot. 🙏🏽

[@daveozip4326]

Pretty spot on - I too am from the UK and migrated here in my mid thirties. I’ve lived in Sydney for 6-years, but for most of my time here I live on the Gold Coast. Three things in your summary resonate with me particularly: 1) it feels like a permanent holiday - that’s the best feeling and I don’t know how else to say it. 2) I miss the TV - I don’t know what it’s like now because I’ve lived here for so long, but it was what made life worth living. 3) Indian food - yep, I’m no expert but the best here are only just okay. Oh, and you mentioned the sense of humour - ‘slap stick’ doesn’t quite do it, but it’s more childish humour here. People here are a little afraid of offending their audience so it feels a bit like the training wheels are still on. Anyway - good stuff, my advice; stop comparing just remember, but start being an Ozzie - you’ve earned it…

[@hemalmistry]

🙂 Yep I’ll have to take in the Aussie lingo and just go all out. Thanks for mentioning what resonated, it’s really interesting for me to know and I’m glad you feel the same way about it all, only sometimes I question myself whether I’m the only one 🙂 I agree with what you said about the sense of humour 🙌🏽 I tend to watch BBC iplayer to get my UK TV fix. 😂 Enjoy the Winter in the Gold Coast, I’m sure it’s pretty nice even during this colder season. Appreciate that you took the time to comment 🙏🏽

[@geckogo7328]

Aussie here, lived 4 years in London and travelled 5 months in India. 1. I totally agree, Indian food here is okay, but rarely great. Indian food in India had 5 levels of complexity, UK sometimes had 3 levels, Australia has level 1 and way too much sugar. I'm in the burbs and occasionally we get new restaurants that start off great, but then change to be like all the other Indian fare, because that's what people expect and restaurants are a business. On the plus side, Australia has better Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese and fresh produce. This used to be more true before all the fruit and veggie barns and butchers started closing. 2. Yes, indoor living is better in the UK. I miss the theatre, museums and art galleries. And PUBS and Clubs, in particular. The theatre: my God, so many plays, so brilliant, and so cheap. When I lived in the UK I missed nature, wilderness, beaches, sun. A notable difference when you're saving money is that the best parts of Australia are free, whereas the best parts of the UK cost. I like your analysis fair, accurate and balanced.

[@hemalmistry]

Couldn’t agree more with everything you mentioned, 🙂 I miss theatres and concerts in the UK too amongst everything else you said. I guess we go in the direction that feels right to us at the time, and move on if need be. I’m glad to know that you’ve experienced all 3 places, it’s really interesting to know other people’s observations including yours. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@geckogo7328]

@hemalmistry Yeah, agree: it's very interesting to get different perspectives from people who've spent time in the same different cultures as yourself, especially with differing cultural biases. I'm Aussie with British parents and just spent several months in India because of my parents. (My parents travelled overland (mostly ofc) from England to Indonesia but spent some significant months in India in the 60s : in jail, under house arrest with a Benghal Prince, and, working with under the Brothers of Calcutta with the lepers of Kalicutt. Hot tea: Mother Teresa was a PR hungry Kardashian, without a sex tape. She only helped anyone - lepers specifically - after they converted to Christianity. The Brothers helped everyone, regardless of religion.). I don't know how you'd rate yourself, but my understanding and attachment to the various cultures is probably #2 Aussie #4 British and #10 India. Before I moved to the UK to live, when I was just an Australian born kid with two mostly UK parents and 4 English grandparents I thought I was half British. After moving to the UK, I realised I was really just an Australian who shared some peculiar habits and flavour preferences: ie. you MUST scald the teapot and dry it thoroughly before 1. Placing the loose leaves and then adding boiling water; 2. Mayonnaise is ick, salad cream is yum; vinegar makes everything taste better, like pickled anything, Branston sauce with cheese, salt + vinegar chips etc. That the British judge people based on their accent first is just like Australia, and better than any alternative.

[@hemalmistry]

You have some fascinating stories to tell of your parents and articulate it very well. Thanks for sharing them. I suppose you’re unique that way with a mix of cultures, which makes for an interesting person and perspective. You’ve got me thinking about myself, which I could talk more about in a future video. 🙂🙏🏽

[@etiennejulius1179]

Re: Indian Food, head to a suburb called Harris Park. I’m sure you will find some Indian treats there. Re: Houses You can find houses within 20 minutes of the cbd, rather than an hour and a half. You just have to be cashed up to afford them. Yes the weather is a big factor. In London, the long periods with grey skies took its toll on my mental wellbeing, when I stayed there. Blue skies, fresh air and lot’s of sun is what makes this place awesome. Take care from Strathfield, Sydney. 🎉🍻🍻

[@hemalmistry]

Ah yes I’ve been Harris Park a couple of times but it’s been a while so I’ll have to make another visit and try out the food again. I know what you mean, lack of sunshine can play a big role on mental wellbeing, I felt it too. I think being around family and friends may help balance things out but once you’re here in Oz, you don’t want to go back. Nice to you know you’re in Strathfield. 🙂

[@andersonomo597]

@@hemalmistry I would LOVE to see your reviews of Indian restaurants at Harris Park - that would be such a fascinating mix of your cultural knowledge plus the differences across the two countries! It's funny the little things you notice in a new country that long time residents take for granted so your fresh eyes would give a valuable perspective. And I'm being selfish! I live quite close to Harris Park and am looking to venture beyond Dosa Hut - great masala dosa there BTW but I'm happy to try new things! Cheers!

[@hemalmistry]

That’s a good idea, I’ll keep it in mind, thanks for suggesting it 🙂 I’ve been to Dosa Hut once before but I wasn’t too keen on it, but I love dosas 😋

[@Dreamer10888]

Seven hills, Quakers hill is amazeballs From Alexandria

[@peterbreis5407]

Homebush is a better option in Sydney. There are so many regional Indian restaurants,. I wanted to try them all and they smelt fantastic.

[@nightberg1971]

Really pleased you still like it here after 10+ years. My late mother would have agreed with so much of what you've covered - being a British lass herself (arrived in Oz in the early 60's, and became a naturalized citizen in the early 80's, a couple of trips 'back home' but still considered Oz as permanent home). The vastness of Australia, the hundreds of beaches, the not-so-glum weather, the melting-pot of different foods, wares, cultures (although I know first-hand there's just as much in the UK), the laid-back lifestyle, is pretty much a magnet for folks to come to OZ - even if it's just for a visit. The only draw-back/s I tend to hear, is the distance/cost to get here (and back). The basic wage-line is higher than most countries - although the cost of living is rather steep. Hope you still intend to stay, but if not, at least you'll have some absolute ripper stories and experiences to share with folks back in the UK. Cheers, from the North Shore area (closer to Hornsby).

[@hemalmistry]

Thanks for sharing that about your late mother 🙏🏽 I agree with everything you mentioned and have felt the same way about the distance but I guess the positives outweigh the downsides. Nice to know you’re near Hornsby. Appreciate the comment, wishing you a nice weekend. 🙂

[@ib8401]

I am an Aussie who lived in the UK for a year. I agree with most of what you have said. Personally, I did not enjoy living in the UK. I prefer the more social and trusting culture here - and the better weather.

[@hemalmistry]

That’s a shame but I totally get it, I prefer it here and found the trusting culture very appealing albeit surprising at first. When you’ve got great weather, it makes such a big difference.

[@rodneycampbell2964]

Great job mate appreciate your honesty, Don’t know how you feel about it, but after 10 years and from what you’re saying, you are a bloody Aussie mate 😂

[@hemalmistry]

😂 Yeah I guess I am, perhaps I need to incorporate some Aussie lingo, thanks mate 🙏🏽

[@rodneycampbell2964]

@@hemalmistry I’m 74 Aussie born, and yeah bloody Oath mate, pick up on the lingo, it’ll serve you well 😀

[@louisaklimentos7583]

I use to get teased by Aussie guys at work but I use to dish it back to them . Lol You can find free standing houses all over Sydney . We do have a lot more appartments now . We have friends who live in Marrickville and they live in a free standing houses . You must be living right in the heart of CBD and appartments are quite expensive . You could live in Rockdale which is a 15 min train ride to the city and live in a free standing house . I hope this is a help . Best of luck !

[@hemalmistry]

Good on you 🙂🙌🏽 I quite like newer houses but I suppose older ones, not too far from the city can be refurbished, which I’ve considered. Some of my friends have moved 1.5hours out. I do like Marrickville though, thanks for your suggestions 🙏🏽

[@JB-zs1oq]

Aussies expect and love to have the teasing dished back. Aussies do that to other Aussies.

[@gilliankirby]

There are loads of houses in Sydney. Most would be a 20-60 minutes drive/train/bus/ferry ride from the city

[@hemalmistry]

I prefer new builds but I agree there’s houses across most of Sydney depending on finances.

[@iamkumar]

Avocado toast with scrambled eggs on top is my fav breakfast. Sydney sounds very similar to US

[@hemalmistry]

I’ve been eating that more since I moved here. I have avocado and eggs every week.

[@chrisj8764]

Good, evenhanded breakdown (though what did Table Mountain from Cape Town do appearing there for a moment!)

[@hemalmistry]

Thanks 🙂 whoops, I didn’t realise that.

[@allanahquinn7277]

My UK friends feel the same- no great Indian 😢. I suppose our Thai etc makes up for it. Agree everytime I’m planning a Europe trip the beaches just aren’t a consideration. The towns around them our lovely but paying to sit on pebbles 🤦🏼‍♀️. The most beautiful beaches I found were in Ireland and Scotland but the water a little cool.

[@hemalmistry]

My UK friends say the same too 🙂 That’s great you’re going to Europe, hope you have fun. I’ll have to check out Ireland and Scotland beaches, I can’t believe I haven’t seen them even though I spent most of my life in the UK, I know what you mean about the pebbles 😂

[@triarb5790]

Hilarious considering typical 'Indian' restaurants in the UK serve food created specifically for the English palate by Bangladeshi immigrants. 😂

[@hemalmistry]

In the more Indian populated UK cities/towns, the Indian food is top-notch.

[@peterbreis5407]

If you want great Indian food and you are in Sydney go to Homebush (particularly) and Harris Park, but there are good options everywhere just not as many as UK because we have lots of other options. For me whilst I enjoy the occassional Indian meal and cook some for myself, it is not my first pick, not even my second or third. Good to hear you feel at home. About the mood of the place, I found the UK a downer for the same reason you find Australia lifts you. The weather is dismal in Britain and you end up cooped up indoors. Now when I go to Europe I avoid Britain.

[@hemalmistry]

Thanks for the suggestions, I’ll have to check out Homebush and will be visiting Harris park again soon. Yeah everyone I know who has been back to the UK, say the same and wouldn’t want to move back for those reasons and more. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. 🙂

[@iamkumar]

Is London weather cloudy and chilly? I love that weather

[@hemalmistry]

Haha yeah it is most of the year, I have a couple of friends who prefer it colder too. 🙂

[@doubledee9675]

Perkhaps it's a reflection of where you're living, but I'd say that majority of people live in houses rather than flats

[@hemalmistry]

I agree, closer to the city has more apartments 🙂👍🏽

[@doubledee9675]

@@hemalmistry And in clusters around many railway stations as well. Not zoning, but rather restrictive covenants prevent their being built in most of our suburb. Despite efforts by developers, the courts have upheld the validity of the covenants.

[@lundi44]

Sick leave is separate from annual leave. In the public sector, you have a bank of sick leave as soon as you start a new job. Annual or recreation leave takes 12 months to accrue the full complement of what you’re entitled to. Sick leave exists because of industrial relations or enterprise agreements between employer and employee. But in the Australian government, it’s not called sick leave - it’s ‘personal’ leave, which includes leave for moving house or going to a funeral. I understand it’s called personal leave so that individual employees’ personal privacy is maintained.

[@hemalmistry]

Thanks, that was very interesting to learn. 🙂🙏🏽 Makes sense to call it personal leave.

[@Smart_Tamaha]

First of all. Are you a UK Expat in Australia or UK immigrant in Australia? You have been living in Australia for over 10 years. So, it is long enough to accept that you are a UK immigrant in Australia. If you were a UK expat, you would have returned to UK long time ago. I am from Sri Lanka and living in Melbourne for 12 years. Can I call myself Sri Lankan expat? I know I am a Sri Lankan immigrant in Australia. Now, Australian's culture especially the suburban culture resembles with South Asian culture and attitude.

[@hemalmistry]

Hi, technically I suppose I am a UK immigrant, thanks for pointing that out 🙂, however due to my personal circumstances, and not feeling like I’m permanently here, I guess I still feel like an Expat. That’s interesting to know about the suburban culture. 👍🏽

[@Smart_Tamaha]

@@hemalmistry While I am sad to hear that you have no plan to live here permanently, I appreciate your explanation. Thanks.

[@gbsailing9436]

Indian food: Come down to Caringbah and seek The Good Time Indian north of the rail station on the same side. Let them know you want it authentic! I'm glad you made "Sydney" Australia your home. Best city, in the best country. Now get a caravan/a tent and get out there and explore the rest of the country...

[@hemalmistry]

I’ve not been to Caringbah so I’ll check it out, thank you. 🙂 You know what, I’d love to get a caravan and go explore, thanks for igniting the idea. 🙏🏽

[@gbsailing9436]

​@@hemalmistry You don't even need a caravan. there are plenty of KZbin channels where people are living out of a van. Give that a go if you don't like camping. I'm not sure how authentic the GTI is but they have been there for over 20 years. They must be doing something right to stay open that long - as you know people love Indian food - I've always found their food to taste fresh and full of flavour. Give it a go.

[@pocoyomc]

Great video and good timing. I'm looking to internally move with work opportunities where i work in London for a software company. its all exciting yet nerve racking at the same time as it'll be the biggest move ever. We defo saw more oriental cuisine and like you say their was more healthier food options when eating out. From your experience, whats the min monthly average income you'd need live well and be able to save 15-20% and do apartment's come furnished?

[@hemalmistry]

Thanks 🙂 You’re going to love it here. People say that a $100k+ salary is considered good here and yes there are some apartments that come furnished, but there are fewer of them, I believe. Good luck with the move, when you do.

[@malcolmmcblain3954]

You didn’t mention the traffic! It’s horrendous

[@hemalmistry]

Haha yes it can be, but it’s a similar case in the UK.

[@akasetkya6253]

For quality food, arts and entertainment Melbourne’s the place.

[@hemalmistry]

Melbourne sure has amazing food 🙌🏽👍🏽

[@marieravening927]

I agree with a lot of what you say, but I'm surprised by your thoughts on Aussie humour. I'm Aussie born of English parents and we have the same feelings as Poms about humour. I'm 84, been here all my life and know that British comedians have it all over American ones. I think most Aussies are the same.

[@hemalmistry]

Oh ok, I guess it’s just been my experience from my time here and I’ve found a lot of my UK friends have felt the same way. But it’s good to be exposed to different types of humour. 🙂👍🏽

[@Wayne-fn1sw]

Most of the whites in Australia are originally from England and Ireland decent ,many settled have adopted Australian way of life as to a British one.

[@pocoyomc]

I would end up working in CBD We ideally want to buy a house close to a beach would be nice with a sea view - what should we expect to pay as a min? Whats a decent property website in AUS/SYD?

[@hemalmistry]

A house with a sea view can be hard to come by but is more possible further away from the city as it’s quite costly otherwise. It’s best to check websites like Realestate.com.au (that’s the main one) there’s also domain.com.au.

[@LB-gr5se]

Is the footage at 9.23 mark a place in the sydney area?

[@hemalmistry]

I’m actually not too sure, I searched for free clips in Australia.

[@LB-gr5se]

@@hemalmistry is there any chance you could put me in touch with where you got it from? I would like to find that beach 🏄🏻‍♂️

[@hemalmistry]

Sure, I found it on pexels.com

[@LB-gr5se]

@@hemalmistry thanks

[@anthonystratton9705]

would you have been accepted in the Menzies era being Indian descent

[@hemalmistry]

I don’t know much about that.

[@andrewprovan2250]

It was the labour party that kept the white australia policy alive

[@ACDZ123]

​@andrewprovan2250 it was abolished in the 1960s..why keep going backwards on your mind...move forward ffs

[@peterbreis5407]

@@andrewprovan2250 They didn't create it, but the Unions were very anti-immigrant. Whitlam ended the White Australia policy in 1973 and established multiculturalism as national policy and we haven't looked back... ...well except for you.

[@bentriefus5961]

I have been here 40 plus years.. and have recently been back in the UK for an extended period. I have had culture shock in the UK - crumbling public infrastructure, poor weather, expensive food and services, the gloomy people, although i have been able to find some who are doing very well thanks. Humour, hmm the uk has lost its joi de vivre.

[@hemalmistry]

That’s really interesting to know. Some of my friends who have been back have said similar, I guess I’ll get to witness it for myself once I go back for a visit. It’s a shame about the humour. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙏🏽

[@joanneburford6364]

Lived in both, currently in Melbourne. Sorry I don't agree with you re the food. London is sadly lacking in decent cafes and restaurants, the coffee is disgusting and what is on offer there, is very hit and miss. Also, Melbourne is known for its live music scene, Sydney isn't. Don't get me wrong, I love the UK but there's no comparison.

[@hemalmistry]

That’s ok 🙂 The coffee in Oz is amazing compared to the UK. I also love the music scene in Melbourne. 👍🏽

[@Wyz369]

🤨Sydney is not an accurate example of Australia

[@hemalmistry]

When you’re not from here, it’s all you can go by.

[@JB-zs1oq]

There is no one accurate example of Australia. Every city, country town, state and territory is a look into the great diversity of Australia.

[@tobyskatefilms7262]

why are you an ex-pat and not an immigrant?

[@hemalmistry]

Yes I’m an immigrant and was an expat

[@colmastro4373]

Ex Brit here also, left Sydney after one year to live in Melbourne, Melbourne is on a whole other level of wonderful compared to Sydney. Also, what do you mean you don't listen to music here? You act asif the only option on Spotify or a radio is Australian folk music or something, stop making up rubbish 😂.

[@hemalmistry]

I quite like Melbourne, I even considered moving there but eventually decided to stay here. I love listening to music, I prefer streaming apps like Spotify or YT music than listening to Aussie radio stations, as I prefer British radio more.

[@HeathWP]

A whole level of awful imo. Massive social issues, unmotivated peoples, a weird chip on the shoulder. Major pass on Melbourne.

[@EA00000]

If you like to have good Indian food go to Harris Park next to Parramatta that is Indian Suburb the best Indian food in Sydney Australia use to be great country ? Now the cost of housing and rent and crisis in housing increase homelessness and huge rising of crime ? The biggest problem of housing is because of immigration ! The rent is just too high for many people ? If the is apartment to rent 50 people come to viewing ! Australia is like leftis commununist country ? It is taboo to talk negativly about Aborigin people or imigrant or muslim immigrans or lgbt ? You going to be automaticly label racist ? Even ia you have diffrent opinion And not offend anyone ! People here if they dont like somthing they dont talk about it ! Australia is the only democratic country were you have to voting if not you Will get fine ! Here you get fine for evrything that haw they control people ! Money talk ! Also Australian welfare is Very minimum You Will live here longer you Will see lots minuses ! But good think is Weather in Sydney is amazing !

[@hemalmistry]

The sunny weather is definitely something I love especially as a Brit. 🙂There’s pros and cons to every country and city but I believe it’s based on personal experience, you can make it a great place to live if the focus on all the good it has to offer, that’s what keeps me in good spirits. Thanks for commenting, I’m open to hearing all perspectives as you’ve raised some interesting points. I’ve been to Harris Park a while back but I think I’ll make another visit soon. 👍🏽

[@EA00000]

@@hemalmistry Try Dosa Hut Indian Restourant in Haris Park ? Was very good last tipe I eat there 😀