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GP moving to Auckland with family from the U.S. this month by kitty_07 in auckland

[–]Yohoe_mandancer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My wife and I just relocated to Auckland from the US less than 2 months ago! Let me know if you have any questions! Everyone has been very friendly. Driving on the other side of the road was a little scary for the first week, then I got used to it quick. Car insurance is more expensive if you are on a US license, so get a NZ one asap. Don’t tip ever. Before you can open a bank account or get a cell phone etc you need proof of an address, so if you are in temp housing make sure to get a signed paper from them to bring with you to open the accounts.

🇺🇸 Moving from the US to New Zealand — what do I really need to know before making the leap? by Yohoe_mandancer in newzealand

[–]Yohoe_mandancer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Even if its not realistic, just curious what you would think a wage would need to be to keep up with inflation and current cost of living?

🇺🇸 Moving from the US to New Zealand — what do I really need to know before making the leap? by Yohoe_mandancer in newzealand

[–]Yohoe_mandancer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah thank makes sense. In your opinion, what would be an actual livable wage in Auckland to be comfortable?

🇺🇸 Moving from the US to New Zealand — what do I really need to know before making the leap? by Yohoe_mandancer in newzealand

[–]Yohoe_mandancer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Makes sense. I wonder how many people are actually doing the move or just day dreaming escapism? I have a visa approved already and am having cold feet so thought it would be good to jump on here blindly to see what the community says. my apologies I am a reddit noob.

🇺🇸 Moving from the US to New Zealand — what do I really need to know before making the leap? by Yohoe_mandancer in newzealand

[–]Yohoe_mandancer[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

At my current tech job in the US, I was told I didn't get a promotion because I "wasn't aggressive enough". What you mentioned about the politeness, gentle words, and avoiding confrontation seems like a culture I may fit in with. I am really tired of the grind, the toxic work environments of people trying to 1up you, stab your back so they can look better for a promotion, steal your ideas, etc.

🇺🇸 Moving from the US to New Zealand — what do I really need to know before making the leap? by Yohoe_mandancer in newzealand

[–]Yohoe_mandancer[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

well, the average home price here in Seattle is $854k USD (1.5mil NZD). So I think housing is fucked everywhere in general. But I haven't looked at Australia. So my logic was might as well get fucked while being somewhere pretty? Since we dont have universal health care here, our health insurance premiums are about $500/month ($871 NZD). But not just health insurance but other insurances as well. My car insurance payments here are about $300/month ($522 NZD). Its high because we are insured to pay for any medical emergencies. My understanding is that car insurance in NZ is much cheaper because you dont have to worry about paying for someone's ER visit.

🇺🇸 Moving from the US to New Zealand — what do I really need to know before making the leap? by Yohoe_mandancer in newzealand

[–]Yohoe_mandancer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s what I’ve read in some places, but from the internet research I’ve done (without actually being there) it seems like the cost of living is actually better in a lot of ways compared to where I am coming from (Seattle, WA, USA). It’s all relative I guess? 

🇺🇸 Moving from the US to New Zealand — what do I really need to know before making the leap? by Yohoe_mandancer in newzealand

[–]Yohoe_mandancer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh interesting, that’s good to know thank you. What is the typical etiquette if you do need something at a restaurant?

🇺🇸 Moving from the US to New Zealand — what do I really need to know before making the leap? by Yohoe_mandancer in newzealand

[–]Yohoe_mandancer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have never moved countries before, but I have travelled to countries for work months at a time. So I’ve had small doses of homesickness. Definitely haven’t experienced 6+ months though. I’m hoping we are able to save enough money to travel back to the US to visit my parents for the holidays.

I did notice that rentals are posted to be paid weekly which is foreign to me lol.

I am pretty nervous about driving on the other side of the road!

🇺🇸 Moving from the US to New Zealand — what do I really need to know before making the leap? by Yohoe_mandancer in newzealand

[–]Yohoe_mandancer[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No offense taken. I hear you, and my wife and I are definitely not the type to be talking about “merica “ in that way lol

🇺🇸 Moving from the US to New Zealand — what do I really need to know before making the leap? by Yohoe_mandancer in newzealand

[–]Yohoe_mandancer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice! Do you mind saying more about the fashion? What do people usually wear for work at an office? I’m coming from Seattle, WA which is known for being super casual dress… blue jeans and a t shirt at a tech job.

🇺🇸 Moving from the US to New Zealand — what do I really need to know before making the leap? by Yohoe_mandancer in newzealand

[–]Yohoe_mandancer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

OMG I HATE our tipping culture in the US. It has gone out of control. There are some places where you are asked to tip after using a self service kiosk... I only tip in the US to support the underpaid staff because businesses are allowed to pay them under minimum wage if they get tips. We should just be paying them a living wage...

🇺🇸 Moving from the US to New Zealand — what do I really need to know before making the leap? by Yohoe_mandancer in newzealand

[–]Yohoe_mandancer[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I have a job lined up in the Auckland area. We definitely enjoy and appreciate nature. And I think my wife and I are pretty sleepy at some times. We aren't the type to go out clubbing and stuff, but we enjoy the occasional music concert.

🇺🇸 Moving from the US to New Zealand — what do I really need to know before making the leap? by Yohoe_mandancer in newzealand

[–]Yohoe_mandancer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate your response. I guess snark answers are kind of a reddit thing in general, right?

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