KyAngelx

Here is my situation. I am from America.
I went to Australia once already for 6 months, and the father of my child is over there so I decided to go back over there for a year and stay.
I am traveling from North of America, and will be staying in South Australia. My son will be 1 and 1/2 by the time we go, and 2 years old when we return.
My questions are about expenses and tips on how to make it as cheap as possible. I will be staying with him basically rent free, helping with food and such. I have to pay for a visa, my child's passport, plane tickets, and spending money.
What would the best visa choice be? I have been looking into the tourist visa, but is this the one I should go with?
How about tips on plane tickets? What should I expect traveling with a toddler?
I'm just wondering if I should even go for a year or possibly less? What should I expect as far as expenses if I do go for a year?
So many questions!
Please help.

longhorn55

You are NOT a tourist and are not eligible for an ETA as you intend to stay longer than 3 months. If anything, you will likely be seen by the Immigration Officers as an intending immigrant and you could be sent right back to the U.S. on the next plane if you don't get the right visa.

Consult the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection website carefully to see what visa(s) you and your child are eligible for. The father of your child might also want to consult with immigration officials there for guidance.

eliztravels2

As far as airfare is concerned, you might do better with 2 one way tickets. Most airlines allow a child under 2 to travel on the adult's lap for less than half the adult fare. On the way back, however, you child will be 2 so will have to have a a seat of his own which will be almost as much as an adult fare. So if you return before he turns two, you would save quite a bit.

Try out various flights scenarios on matrixitasoftware.com and you'll get an idea of costs. As you are hoping for a lengthy stay some time it the future, however, you may not be able to get a quote for a return flight.

As far as costs go, 'helping out' with groceries and such might be more costly than you think. Food purchased in supermarkets or restaurants as well as manufactured goods are considerably more expensive than in North America. On the plus side, however, taxes are included in the price of most goods, so no add ons at the cash register.

Sounds like you have a lot of homework to do before turning your dream into reality. Good luck!

cathies

You need to have a plan in place so that if you decide you are unhappy after a while, you can go home again. You definitely don't want to be stuck here for a year if the relationship fails.

And yes, groceries, clothes etc are significantly more expensive here than in North America as elizatravels mentioned. We do however, have excellent goodwill shops where you will be able to buy clothing and toys for the baby. I regularly buy books and toys at ours for my grandchildren. They are clean, undamaged and inexpensive.

You will also need to have a plan in place for health care in case you or the baby are ill while you are in Australia. Your babies' father should be able to investigate that for you. I would imagine that you'll need to be able to show immigration that you have enough 'spending money' to last 12 months. If you arrive with a minimal bank balance they may not have much confidence in your ability to be self sufficient. The last thing you need is to be put on the next plane back to the US.

Good luck, I hope it all works out.

Adan_Adan

I am totally agree with you cathies. You are 100% good here that you definitely don't want to be trapped here for a season if the relationship fails.