When you move to a totally new area, let alone a totally new country, there are many things you need to know. What are the local schools like? Should I buy or rent a property – we say always rent first – and what does property cost? What about job opportunities? Where are the local supermarkets and can I buy the same products I get in the UK? What if I am ill – where is the local doctor’s surgery and how do I register? Do I have to pay? The list just goes on and on.

You need advice from someone local – someone ideally living in the area where you intend to settle.

There are some specialist relocation agents, many of whom are expats themselves. They can put you in touch with a network of contacts locally, who can help you answer the above questions and more. Some will even provide a ‘meet and greet’ service at the airport and can assist with finding you short term accommodation. They may also have contacts with local employers too.

And our final tip is to use the internet to help you. For example, if you want to know what the temperature is likely to be in Perth in January, the web will tell you. This can help to take away some nasty and unwelcome surprises when you finally reach your new destination.