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Digital Nomad Guide to Brisbane, Australia | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Streets beach in Southbank Brisbane, Australia

Digital Nomad Life in Brisbane, Australia

By Betsy Burlingame

Summary: Brisbane, Australia is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its vibrant culture, excellent quality of life, and affordable cost of living. The city is known for its sunny climate, friendly locals, and laid-back atmosphere. The best neighborhood to live in Brisbane is the inner-city suburb of New Farm, which is known for its trendy cafes, restaurants, and bars. The approximate population of Brisbane is 2.5 million people. The weather in Brisbane is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from an average low of 59°F (15°C) in the winter to an average high of 82°F (28°C) in the summer. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Brisbane is approximately $1,500 USD, including rent, food, and entertainment. The cost of renting a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Brisbane is around $1,500 USD per month.

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How do I meet people in Brisbane?

When we asked people living in Brisbane about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"If you've got kids, you're automatically going to meet people through childcare services; ditto work. Otherwise, join sports clubs - sport are huge here - and make sure you introduce yourself locally to neighbours. We've found ours very welcoming," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Brisbane.

"Many expats join local clubs, recreational activities, and meetups in Brisbane in order to socialize and meet other people. From live music and theatre to sports clubs, there are a wide variety of clubs and activities that expats can become involved in. Expats can also find various yoga, cooking, and language classes offered throughout the area. Additionally, there are a number of co-working spaces perfect for networking and making connections with other professionals. Expats can also join local expat community groups, such as expat meetup groups and Facebook groups, to socialize and make friends with other people in similar situations. Last but not least, expats can volunteer in their local community to meet people, get involved, and make a meaningful contribution to the area," explained one person living in Brisbane, Australia, Australia.

What is life like in Brisbane?

When we asked people living in Brisbane what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Brisbane is a great destination for expats and digital nomads looking for a vibrant and diverse city to call home. With its subtropical climate, stunning beaches, and laid-back lifestyle, Brisbane offers a great quality of life. The city is well-connected with excellent public transport, making it easy to get around. There is a wide range of accommodation options, from apartments to houses, and plenty of coworking spaces to choose from. The city is also home to a diverse range of cultures, with plenty of international restaurants, cafes, and bars to explore. Expats and digital nomads in Brisbane can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, with plenty of outdoor activities to explore, from hiking and biking to kayaking and surfing," said one expat in Brisbane.

"Brisbane's a pretty laid back, low-stress city. Work doesn't seem to be the number one priority - that's lifestyle and sport, especially sport," remarked one member in Brisbane.

The TEFL Institute of Ireland

The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.

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The TEFL Institute of Ireland

The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.

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Where should I live in Brisbane?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One way to find an appropriate place to live in Brisbane is to search the internet for listings of available properties. You can find a variety of places, such as apartments, houses, and townhouses. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents for help in finding the perfect property for you. To narrow your search, you can look for listings in the areas and neighborhoods that suit your lifestyle and budget. Additionally, using online resources such as rental websites, newspapers, and social media can be a great way to find available places. You can also join local networks and forums where you can learn information that can help you find the right place to call home," said one person in Brisbane, Australia.

What do I need to know before moving to Brisbane?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Brisbane, they said:

"Do your research and be clear on what you're looking for. Brisbane can offer you an easy, laid-back lifestyle, with lots of outdoor living. Blue skies are the norm, winters are warm and dry and the worst humidity and storms of summer only last about 4 months. It's very live-able. People are largely friendly and relaxed, and there's a slow pace. You're further away from the sea - and good beaches - than you may expect, though there's plenty along both coasts to explore. There's some beautiful scenery and nature walks, on numerous day drives. That said, if you're looking for high culture and a sophisticated, cosmopolitan centre, it's probably not for you. Attitudes can be very old school, customer service is a rare thing - the downside of the laid-back vibe - and many people have never travelled outside of their state, let alone Australia. It's a developing city and it hasn't quite caught up to itself yet. Whatever you decide, it's what you make of it - expect culture shock and roll with it," said one expat who made the move to Brisbane.

"Before retiring in Brisbane, expats should make sure they acquire the appropriate visas, in order to legally live there. They should also familiarize themselves with the cost of living in Brisbane, and make sure they have sufficient funds to cover expenses such as accommodation and healthcare. Expats should also research the various suburbs of Brisbane, to ensure they find the most suitable one for their needs. Lastly, expats should prepare for the weather; Brisbane is hot in the summer and mild in the winter months," explained one foreigner living in Brisbane, Australia, Australia.

The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland
Learn More

The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.

The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland

The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Brisbane?

"Not the culture but the country is beautiful and the wild life, birds, plants, trees, flowers are amazing. The fact we are no more than an hour from a beach," said one person in Brisbane.

"The sun, blue skies and the outdoor lifestyle. Having a pool. Growing tropical plants and fruits. Having parrots in neighbouring trees. Living in thongs," said one expat who made the move to Brisbane.

"Expats in Brisbane appreciate the diverse culture and array of activities available in the city. Residents of Brisbane enjoy an array of outdoor activities, including beach activities, bushwalks and cycling. The city has a vibrant cultural and entertainment scene, with festivals celebrating music, food, art, and science. Expats also appreciate the temperate climate, which allows for year-round activities. Furthermore, Brisbane’s friendly and down-to-earth locals make it easy for new arrivals to settle in and call Brisbane home," explained one foreigner living in Brisbane, Australia, Australia.

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The TEFL Institute of Ireland

The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.

Learn More

The TEFL Institute of Ireland

The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Brisbane?

"Expats in Brisbane can find the local culture difficult to adjust to at first, as the laid-back attitude of the locals can take some getting used to. They can also find the slang used in everyday conversation to be a challenging barrier to entry, as well as learning the local time-frame for getting things done, which is often much more laidback and relaxed than in other places. Additionally, dealing with the humid climate and hot temperatures of Brisbane can take some getting used to for those who have come from other countries," said one expat in Brisbane, Australia.

"People's attitudes - very different to what I've been used to, and I still struggle. The majority of people in QLD have never left their state, let alone the country, yet it's regularly and loudly touted as the best country in the world. Immigrants are viewed with suspicion and there's a borderline aggressive nationalism. Image, money and coming first is everything, whatever anyone tells you about Aussie's laidback nature... Yep, I'm definitely still in the rejection of culture stage!," remarked one member in Brisbane.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Brisbane for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Brisbane for a while, you will need to apply for a Temporary Visa. This visa will allow you to remain in Australia for a period of time, depending on your purpose of travel. You may need to provide financial documents and evidence of health cover when applying for a Temporary Visa. Additionally, if you plan to stay in Australia for more than three months, you will likely need to apply for a Resident Return Visa. This allows Australian permanent residents or former permanent residents to return to Australia from overseas after traveling. To apply for a Resident Return Visa, you will need to provide evidence that you previously held Australian permanent residency, as well as your current passport," explained one person living in Brisbane, Australia, Australia.

What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Brisbane?

We asked people in Brisbane if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"No I didn't. I'm not sure that is possible with Australians they are so laid back," said one expat who made the move to Brisbane.

"In Brisbane, it is important to respect cultural values and customs. It is considered impolite in Australia to be late for appointments – so it is important to arrive on time, or preferably early. It is also important to be aware that discussing personal matters or sensitive topics, such as religion and politics, in public is generally not accepted. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the cultural setting before discussing these topics. Similarly, it is important to be mindful of public displays of affection as these may be considered inappropriate. Additionally, it is important to avoid using offensive language, cursing or swearing as this may be perceived as insulting," explained one foreigner living in Brisbane, Australia, Australia.

The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland
Learn More

The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.

The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland

The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
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What are healthcare services like in Brisbane?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Brisbane, they replied:

"Healthcare services in Brisbane, Australia provide a high quality of care. Brisbane has a range of public and private hospitals, as well as specialist medical services and over 24,000 allied health professionals across the region. Brisbane is particularly strong in the fields of cancer services, cardiovascular services, oncology, neurology and paediatric services. Public hospitals are amongst some of the most highly rated in Australia, and all hospitals are supported by the excellent ambulance, pathology and allied health services. The city’s Health Precinct is characterized by world-leading research and healthcare delivery and the latest medical technologies, while the newly-established Children’s Health Queensland offers comprehensive medical care for children from birth to age 16. Brisbane also has a number of specialized clinics and institutes," wrote one digital nomad living in Brisbane, Australia.

The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland
Learn More

The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.

The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland

The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
Learn More

What are the pros and cons of living in Brisbane?

"Expats and digital nomads generally like Brisbane's warm and sunny climate, which allows for an outdoor lifestyle and various recreational activities. They appreciate the city's friendly and laid-back atmosphere, making it easy to socialize and make new friends. The city offers a good balance between urban amenities and natural attractions, with easy access to beaches, national parks, and wildlife reserves. Brisbane has a relatively low cost of living compared to other major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne, making it more affordable for expats and digital nomads. The city also has a well-developed public transportation system, making it easy to get around. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find Brisbane's job market to be less competitive and diverse compared to larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne. The city's nightlife and cultural scene may also be considered less vibrant and diverse compared to other major cities in Australia. Some expats and digital nomads may find the city to be too quiet and lacking in excitement, especially if they are used to living in larger, more cosmopolitan cities. Additionally, the city's public transportation system, while well-developed, may not be as extensive as those in other major cities, which could be a drawback for some," commented a person living in Brisbane, Australia.

The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland
Learn More

The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.

The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland

The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
Learn More

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

The TEFL Institute of Ireland
The TEFL Institute of Ireland

Ranked The No. 1 TEFL Provider in Ireland. The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online.
Learn More

The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland

Ranked The No. 1 TEFL Provider in Ireland. The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online.
Learn More

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Streets beach in Southbank Brisbane, Australia

The TEFL Institute of Ireland
The TEFL Institute of Ireland

Ranked The No. 1 TEFL Provider in Ireland. The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online.
Learn More

The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland

Ranked The No. 1 TEFL Provider in Ireland. The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online.
Learn More

Contribute to Australia Network Contribute
Help others in Australia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Australia.

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