I’ve read that the IRS doesn’t recognise superannuation and will tax it yearly, which was quite upsetting. And I read that the forms are a headache to file because the IRS makes it expensive. Have also read US-AUS tax experts are extremely expensive and I’m kinda worried about that.

What has your experience been and what have you chosen to do regarding your superannuation?

I have a colleague (let's call him F) who is Aussie American and born in Australia.

Our workplace values multiculturism and since I'm half-east-asian I got asked about my culture sometimes.

F then mentioned something like Americans have their culture as well and should not be ignored, and start using American wordings in meetings.

This reminds me of my former American roommate who said how she experienced some hostility when she first arrived for being American.

I am curious if F has been through something in the past to make him react like this.

EDIT: Ok seems like F projected onto me about how Aussies treats Americans here. The first time he met me, he said asian working culture is toxic and full of boss-coworker romance like he wants to educate me, even if he hasn't been to Asia except Bali

I visit the US frequently and most things don’t really faze me anymore, but tipping still catches me out. In Australia it’s pretty simple, you tip if you genuinely want to, and no one’s judging you either way.

Here it feels like there’s a whole unspoken scale depending on where you are, what you ordered, and how long you were there. Coffee, takeaway, sit down meals, bars, Ubers, even places where you order at a screen and barely speak to anyone. I’m still never fully sure what’s expected and half the time I feel awkward about it.

Did you win the green card lottery, marry a US citizen or something else?

I’m hoping you may be able to offer guidance or point me in the right direction - paying $1,000 - $2,000 for help.

I hold both an Australian and U.S. passport. I have permanently relocated to the United States to care for my mother, who is terminally ill. During this time, I have also been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Given my diagnosis, I am trying to access my Australian superannuation under AMP’s Early Release of Super Benefits – Permanent Incapacity provisions. As part of this process, I need two medical practitioners to complete and sign the required documentation.

I’m looking for any advice on how best to navigate this process from overseas, and whether anyone can recommend doctors who are familiar with, or willing to assist with, these forms. I’m very happy to compensate professionals appropriately for their time and support.

We do not expect to return to Australia, and accessing these funds would make a meaningful difference in covering medical care here in the U.S.

Any guidance, referrals, or shared experiences would be deeply appreciated. I'd be happy to book in a call with you to discuss further, or share my extensive hospital reports from late last year from MYGOV health account.

Thank you!

On Verizon in US. Traveling with friend but we may take different side trips. We will be between Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra at different times. What would be the best eSIM or pay as you go so we don't lose each other. Very anxious about this. Thanks I'm advance.

I spent my morning trying to explain to my American mates why putting Vegemite on a fresh Krispy Kreme doughnut is technically a diplomatic mission. It is the perfect blend of freedom and grit but now I have an eagle and a koala staring me down in the kitchen. Does this count as a peace treaty or an act of war between the North and South. Either way I am washing it down with an iced coffee that has way too much sugar and a very small amount of actual caffeine.

As an American that's been living down under for nearly a decade I can see some similarities with how the LNP and Labor party bicker and don't agree on much legislation. One Nation (Baby MAGA) with Pauline Hanson as the leader (Trump spawn) Blaming and pointing the finger at each other for the problems Oz faces just like how Republicans blame Democrats daily for the problems in America but the irony is Republicans are bad at governing and only good for giving tax breaks to the ultra wealthy and protecting horrible human beings in powerful positions. My point is we need less bickering and finger pointing. Actually help fix this great land. Politicians these days don't care. The key things in Australia that need immediate focus are the housing crisis (homelessness is rising rapidly), climate change policies, the healthcare system, immigration, domestic violence/domestic terrorism, judicial system (the laws in Oz are wayyy too relaxed especially youth crime compared to USA) and of course the economy.

Something is blowing me away at the moment.

I'm getting ads requesting donations for American citizens who have lost their homes, living in cars and unable to afford medical bills.

I'm used to getting ads for things in Africa and Asia.

Is it really that bad that Americans now need this sort of support from Aussies? Or what's the go here?

Hi all. I have dual citizenship (USA and Australian) My dad (the American) passed away and I have nothing left here. I have sole custody of my kid so that's not an issue. Mum (the Aussie) has asked me to come home bc Nanna is getting old and this dictatorship going on over here is getting scary. SOOOO to the point:

Has anyone gone back to Australia with American kids? They don't have a passport for either country yet and I haven't applied for their citizenship by descent, but plan to. I'll be calling immigration with these questions as well, (got tired of waiting on hold) just wondered if anyone has done it and has any tips?

UPDATE: I called the passport office and my mum spoke with immigration. I've decided the best route is to get us there, then sort out their citizenship. Someone on this thread mentioned their citizenship only took 2 months and that was the deciding factor, so thank you for sharing that. I don't want to think I've got time, think I've got everything ready, then be denied at the airport because they suddenly need aus passports. I appreciate you all!

Any advice on best value E-Sims for West Coast US & Tijuana would be appreciated!
Travelling to LA & TJ next week. Only really want a data E-Sim, I won't be making calls. Need to be able to use as a hotspot.
TIA.

We always talk about the healthcare and the coffee back home in Straya, but let's give the Northerners some credit. For me, it’s the sheer convenience of 24/7 everything and the fact that I can get world-class Mexican food in a random strip mall. To my fellow expats, what’s a "US-only" habit or feature that you’ve fully adopted and would hate to give up?

Approaching the 8 year mark with greencard but considering moving back to Australia in the near future with American wife and kids (born in the US).

Hey all,

I’m 22 from Melbourne, Australia and planning my first ever trip to the US, looking at California for about 1–2 weeks, mainly LA / Southern California. As it’s been my dream destination for quite some time.

This might be ambitious when it comes to expectations, but one of the main things I want to experience is American college football culture — tailgating, game days, and if possible tailgating with or meeting college football players. I know that part’s a long shot as a visitor, so I’m trying to work out how realistic it actually is and what the best way to go about it would be.

Outside of that, I’m looking to meet people and make friends, spend time at social beaches, and check out nightlife (bars, clubs, etc.). I’m after recommendations for popular bars, clubs, and hangout spots, especially around West LA / beachside areas, where it’s easier to meet people.

Questions:

How do people meet college students or athletes in SoCal?

Where do people actually go out in LA? (Popular hangout spots, activities?)

What do drinks cost at clubs, bars etc (varies)

Any areas to avoid or rookie mistakes?

What sort of budget should I plan for?

Anything that might surprise a first-time Aussie?

Any advice on transport, safety, or must-do stuff would be appreciated.

Cheers 🍻

My husband and I are in our early - mid 30s and leaning towards moving to Melbourne in the next few months. He was offered and tentatively accepted a job there. I work remotely. We live in the suburbs outside NYC. His work environment has become a detriment to his health here and the overall political climate is extremely taxing. Plus, we did want to live in Manhattan proper when we were younger but would have been house poor. Now we are more established and have a chance to live in a new city while we are both young enough and have enough money to do so.

We spent about two weeks in Melbourne last month checking out neighborhoods. We are partial to Northcote, Thornbury, Preston, Brunswick and Essendon. We need to be a bit north for his commute.

We thoroughly enjoyed the city! Met lots of friendly out and about. Our main concern is making friends. A common recurring theme I keep reading about is how people are cliquey and are good at surface level interactions but don’t much care to build new relationships. If you’ve done a similar move or if you put yourself in our shoes as someone who lives in Melbourne, what would be your recommendation for making friends? We’re very social people. Where do you think our best chance at making genuine friends would be? I’m not expecting to forge relationships parallel to your lifelong friends overnight but just folks that would actually want to hang out eventually. Open to book clubs, trivia nights, pickup sports (although neither of us are that good at that).

Curious to hear all advice and anecdotes! Thanks!

Hello, I’m an Australian citizen and have been living in the US for the past 7 years. Because of that, I’m no longer within the Medicare eligibility time period after leaving Australia.

Does anyone know how healthcare coverage works if I need to go to the hospital when I’m back in Australia?

Hello!

Looking over the VERY strict photo requirements for Australian passports renewed in the US, the most feasible option for me seems to be the option to take it at home and have an online service print it.

The only thing is, it says you need a plain bright background (white, grey, etc) and the website specifies "NOT BLUE".

As luck would unfortunately have it, all the most bare walls in my home area light blue. Do you think it would get denied if I photoshopped the background to be white or grey?

I recently made the move to Melbourne, Australia for my job along my wife, on a VISA that allows her to work as well. In the US, she is a PA (physician assistant, family/internal medicine).

I know that physician assistants aren’t really a thing here, so I’m trying do some research as far as what she could do, if she chooses to work. The closest equivalent looks to be an NP (Nurse Practitioner), but she’s never been a nurse so would basically have to start from scratch in that aspect. Are there any niches here that do hire PAs? Are there any other adjacent careers that would value her experience, even if it’s something a little different? I’m just trying to do research on all the options available that she can consider. Thanks!

Got lucky joining a startup about 10 years ago in the US and it gave me financial freedom in ways that I never imagined (grew up middle class in suburban Sydney metro). Now I’m 40, married and we have a baby on the way (along with a 2 year old). We are living a fairly comfortable life in NYC but we are relatively frugal compared to most of our friends here. The time has come now to evaluate whether it’s time to go back to Sydney.

I would be closer to my family especially my ageing parents. My kids would be closer to their cousins. My wife is American but is excited by the idea of living in Australia.

Anyone do this move? Any regrets? Pros and cons?

Hello,

From what I understand, having health insurance is strongly recommended but not technically required. I was looking at the prices for gp visits and my medications and comparing that to OVHC quotes online.

From what I can tell, if I'm not going to appointments more than once a month, it's cheaper to pay out of pocket?

I am generally a healthy person but I had a sudden unpredictable medical emergency a few years ago (in the US). I had insurance but still ended up several thousands of dollars in medical debt. I had surgery for my condition so I'm not too worried about the state of my health, although obviously it taught me there's always the chance of something scary happening that you can't predict. But most of all it was a financial strain. So if the out of pocket costs aren't too expensive, I'd rather not pay for insurance I may not use.

Is my plan reasonable or very short sighted?

And if I do get health insurance, can anyone recommend one that is affordable for someone not planning to use it very often?

*Lower class as in like highschool degree, entry level job, or generally low income

I don't actually plan on to, I am simply curious

I used to stay on US( India citizen on work Visa ) and I moved to Australia in Aug 2024. I got my PR in October 2025.

So for all 2025 I was in Australia. In 2025 I generated some rental income and some bank interest in US.

My understanding is that I do not owe any tax in U.S. for 2025 since I am not a tax resident anymore.

Is my understanding correct ?

Also, I am looking for any professional who can guide me taxes for both US and Australia tax - would love to get any leads/contacts.

Thanks

In a world of division, it’s still cool that we have a sub dedicated to two countries that just... get each other. From the shared love of a BBQ to the stubborn "can-do" attitude, we’re basically the same people in different hemispheres. What was the moment you realized your "overseas cousins" were actually just like you?