EXCLUSIVE American woman who moved to Australia shares shocking realities of living Down Under

Daily Mail​

6 hours ago

An American woman who moved to Australia has shared the shocking realities of living Down Under... from massive spiders to bizarre shopping carts.
Lex B, 37, from Houston, Texas, relocated to Brisbane, Australia, with her husband - and their five-year-old son - in August 2024 for his job.
The Texas-native was excited to experience a new country... but she quickly realized that adjusting to life in Australia would be a difficult feat.
She soon discovered that there are a lot of unexpected differences between the two countries, and she broke them down exclusively to the Daily Mail.
First, there were the logistics, like driving on the opposite side of the road and learning slang words.
'We have moved around every two to three years since 2016, so we have experienced starting over a few times now, but this is our first international relocation and therefore the adjustment period was a bit longer and slightly more challenging,' she explained.
'Driving on the left side of the road was the first huge adjustment we faced. We took driving lessons, which definitely helped set us up for success but it took some time for us to get used to driving and the rules of the road.
'Learning the colloquial Australian words and phrases has also been quite interesting.
Lex B, 37, from Houston, Texas, relocated to Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and their five-year-old son in August 2024 for his job
'There were times early on where Aussies would talk to me and they'd say these new words I had never heard before – little things like "arvo" or "dunny," and I'd have to go home and Google what they meant.'
In addition, she said Australian stores open later in the day and close earlier than in the US, and the supermarkets are 'smaller and offer less variety.'
'There were a few times in the beginning where I'd show up to a shop early in the morning or later in the evening only to realize they weren't open,' she confessed.
'I understand why they do this and I think it's great because it allows folks to be with their families more, which is great. But it was an adjustment!'
According to Lex, the shopping carts are 'so challenging to maneuver' in Australia because the back wheels don't lock, making it really easy for her to lose control of the trollies when she tries to make turns.
She also admitted that she misses her friends and family back home, and of course common American food items that aren't available in Aussie like Hidden Valley ranch dressing and the carbonated mineral water Topo Chico.
As for the myth that there are massive spiders everywhere, she confirmed that it's indeed true.
'I have come across many decent size spiders hanging above me on sidewalks and it took me a few tries to feel confident walking underneath their webs,' she revealed.
'However, they are not dangerous and only a handful are harmful to humans in Australia. I think that's where the myth gets it wrong.
'You picture these massive deadly spiders who want to do nothing but attack and harm, when really they're just minding their own business and won't mess with you If you don't mess with them. [And] they serve an important pest control purpose.'
But living in Australia has also come with a slew of benefits - like the stunning scenery and cool wildlife.
'Immediately after stepping off the airplane, I remember we noticed just how beautiful everywhere was – even the landscaping at the airport was stunning,' she gushed.
'Houston has a great downtown skyline and some pretty parts, but not like Brisbane.
'It was obvious to us very quickly how we were now living in an actual paradise with tropical birds flying overhead and new foliage - things like bottle brush trees that we had never even seen before.
'We adore all the stunning beaches which are short driving distance from [where we live in] Brisbane. It's so nice to have such beautiful beaches so close by.'
In addition, the mother-of-one said there's a 'feeling of safety' there that they didn't have in the US.
In the end, she recommended that those thinking of relocating to another country do extensive research before taking the jump
'We don't have to worry about school shootings and the crime rates are significantly lower here compared to the US,' she said.
'That peace of mind is immeasurable – especially for those who have children.'
She said the country is very 'community focused' and that the citizens seem to all 'support one another and come together for their country.'
'It's quite beautiful. That sense of community can be felt on the roads here, too,' she shared.
'Folks let you merge and wave to say thank you. It's those little things that reduce overall stress on day-to-day life and affect your quality of life.'
Lex also praised the 'universal health care system' which 'provides free or subsidized healthcare services to Australians and is funded through taxpayer dollars.'
In addition, she said she has found that people in Australia have better 'work-life balance' and are more 'environmentally focused.'
In the end, she recommended that those thinking of relocating to another country do extensive research before taking the jump.
'If you're feeling a calling to move internationally, listen to that calling and lean in. But make sure to do your research and maybe even arrange a visit to the country before moving,' she recommended.
'It's totally doable and worth it, but it's important to know what it all entails. Our hearts hurt at times thinking about all the fun family events we're missing back home.