It Costs $200K to Move Back to Australia — Here's What Nobody Tells You | Ep 14

Expat moving back home to Australia costs more than most people plan for. The exit tax alone can be $100-200K depending on your income, RSUs, and tax jurisdiction — and that's before shipping containers, car purchases, school fees, and months without a salary. In this episode, Tim sits down with Tristan Perry — who just completed his own repatriation from Singapore to Melbourne after 10 years — for a live, honest breakdown of what the move actually costs, what he'd do differently, and the financial planning steps every Australian expat needs to take before making the move. ⚠️ Important Disclaimer This episode was recorded prior to the May 2026 Australian Federal Budget. Some information discussed, including family trust structures and related tax strategies, may no longer be current. Please consult a licensed financial adviser or tax professional before making any decisions based on this content. General information only — not personal financial advice. What you'll learn: → Why Tristan estimates $200K as the realistic cost to move back to Australia → The exit tax trap — RSUs, employee share schemes, and Singapore's last bite of the cherry → Why your employer withholds 2-3 months of your pay when you resign in Singapore → The superannuation catch-up strategy that could save high income earners $150K in tax → Why you need a family trust set up before you return (and why you can't do it while overseas) → Land tax dates by state — and why arriving on January 10th costs you a full year → The Medicare application reality — it took Tristan a month and three attempts → EV salary sacrifice and why Tristan bought a diesel Audi anyway → What life actually looks like after 10 years with a helper and no helper in Australia → The one financial document Tristan swears by — the rolling family cash flow If you're an Australian expat thinking about moving back home — this is the episode to listen to before you make any decisions. Disclaimer: This is general information only. Please seek your own professional tax and financial advice. 🎧 Subscribe to the Aussie Expat Podcast for weekly insights on Australian expat tax, property, finance and life overseas. ▶️ Watch on YouTube:    • Australian Budget 2026: The Expat Advantag...   Follow the hosts on LinkedIn: Tim Raes -   / timraes   Jamie Burgmann -   / jamieburgmann   Tristan Perry -   / tristan-perry   ---- Moving back to Australia can cost upwards of $200,000 when you factor in hidden expenses and tax surprises. Here is how to prepare. In this episode, we break down the reality of repatriation with Tristan Perry, who recently returned to Melbourne after 10 years in Singapore. We cover the financial planning steps you need to take well before your plane lands, including the complexities of employee share schemes and why your employer might withhold months of your salary upon resignation. We also examine the exit tax traps that catch many high-income earners off guard, specifically regarding RSUs and unvested shares. From setting up a family trust to navigating Medicare applications and understanding land tax dates, this discussion provides the groundwork for a smoother transition home. If you are an Australian expat planning your move, this is the essential guide to avoiding the common, costly mistakes. Subscribe to the Aussie Expat Podcast for weekly insights on Australian expat tax, property, finance and life overseas. Watch on YouTube:    • Australian Budget 2026: The Expat Advantag...   Follow the hosts on LinkedIn: Tim Raes -   / timraes   Jamie Burgmann -   / jamieburgmann   Tristan Perry -   / tristan-perry   00:00 Trailer 00:47 Meet Tristan — 10 Years in Singapore, Now Back in Melbourne 02:30 Why Tristan Moved Back (Family First) 05:00 The Timeline — How Far in Advance Should You Plan? 08:00 Exit Tax — RSUs, Share Schemes, and Singapore's Final Tax Bill 12:00 Why Your Employer Withholds 2-3 Months of Pay When You Leave 15:00 Setting Up a Family Trust Before You Return 18:00 Superannuation — Dusting Off Your Account and the Catch-Up Strategy 22:00 The $150K Tax Saving for High Income Earners Returning to Australia 25:00 Land Tax Dates — Why Timing Your Arrival Matters More Than You Think 28:00 Medicare — It Took a Month and Three Attempts 31:00 Cars, EVs, and Salary Sacrifice in Australia 34:00 Cost of Living Reality — Groceries, Petrol, and No Helper 38:00 Kids, Schools, and the IB to Australian Curriculum Adjustment 41:00 What Tristan Would Do Differently 44:00 The Rolling Family Cash Flow — The One Document That Keeps You Sane