Top Tips

[famousfive]

What are your best words of wisdom you could pass on to others about to embark on their dream?

CTF has been getting a wee bit of flak lately for various reasons so I thought I would start this thread,for a couple of reasons..........1.To change the subject for a wee bit and 2.To tap into all the wonderful brains who visit this part of the site[if only to show we have some useful insight to give to PIO too].

If you were to pass on one little nugget of info that you learnt along the way,one little gem that was a help to you at the time, what would it be?

-Is there anything about the whole visa process you wish you knew about beforehand?
-Did you pick up any handy tips during the packing and shipping process?
-Any little tricks for the airport and flight?
-If you are a frequent traveller have you sussed out how to decrease feeling jetlag?
-On arriving was there any one thing you really wish you had organised beforehand?


So my fellow CTF readers,what is your top tip?Or maybe even your top 5?

[The Pom Queen]

Great idea for a thread.
1) Bring coat hangers
2) Bring more coat hangers
3) Stay over at the transit hotel if your going via Singapore, you can buy blocks of hours and it's around 45gbp you get a good sleep, shower and use of pool and feel so much more refreshed for the 2nd leg
4) Don't keep your money in the UK waiting for the exchange rate to get better because whilst you do you are loosing out in the high interest accounts Oz has (around 8%) and property prices are rising.
5) Umm did I mention to bring coat hangers

[famousfive]

Great tips there m2m,but I was just wondering,do ya think I should ship out a few extra COAT HANGERS?

[janine the party queen]

Set up skype for all family members.Oh and make sure the olds know how to use it !!!
Make sure you have done your home work then there will be no nasty surprises.
Coat hangers,coat hangers and yes more coat hangers.

[The Pom Queen]

In regards to jetlag a family who I picked up the other day (member on here) tried something to combat jetlag, I can't remember the full details (sorry Mark) but it was something along the lines that you starve yourself for the plane journey and then when you arrive eat your first meal in your new time zone, think that was it, but he seemed great and not jetlagged at all.

[guest37336]

Hi Famous.

Great thread, you can never have enough threads about the migration process.

1. Take US dollars to the stopover, Singapore etc, accepted all over in the shops etc, and far easier to make sense of instead of trying to faff about with local currency, and 'generally' get a better exchange rate on food, coffee etc.

2. Try to get a night flight, e.g., after 8 p.m., try to sleep as soon as possible once first meals have gone and with luck body clock won't be too upset.

3. On arrival DO NOT have a nap, try to stay awake as long as possible and only sleep when it is night time.

4. Smile nicely at the Australian immigration staff, first impressions and all that. That English Marmite and Daily Mail WILL be found if you stick it down your pants.

5. When the 'Drug' dog has a sniff around you in baggage claim make sure that the talcum powder you strategically placed in your hand baggage can be found. Oh how the officers laugh at such jests. NOT. (I know from experience).

There are loads more but they are my tips for a happy arrival.

Cheers Tony

[siamsusie]

What are your best words of wisdom you could pass on to others about to embark on their dream?

CTF has been getting a wee bit of flak lately for various reasons so I thought I would start this thread,for a couple of reasons..........1.To change the subject for a wee bit and 2.To tap into all the wonderful brains who visit this part of the site[if only to show we have some useful insight to give to PIO too].

If you were to pass on one little nugget of info that you learnt along the way,one little gem that was a help to you at the time, what would it be?

-Is there anything about the whole visa process you wish you knew about beforehand?
-Did you pick up any handy tips during the packing and shipping process?
-Any little tricks for the airport and flight?
-If you are a frequent traveller have you sussed out how to decrease feeling jetlag?
-On arriving was there any one thing you really wish you had organised beforehand?


So my fellow CTF readers,what is your top tip?Or maybe even your top 5?

1. Wish I knew about PIO before commencement of my Spouse Visa
2. Wish I knew about about Mara Registered Agents.
3. Wish I knew that i could have bartered with the removals company in the Uk
4. Ensured that the removals (Aus) unpacked the boxes and assembled the furniture
as per my payment to the UK company... get that in writing!
5. Keep all your luggage, passports documentation etc if possible in a locked room
away from the Packers. Check your bags for contraband, scissors, razors,swiss army
knives, etc . Pens for your "arrivals cards (on the plane) so a note of your passport numbers/flight numbers always handy instead of rooting around in your
hand luggage.

6. I realise thats being a new immigrant it is difficult to travel light (carry ons) but
it is very stressful even at stopovers.

Give yourself plenty of travelling time to the airports, sods law there are many
hold ups.

7. On long haul, if possible a 2 day break is more beneficial to me but I realise it can
break up the sector. Singapore/Dubai both have good Transit hotels

8. By myself I adhere to the no alcohol whilst flying rule, but with Mr Siam thats
pretty impossible, and then we party. I use Melatonin to help alleviate
jet lag , it works for me.

9. If you are a frequent flyer, (from Australia) try and collect "departure and arrival
cards and then you can fill them out at your leisure.

10.Try and carry a fold bag up just in case your luggage is overweight and you can off load
into another bag

ll. The greatest purchase for me has been those portable mini scales, so I never get
get a problem at check in with over weight baggage.

12. Buy your duty free in Singapore/Dubai (BKK I find expensive) it is much cheaper
than LHR


Susie

[ErmintrudeMcMoo]

My tip is be kind to yourself, don`t be suprised if it takes a few weeks or months to settle down and don`t make the mistake of thinking all the hard work is done once you have the visa.

[gilliantay]

don`t make the mistake of thinking all the hard work is done once you have the visa.

This is so true.........the hard work starts when you arrive here

Oh, and did someone mention coathangers ! I have lost count of the amount of money I have spent on said articles..................left a BIG box of them behind and was kicking myself.

One for nurses............just be aware that your courses undertaken within the NHS ie Cannulation, Wound Care etc, etc, may not be recognised by your place of work and you will more than likely have to undertake them again to 'Australian standard'.

Gill

[Happy Lass]

What are your best words of wisdom you could pass on to others about to embark on their dream?

Visa: Start by listing what you have, check that against the criteria and if you have any doubts or gaps please get expert help in the form of a Registered Migration Agent or RMA.

Packing and shipping: If you are moving over before you arrange ship your things as I did, do take the time to list everything and work out what it would cost to replace it if it were lost at sea before you go: that insurance form is no fun to fill out as it is let alone from afar! Go through all of your paperwork and make sure you notify everyone you need to including the tax man. Shred and bin what you no longer need or it may all arrive in boxes for you to go through here in your new home.

The flights: Make sure that you drink plenty of water during the flight and avoid alcohol. Use a good moisture mask - or very good moisturiser periodically to ensure that you arrive looking and feeling fresh. Bring two good books for the flight in case of delay. This article contains some nice, simple stretches that will help you to feel better at the airport or on the plane if you are lucky to have room enough to try: http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/231

Jetlag: I suffer but have not tried any remedies. Don't do as I did, do as the lovely SiamSusie advises.

As per packing and shipping plus I wish I had brought more photographs of my family with me.

Enjoy your adventure and do take the time to have a leaving do.