ksarah

We used CurrencyFair, they have a flat rate per transaction (AUD $4) but the rate was always better and when you're transferring all of your savings it makes a big difference! I like that I can set up a trade in advance by nominating an exchange rate and then get a notification when it is matched. https://www.currencyfair.com

We are also with TPG. TV here can be a bit dire, so we signed up with presto (online on-demand TV/Movie content) and I love it. But the internet is very flakey (and we're in Ivanhoe which is pretty close to the city). FYI We initially tried to get an unlimited bundle deal with Telstra as they have better mobile coverage in some regional parts of Australia (where my rellies live) but despite my husband having been transferred in a senior management position (and never missing a pay cheque) they wouldn't let us join as we didn't have a credit record. Ironically, it was easier to get a rental and even buy a property than have them sign us up (even though we offered to pay out the contract).

Hey spreadingwings - I am, and always will be, a Sydney girl at heart. We played it safe and took a transfer with my husband's company (but the job was in Melbourne). So my grand return to Oz after 11yrs in London was not what I'd always imagined it to be. Having said that Melbourne has a lot to offer (easier to drive about, cheaper property) and we are enjoying our trips out and about (also slightly grateful that it's cooler down here!). Just looking forward to my daughter starting school so we can start to make some new friends.

Tartan Diver - we're currently renting in Ivanhoe but will be moving up to Greensborough once we get our new purchase renovated. Are you planning to stay down on the peninsula when you settle? Bound4Tassie - the wording on the SP application regarding medicals is rather misleading, isn't it? If your children have Australian citizenship they do not need to have medicals.

Bound4Tassie - I had both my kids obtain citizenship by descent then Aussie passports so that we didn't pay for them to obtain a visa (just my British Husband). Haven't dug out our old application (approved 2014) to give you a section reference, but you include their AUS passport numbers in the spousal visa app. Best of luck for your move to Melbourne, Tartan Diver. Having recently moved from Surrey to Melbourne ourselves, we're discovering that it's a fabulous city to live in.

We bought new when we arrived. Check out these websites to get a rough idea of costs, but remember to ask for their best price when you're in the store and you generally always get a discount. http://www.harveynorman.com.au/ http://www.harveynorman.com.au/cameras-phones-gps/phones-phablets/home-phones/2/1246 https://www.jbhifi.com.au/phones/Home-Phones/ https://www.dicksmith.com.au

Hubby has an iphone 6 - he loves the camera (slow mode is hilarious when filming kids on swings etc) his main bug bears are that: a) he has to stretch to press some buttons and still hold the phone (& he has giant man-hands). b) it's very curved edges make it a slippery little sucker... seriously I'm just waiting for the day it smashes. My main issue is that it's fingerprint access so I can't steal it!

We moved a few months ago and were initially all for Bayside. Check out www.domain.com.au to get a feel for what you can get for your budget. Most properties are sold at auction and you'll see estimated prices on the website - add $200k to these (no, this is not a joke - AMAZED that it's legal to advertise houses for prices well below the reserve the owner will accept). Providing that a house has been sold a few times you can get a reasonable guestimate of what it's likely to go for via www.onthehouse.com.au (but this will not take into account any renos). Also take a look at google maps (street view)- I was a bit shocked that some main roads can be 3/4 lanes (how is that not a highway?) and traffic noise can be an issue even in the surrounding sts. You will also want to consider schools (some are catchment area zoned) and if you're planning to buy, then also look at secondary schools via http://bettereducation.com.au/. Note that the better the school the higher the price tag of houses in that zone (McKinnon is one such catchment area based secondary school that consistently scores very highly). You can see if a house you're interested in is in the right area for any catchment areas based schools (without having to drill down to the catchments on individual school websites) via http://www.street-directory.com.au/vic/melbourne (just type in the address then click on 'amenities nearby' on the pop up window). For public transport times visit: http://ptv.vic.gov.au/ Having been house hunting for since June we personally feel we get a better lifestyle further out. I should confess that having grown up with surf beaches in NSW, most Melbourne beaches (inside the port) are underwhelming - but will be fabulous for your toddlers as it’s like a big flat pond. We wanted our move to Oz to include a big backyard, not constantly hear our neighbours, be part of a smaller community (so we could meet people!) and be close to the train. Of course you can get these things too in Bayside but the land value is higher. Ultimately we've opted for views on a 1/4 acre, 5mins from a train station/massive pool and 10mins from everything you could want shop wise. If you like more of a country feel with lots of gum trees and more hills (much of Bayside near a train line & the best public schools is rather flat) then look around Rosanna, Macleod up to Greensborough. All the best with your move to Melbourne - how exciting!!!

This summation of research (UK + Oz) into high schools is rather interesting: http://theconversation.com/state-school-kids-do-better-at-uni-29155

I've flown with small children on Eithad and Emirates (both great) but after our recent trip from London to Melb with Singapore Airlines they will be our top choice going forward. They have child sized headphones so they can actually use the entertainment system, very friendly staff and nice big planes. They key difference for us was the stop over in Changi, Singapore (4hrs). They have massage chairs (free!!!) next to the kids playground, a fish pond and a butterfly house! With a 2yro you will also appreciate the baby changing facilities, trying to find a baby change in Dubai airport was ridiculous!

We found that this little baby (with the combing method covered in this exchange) does the trick ... http://www.nittygritty.co.uk/products/52/the_nitty_gritty_comb/ Oh and wash ALL of the bedding/towels etc on a hot wash. We also do the vosene shampoo + repellent spray (I'm sure there's an Oz equivalent someone can recommend). Good luck!!

Hey Emma, I'm not sure about all states, but here in Tas (and in Melb) if you meet the eligibility criteria, then you can get the required vaccines for free once you arrive (for us it's for Hep B as the kids had chickenpox a few months before we left). Check out your local council website for more details. We need to get our medicare cards sorted next week then we're off to get our jabs and vaccine certificates completed - I'll let you know how we get on, if you think it would be helpful...

Arrived in Launceston on Sat & I have to admit I underestimated how bloody cold it is. Under-insulated houses are soooo cold, ironically it is warmer outside in the sun. Merino thermals are my new BFF

Hello My hubby has a transfer to the Melb office of his company BUT despite it being 4months since he resigned and they found this role for him he still doesn't have an Australian contract. He's still working on an Asia/Pac project for the next few months but given the local office hasn't sorted out his transfer he's still technically employed by the UK. We arrived on Sat to activate his PR (spousal) visa and he's on holiday this week. Perhaps I'm being overly paranoid, but I would have thought that there would be some downside to working from home for a foreign firm? Can anyone offer any advice? As always, any info would be greatly appreciated!

Spent the day sorting rooms for packing and cleaning/disinfecting a horde of kiddy shoes. Given the amount of things that can kill/maim you in Oz I'm surprised AQIS cares about a spec of dirt from the wilds of Surrey. The best my garden/suburb can throw at us is a stinging nettle....