New with a few questions!

[The Thomsons]

Hi everyone,
We have completed our application including medicals etc. and have a case officer (we are applying for a 175). I have no idea how long our visa will take now. I am hoping that we will be able to move to Brisbane in September.
Does anyone know how easy it is to open a bank account and get a credit card oin Oz? Is it easy for them to do credit check?
Also if you have full no claims on your UK driving insurance will you be able to benfit from this in Oz?
Lastly, on a 175 what happens if you are granted your visa? Does it just arrive in the post? Sounds a really dumb question but we just don't know!
Thanks

[billy braveheart]

Hi,
we opened westpac accounts from the uk before we left ,then when we arrived we had to go to the branch and validate the accounts,as for credit cards,yes you can get them we had to take proof of earnings to the bank and then we got them through in about 10 days
when u buy a car that has its up to date rego u automatically have 3rd party insurance with it,we also took out fully comp insurance as a security after i saw the way they drive in oz lol,didnt need to show any proof of no claims just told them over the phone
billy

[Johnthepom]

Hi there and welcome to PIO,

I can offer a suggestion for the Banking that may be hepful.

I am with HSBC (through First Direct) here in the UK and if you open an HSBC Premier Account this enables you to have combined accounts in the UK and Australia that can be operated on the Net and Phone etc. for maximum flexibility.

We are due to fly out in the next few weeks and already have an Aus bank account and Switch Cards / Cheque book etc. although they did advise waiting till we were in Aus before applying for the credit card as this can create delays in setting up the Australian accounts.

The only down side is that there are qualifying requirements for a Premier Account which means you either need to have £50,000 in the account to qualify for the account without fees, otherwise there is a monthly charge of £20 (or it may have been £25, I can't remember), but if you have a property to sell, then this may not be an issue.

Even if you paid the fee for a few months to get the accounts set up, it may be worthwhile to give yourself a credit rating and banking facilities from day one. Once you are settled you could change the account back to a standard one and save the fees.

Good luck
John

[calNgary]

Hiya as youve probably guessed from the other replys its easy to open an account on line before you leave.I did mine with ANZ and you can then transfer money in but can only draw out when you have been into a branch here to activate the account.Your credit rating starts at nil.
I too didnt have to proove no claims just told them who my uk insurer was but was never asked for proof,they do give you a discount.
With the visa,when its granted you will either take or post your passports to Australia house in london who stick the golden ticket inside and return it too you ,i think on average its about a week to get them back.
Good luck with everything,have you started to get shippers round for Quotes, ?we used Crown Relocations who were fantastic and although not the cheapest do seem to look after your belongings.
Cal x

[The Thomsons]

Thanks for your replies. I am loving POI (only joined yesterday). I have learned loads already.
KT

[jogrant3232]

to PIO guys