calNgary

For us the top 4 reasons would be - an opportunity to try living in another country and having a new adventure - Better climate, more consistent sunshine - A more relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle (we enjoy the beach and water sports so not great in Northern UK weather most of the year) - A more sheltered upbringing for our children Thankfully we ticked all the boxes and 13 years on are still enjoying life here Cal x

I dont think you would have much of an issue renting for 12 mths, all migrants arrive with no history so we were all in the same boat,as Ali says the issue would be with the time you were out of the country unless you continued paying rent. When you do look at properties to rent have all your paperwork/ evidence ready to submitt. (passports, driving licence, paid up uk utility bills etc ) Cal x

Seeing as the topic has gone off track somewhat from the OP and there would be a lottttttt of posts to remove ,i am going to close this thread. Cal x

Totally agree, it definitely feels colder over here, thank god its only for a month or two then the temps pick up again. Thankfully after the first few years the colds and snots died off, now (touch wood) i seem to do ok and just have a flu jab every year. My first real winter here i was so sick i couldn't get out of bed and i have never had anything like that before, the DR said it was because the colds etc are all different strains to what i grew up with ... Cal x

Congratulations ! Cal x

I think its very normal to have nerves before the move and reading the forum over the years i am not the only one. I think i spent the last few months prior to flying wondering what the hell we were doing and the first 6 mths after we had arrived wondering what the hell we had done! lol. Thankfully (although hard at times) we settled and over 10 years on we have no regrets. Good luck with everything and keep us updated on your journey Cal x

Ive had to chop some personal posts and replies to them from this thread. Unfortunately if you cannot discuss a topic without discussing members we will close the thread and infract as necessary. Cal x

Just a reminder to discuss the topic and not each other please Cal x

Congratulations on the visa grant... Cal x

Maybe get a list of all potential employers (white pages or google search should help you find haulage companys etc) and stay up late one night and call around to see if any seem interested. If its new to SA make sure you know whats what so you can explain the in's and out's to them if they show interest. Next best is emails direct to company's but its way too easy to ignore an email. Good luck with your search and fingers crossed it doesnt take too long to find a willing employer. Cal x

If you have PR you HAVE to get a QLD licence after a certain period of time. It used to be 12 weeks. If you are on a temp visa it is up to you if you get a QLD licence, you do not HAVE too, but its a great form of ID so IMO worth getting if your here for a while. Cal x

Congratulations !! Cal x

Same here, only ever used the Aussie ones since gaining citizenship and never had an issue , UK ones are now expired and i see no point in renewing them. Cal x

It will depend on the visa you are applying for. From reading posts on this forum some migrants arrive with very little (one family had around 1000gbp) and some have a nice nest egg behind them, the more you can bring the better as less stress whilst you get up and going. Cal x

Just a reminder what the thread is about so we can get back on track. Thanks Cal x