richselina

We are not shipping our high value personal effects when we move so we will be carrying about £20-£30,000 of jewellery and watches with us on our flight to Australia. We've tried to get insurance for this, bit no one seems to want to cover it. Has anyone done the same and managed to get cover? If so, who did you use? Also, will we have any problems when going through customs with this amount of jewellery/watches on us? Will we need to carry any proof of purchases etc as some of them have been gifts and we don't have receipts for all of them? Thanks so much for any help. Rich

Hi, we've done the trip 3 times in the past four years and while we've taken iPads for our 7 year old daughter she's only used them for about 20% of the time as she's been more than happy with the children's inflight entertainment (we always fly Singapore). We've got one of the innotabs and they are not good for movies and have not taken it on holiday with us. If it was me I'd either get a kindle fire hd or an ipad and download some DVDs and some free games apps. Hope this helps.

Hi, - We are both past 40 and are moving next year. Have you considered about still applying for your visa now as you normally have about 4/5 years to take up residency once approved. You do have to do an initial entry in the first twelve months though. - Sorry to hear about your son. I don't know much about Autism, but wish him and your family all the best. - It might be worth checking whether your sons condition might affect your visas as everyone will require medicals. Our daughter was found to have a heart murmur and she had to be referred to a specialist before our visas were granted. I know this isn't a positive comment, but it might be worth checking up on before you get too far down the road. Wish you all the best and I hope that whatever decision you make, it's the right one for all of you. Rich

I'm interested in some hearing some viewpoints on whether the new Peninsular Link will make/improve the commuting time if you like in Mount Martha and commute into the CBD by train from Frankston more bearable. I've always been put off living in Mount Martha due to the long commute, but if this improves it I would be more happy living here than maybe Berwick which is where we've kind of settled on. All comments welcomed.

Hi, We are planning to import our Porsche Boxster when we move next year and can't decide on whether to take it as part of our personal items which means moving from a 20ft container to a 40ft container or having it shipped on a roll on roll off car shipping service. I'm swaying towards shipping it with our own possessions as I know where it is, but this does increase the cost. But on the other side I'm nervous about handing the keys over to a shipping company for a £40,000 car. I would appreciate the views of anyone who has imported a car and what service you chose and how it worked. Thanks so much. Richard

Hi, Just interested in what current residents feel are the pros and cons of living in Berwick versus Narre Warren and vica-versa. We like Berwick a lot, but you seem to get more property for your money in Narre Warren so would appreciate some view points on both. Also, are there any major differences between Narre Warren South, North or East. Thanks so much, Richard

Hi, I'm ex RN and just wondered if you'd looked at the RAN. I know they look at serving personnel to join them, but not sure about new recruits. I know it's not the RN and personally speaking the RN is the best, but it might be an option.

Hi Matthew, I know the services are different now, but having served in the Royal Navy some years ago, in fact I served during the Falklands conflict it was that many years ago, I would always recommend completing your stint in the services before venturing onto something new. That said, you could always consider a transfer to the Royal Australian Air Force and at least then you will be benefitting from progressing with a career in the services and have the benefit of living in Australia. While skills are not transferrable, I was in fact in communications, I still believe that a service background with the structure and discipline it brings still stands out from other CV's. Have fun in the South Atlantic. It's been 30 years since I was there sitting on a ship in San Carlos...

Hi, I'm interested in finding out what opportunities exist for UK Geology Graduates in WA as a friends son has recently graduated and is seeking work overseas in this sector. Thanks so much, Rich

Hello, I've previously been to Melbourne and visited the East side staying in Mount Martha and loved the area, but know that living out that far brings with it a long commute from Frankston, so still nervous about moving all the way to Melbourne and having a commute similar to what I will have in the UK. I've been re-looking at areas closer to the city and am interested in getting some feedback on the Point Cook / Sanctuary Lakes area as my budget won't stretch to some of the closer suburbs into Melbourne on the East side. Having looked at some houses you appear to get more for your money versus say Mornington / Frankston South, but without the long train commute, so I just wonder what the downside is...If there is one. Most important to us when we move will be: Good choice of primary schools, family orientated areas, friendly and quiet suburbs, good commute into CBD, beaches and a choice of houses for our $550K budget. Would welcome the comments from any fellow PIOers who have made the move from the UK to Point Cook about the area in general and also any views on West versus East. Thanks so much

Hi, I thought it would be worthwhile starting a thread so we can capture all those costs we take for granted in the UK, but maybe cheaper or more expensive in Australia. For example, Cost of Prescriptions, Dental, Council / House Rates, school books, education etc. We've probably all looked at rental/house prices/cost of living, but there are things I know that may come and bite us an it would be great to be able to capture these things in one place. I would welcome all comments on the other costs each an everyone of us should be aware of and factor into our planning when moving. Looking forward to starting and receiving some great and valid nformation. Dave

Hi, I think I read somewhere that you can buy asthma inhalers over the counter, but just wanted to confirm this. If you can, would appreciate knowing the cost. Also, is there a limit on medication that can be brought into Australia when moving - I'm thinking inhalers, excema cream, anadin etc. - Thanks so much. Dave.

Hi, would be interested in this as we have all but discounted bringing our car and biting the bullet and buying a replacement when we arrive. We have a 2007 Tiptronic Porsche Bosxter, 15,000 miles, with aircon, value in Uk about £23k and on website you provided link to it shows between $108-139k under the used cars section Would love to see you view. Richard