Gilllian

So, I thought the theory was that if I got a digital set top box, then my uk tv could work here in Oz ... but it doesn't! The set top box works with my ozzie tv, and I'm familar with set up of it, but can't get a picture on my uk tv. It could be the tv has broken on the way across, but it was very well packed, and would be the only thing broken if that is what happened. I'm wondering if I'm missing an obvious step, or it just won't work. Was thinking of calling a technie out (cheaper than a new tv) but thought worth posting here. The tv is Toshiba 37BV700B The set top box is TEAC HDB850 It's connected via HDMI; and all ariel in and out is def correct and working (tested it all on my ozzie tv) Only thing I can think of is that I may need to change something in the settings? But what? Read the manual, but no clues. I thought the set top box bypassed any UK settings? I found the country code settings and there is an A but not sure if it's Austria for Australia - but changing that doesn't work. Can anyone shed any light? I must have spent 4 hours googling and trying different things out so far! Thank you

Couldn't have put it better. 'Home' is where I am currently living. I used to think it was strange that I felt neither British nor Australian, now I just feel content wherever my feet are

When moved to UK just took a few favourite items of furniture - but too big for english houses; coming back to Oz move was paid for by employer so brought everything - but furniture did not match the Oz style of houses. If we did a move again (which are not going to do!!!) I would sell furniture before coming to Oz as I have found furniture to be quite cheap here in comparison.

We did a holiday let for 4 weeks. We had no rental history from Oz but offered to pay 3 or 6 months in advance 'if we had to'. We ended up being accepted for a rental, and then paid monthly (thank goodness), but one of us already had a job. I too tried to set up a rental from Oz but not easy to do. I think going in and chatting with the real estate agents early on helped us get a rental. We ended up buying a car (as they are cheap). I had emails of all my no-claim bonuses which were accepted after a bit of emailing back and forth. enjoy your move. Agree with Aunt Agatha - if it feels right then it is

thanks for that info, I obviously need to look into it a bit more! This was one of things I haven't got around to investigating thoroughly, there's so much to do to re-establish yourself back in Oz when you've been away! :err:

I don't know anything about visas and requirements, but I think it's only worth taking out private healthcare if: it's a tax advantage to you, if your medical bills are high, and/or if you feel the public medical service does not meet your needs. My partner has private health insurance for tax reasons, I do not. I've never had an issue with Medicare, but then I've been healthy so far.

We did the same, and then came back 18 months later ... but we don't view it as a mistake because we're much more settled in Oz now. In hindsight I wished we had not packed up lock stock and barrel but instead just visited the UK for a couple of years to test the water

Just a thought re temp accommod when you first arrive, often get much better deals/availability out of summer season. During the winter there are often furnished holiday lets at cheaper prices.

It's one of those things that seems complicated until you actually do it!!! With forex, you just set up an account online through their website (UKForex). Then they phone you to confirm your identity. I have found the fees are negotiable - tell them how much in total you will be moving and that you might be doing it in several batches. At the time I checked out both Moneycorp and UKForex, UKForex came in slightly better. It may or may not be that case now. You put in your Aus bank account details online - where you want your UK money transferred to. Then, when you're ready to change some sterling into AUD you just log into your online account, view the exchange rate for the amount you want to buy and do a simple click to make the 'deal'. You then have x number of days to transfer the funds to UKforex (they send you details of several ways of how you get the money to them). If you need more time, just ask them. Then shortly after the funds have cleared, the AUD will land in your Oz bank account. It really is pretty simple!

congrats! Love Brisbane. I'm a seasoned ping-ponger, now in Perth. After the initial relief at being back in Oz, I find I still have moments when I miss where I lived in the UK, and aspects of that life, but overall, prefer Oz. I wasn't prepared for those moments of nostalgia that seem to creep up out of nowhere but now have accepted them - when they arrive I just do a 'reality check' and ask myself overall, where do I prefer, and the answer so far is always Oz. Coming back was easier than first time round, everything is familiar. So good luck with the move. Perhaps expect to always miss a bit of the UK once you have settled.

I agree, having used Ozforex and UKforex, both very easy to use once set up ... I would say set up a UKforex (or similar) account before you leave, have all your log on details handy, then transfer money as you need once you are over here. Additionally, having some cash when you land would be handy, and one less thing to think about when you get here. Good luck with you move.

Just come back to Perth after being away for 7 years and I have noticed a dramatic increase in traffic all over Perth. Locals and friends say the population has swelled with FIFO's. The amount of pristine 4 wheel drives hogging the roads is ridiculous. I take public transport whenever I can as in some cases it's quicker to get to my destination.

Thanks everyone. I'll see how well they unpack when they arrive and take it from there.

When in the UK it was essential to tip removalists but is the same done here in Perth when the removalists arrive with your stuff from UK? Never tipped while moving within Australia which is why I'm not sure what the custom is :biggrin:

.... or any areas nearby? Thank you