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

Currencies Direct were recommended by removals company in UK. They seem to have the best rates, reviews seem good, but am a bit cautious as have not used before. Historically have used Forex with good rates and no prob's. (Not sure if this post will be published as site promotes MoneyCorp.)

I keep changing my mind about flogging cheap and taking with me interstate, so final post at reduced prices! In fact, make me an offer, but you must be able to pick these up this weekend. 7kg front load Euromaid washing machine WM7 purchased 29/1/13 for $498; Used about once/week max; under warranty 115L Lemair Bar Fridge RQ115M Purchased 29/1/13 for $206; Hamilton is in Brisbane

Hi Nigel I did put these in gumtree but received such ridiculous offers, and spam etc. etc. (eg requests for me to deposit money in their account so that they could pay me!!!!!) that I ended up deleting the ads and decided I would pay to move them instead. But if someone offers me close to what I'm asking will gladly sell! 7kg front load Euromaid washing machine WM7 purchased 29/1/13 for $498; selling for $430 Used about once/week max; under warranty 115L Lemair Bar Fridge RQ115M Purchased 29/1/13 for $206; selling for $140 ONO; under warranty Ikea Square Table 75cm x 75 cm, white, $30, as new http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/S09868237/ 2 white plastic chairs $5 each 2 Ikea brown square coffee tables, $6 each http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/20193658/ Samsung UA40EH5006 series 5 40 inch 102cm Full HD LED LCD TV Purchased 27/2/13 $579.00; selling for $550.00 ONO Have original packing box; under warranty Poang chair x 2 (black/brown frame) Purchased from Ikea 2/13 for $189 each; selling for $170 each, as new VIEW HERE http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/S89901737/#/S89901742

Thanks expatmummy - that is very useful info.

Wow that's a lot of replies to my original post! :jiggy:Lots of food for thought. I think I'll just stick to the basics - rent, then look around, research, research, research. This is a home to live in for a long time (hopefully) so not looking for a quick turn around. At the moment though, it is all looking very expensive. Having just been in the UK where I personally experienced the house prices crashes I'm more wary than I have been in the past about the timing of buying. Previously I just thought it would all pan out in the longer term. This time I need to buy smart. Thanks everyone for your posts. Interesting reading!

I'm moving in a few weeks, have various stuff for sale, not sure if you are still looking - TV, 2 Ikea Poang chairs, table and chairs, washing machine and bar fridge. let me know if you are interested or I can PM you.

The feeling of the humidity seems to vary a lot between suburbs and around Qld ... I'm by the bay in Brisbane and I've never had the aircon on - just open the windows and switch on fans. When it rains, it's biblical, and you need air-con on in yr car to stop it all steaming up! The big storms are very entertaining though!

I have just done what you are wanting to do - I set up base in Brisbane for a year; I worked out it was better to buy basic goods than buy or rent them, or get a furnished apartment, given that I didn't know where I would be at the end of the year. I rented an unfurnished small apartment. got a blow up bed, and various bits and pieces. I ended up buying a washing machine and bar fridge - regret buying the washing machine in retrospect. Lots of bargains on gumtree. You might also want to consider pet sitting - a friend of mine does this full-time and is rarely without anywhere to live. Bear in mind that leases are generally 6 months. But these were the cheapest renting options I found.

Smart move! I wish I'd thought of that before I made the move. Life is short it's not worth living with regrets I reckon, better to give things a go. Best of luck with everything :biggrin:

I went back to the UK after 30 years in Oz and realised it was just not for me. I came back to Oz and was instantly happy. I lost a lot of money going and coming back but personally I feel happiness is more important than money. From what you've written it sounds like you know you will be happier in the UK. Also, you could just go for a couple of years and try it out? Not sure how disruptive that would be for your children though. Hope this helps.