cathandtone

11 hours ago, AMP said:

I used Smart currency which again gave very good rates, much better than a bank.   They didn't charge a transfer fee but it did go through an intermediate bank somewhere and they did add on a £25 fee, this being a standard fee, regardless of how much was being transferred (so not bad if £100K was transferred but awful for a small sum!).    The exchange rate improves according to the sum of money being transferred, so it's better not to transfer small amounts if you can avoid it.

 

You could also check out Transferwise, that's who my daughter uses for smallish amounts and she rates them very highly.  For larger amounts try OFX.

Just wanted to ask if there were any 'meet ups' coming up that mum & dad might be able to go to once they get here - looking like July/August?

Hi Suzie

Pm me nearer the time and we will gladly arrange a meet for your parents.

Cath

Hello I'm new to the site!

 

 

Hi Suzie

I won't try and pretend it's easy settling here, I'm sure you've had a few hiccups along the way and I don't suppose your parents will be any different. But no regrets overall. We use Ozforex/Ukforex as other people have already mentioned here. We have found them good and very helpful. Our UK bank will only let us transfer £10,000 per day so that can cause a few issues. I wonder whether Dad is already drawing his private pension since you say he is in his late 60s. I'm not sure on the position if he is, it might be a little more tricky. We have no pension pot here, all our money is coming from the UK so we are at the mercy of the exchange rates but we have had few problems getting our pension providers to pay our pensions direct to our Aus bank account.

After a lot of thought we decided to settle in the Perth northern suburbs (Clarkson) and we like it up here, the local shopping centre is excellent and we are close to the beaches and Joondalup. The railway runs from Currambine directly to Perth and we travel for free using our Seniors Card, after 9 and before 3 I think the times are. I never cease to be amazed at how helpful people can be in the shops and our local library in particular. Our medical care has been second to none and most of our GP visits are bulk billed so no direct costs to us. Any referrals we have had have been sorted out really quickly. Prescriptions can be expensive but will get cheaper when we can apply for our Commonwealth Seniors Cards.

The biggest downside has been the fall out from the awful exchange rate, when we began the process it was $2.5 to the £1, heady days! We have just had to get on with it. We've made some lovely friends here and I think that's a very important aspect of the move.

Good luck to your parents.

Cath

Hi Everyone

Just wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of any websites where I could get the cost of the prescription medications. I take a few different types (hoping to come off some before next year) but just looking ahead to how much it could cost. Don't know anything yet about Medicare but as I will be on a 173 to begin with, don't know if I would be entitled to anything.

Cath

Hi Cath

It will come as a bit of a shock to you I expect when you see the cost of prescriptions particularly if, like us, you were entitled to free prescriptions in the UK. The first month we were here I nearly keeled over when we had to pay $170 for our regurlar scripts. So that was the first lesson learnt, not to use the pharmacy right by the doctor's surgery. We now use Chemist Wharehouse which brought the cost right down. www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/aboutus/storelocations.asp

I can't help with what your medicare entitlements are with on a 173 as we are here on the 143. Perhaps Linday can help with this one.

Best wishes

Cath

G'day Linday

 

We're approaching decisions for ourselves on this one. One query: Do they withhold UK tax on your UK pensions? If so, how much?

 

Thanks in anticipation, Mike

I'll answer this one if I may. Your state pension is paid gross regardless of whether you are here or in the UK. Your current tax code will be applied to all other pensions until such time as you apply to have your UK income exempt of tax. We finally received the magic NT code a couple of weeks ago and the refunds are drifting in to our accounts. It took about 5 months from sending off the forms. Most of our pensions are paid direct to our Australian bank account by our pensions providers; this is our only income so sadly we are not in a position to pick and choose when to bring the funds across ourselves. In practice it works for us, we are subject to the vagaries of the exchange rate but it's the price we have to pay.

Best wishes

Cath

Hey guys,

 

I'm about to start the CPV process for my parents. Would you recommend using a migration agent?

 

Cheers

If your parents case is straightforward I would recommend you or they do it yourself. Even if you used a migration agent you would have to gather all the information anyway so cut out the middle man I say and save yourself/them the added cost. It is a question of being very methodical but otherwise straightforward. There are always plenty of people on here to ask if you do become stuck.

Best wishes

Cath

If you are on the 173 and haven't yet applied for the 143 you get an interim blue Medicare card. I asked what the difference was to the green card, but they said you were entitled to exactly the same, it's just limited validity. When we applied for the 143 we were given a green interim card but we were told it was only valid for a year. I think it's so they can keep tabs on you. Thanks for the info regarding the letter for Eligibility for Lifetime Health cover. We were just wondering about this as we are looking at private health insurance at the moment. Not sure how you go about getting quotes as all the websites ask for age and there is no facility for eligibilty for lifetime health cover. I guess you have to ring them direct.

Hi Linda

You can get your Eligibility for Lifetime Health cover by calling in at a Medicare office, this is what we did. As for getting quotes I used a comparison website to find the cheapest cover I could find with a view to upgrading at a later date if necessary. I'm pretty sure that the quotes we had made the assumption that we were entitled to the discount and we subsequently had to send off the letter to our chosen company. The cover we have chosen means that we have quite a 'gap' on things like optical and dental but I feel that at the moment that the cheaper premiums cover this.

Cath

Hi Mike, thanks for your reply. That's so good to know. Just to confirm - there wouldn't be a problem getting a one-way ticket on a visitor visa then? So long as we kept PVC informed of our intentions?

 

Sorry if this is "dumb", but what do you mean by an "official centre" exactly? :confused:

 

Did you do this, inasmuchas you visited Oz during the "waiting period", except you came back to the UK? Now you have your visa, you are going back to Oz in time for Xmas - one way ticket this time?

 

I only think we will do this if we sell the house quite quickly, the furniture will be on its way, not much point in staying here (Plan A - heart rules):biggrin:

 

If there's a delay, then we'll wait until Visa grant/house sold then go as normal (plan B - head rules) :laugh:

 

Val x

I don't think you will be able to ship your furniture until you actually have a visa so it will probably mean putting it all into storage, a small sacrifice compared to the bigger picture! Good luck with the house sale. We were certainly agreeably surprised when ours went under offer 10 days after we listed it last year. There are still buyers around and I hope you will be equally fortunate.

Agree about the camping, we have met some wonderful people on our brief travels and mostly very friendly and helpful. Just as well really as our reversing a van does not improve with practice! It's nice to know that we give so many people a good laugh over their late afternoon drinkies.

G'day!

 

Where is everybody? Does no one have any news or problems to share? Perhaps the economic crisis has knocked everyone unconscious?!

 

We are off to Oz a week today, and will validate our 173s on entry. Forms already filled in to upgrade to 143s – just signatures of sponsor-daughter to be added, and we'll be on the way to spending another $32k. (You have to either laugh or cry, but having got this far…) Now all we need is for George Osborne to freeze pensions next week…

 

We hope everyone has a Happy (hot) Chrissie.

Today is a bit of a special day for us since it is the first anniversary of our arrival in Australia on our 143 visa. So what has this year been like for us? It's fair to say that there have been a few ups and downs but by far more ups I'm pleased to say. I have found it more difficult than Tony, the first few weeks were quite hard for me, I felt so out of my comfort zone. It quickly became clear that we could not possibly buy our own home and the thought of renting for the rest of our days has been hard to come to terms with, particularly as it is so expensive. The cost of living is high but we no longer convert prices to pounds, there is absolutely no point, it's dollars in our bank account after all. It is wonderful to be so close to our children, although having said that, one daughter and her family have relocated to Broome. Nothing daunted, we bought a camper and hit the road north and had 5 weeks away seeing the sights and spending time with our family, doing 6000 kms in the process. What a wonderful way to see Australia. Today we have come back from a trip south to Esperance, Albany and Bridgetown. We have met so many people whilst camping who have spent years on the road that it is very tempting to do the same. Amongst the pluses of being here is the first class medical care we have received, no waiting to see our GP and always the same one, he's a bit keen on blood tests though but that seems to be the same with all GPs here. This compares to our poor daughter we left behind in the UK, she is so poorly yet has barely been able to see the same doctor twice. Each one says something different and she has had to beg to be referred. Guess who her employer is, yep, the good ole NHS.

I have to say a big thank you to the PIPs (Parents in Perth) who have been very supportive. All in all, it's been a big year and a big move but one we don't regret.

Cath & Tony

Hi all, started looking into options for my parents but getting confused with lots of conflicting information.

Would be really grateful if someone could give us the lowdown - here is our situation.

 

Me and my family (hubby and kids) are permanent residents and migrated almost 2 years ago

3 months after I arrived my younger sister came to join me on a working holiday visa - she is currently on her 2nd year which was granted - she has settled with an Australian Citizen boyfriend with whom she has been living with for over a year now and has just given birth to their first and only child. They have just lodged a defacto visa prior to planning their wedding next year.

 

My parents are currently in Australia on a 1 year tourist visa which expires in June 2012 - they have all their grandchildren in Australia now my three and my sisters newborn and dont want to leave obviously.

 

Are we right in thinking they cannot apply for a contributory parent visa as only I am permanent resident at the present time and as we have a brother in the UK they dont meet the balance of family test ? Does it make any difference that my sister has lodged an application and has a newborn ? If they leave the country in June is there much likelihood they could apply straight away for another long stay tourist visa ? They have proof of funds to support themselves and they currently live in a self contained annexe within my sister and her partners own home.

 

Is there any other visa my parents can apply for?

 

Mum is 58 and Dad 60. We have been speaking to a few people who have said that they applied onshore and was allowed a bridging visa until there new application was granted. Then there are others who mention aged parent visa's. My parents current visa says no further stay which I am presuming means the onshore application would not be applicable for them. Arrggh I thought getting our visa was a headache but this is proving more confusing than ever.

 

I have been trying to persuade them to seek advice from an Agent but Dad thinks he can just leave country apply for another long stay visa and come back couple weeks later I am worried it wont be that easy.

 

Any advice most appreciated

one other thing, they are both too young to qualify for the aged parents visa.

Hi there, sorry to say that your parents cannot currently apply for a CPV as until your sister has her de facto status confirmed they do not meet the balance of family test. We had very similar issues ourselves. I can only comment on this part of your question as I'm not that familiar with tourist visas and how your parents wish to use them. On a more upbeat note, one of my daughters was in a similar position and her de facto status was confirmed pretty quickly. They did need to gather a lot of evidence to show that they were in a settled relationship but once they had that it was pretty straightforward.

Cath

Thanks.

 

I have a suspicious mind about the efficiency of Medicare staff, so it might be worth double-checking – a lot of money at stake, potentially (ie, the difference between age-30 premium and age-whatever).

 

Mike

I know there's definately a lot of money at stake but we scraped in by the skin of our teeth and purchased insurance on the last possible date.

Hmmm…

 

Are you sure? I thought it was a year from permanent residence.

 

Mike

As sure as I can be since the letter we received from Medicare to pass on to our chosen insurance company gave the date exactly 1 year from when we registered.

Going to Oz before Christmas even if my house is not sold, but just for a holiday and to validate our Visas, so when there will enrol in Medicare etc

That probably means we do not need travel insurance to cover us when in Oz but just for the journey out.

So you lucky people who are already in Oz, or anyone about to set of, did you take out one way travel insurance and if so can you recommend a company.

David

Just a little word of warning about registering for Medicare when you are validating your visa. Do make sure that you are registering as a tourist and not as a soon to be resident. You have just a year from registering with Medicare as a resident to take out private medical insurance at a discounted rate. We very nearly fell into this trap.

Cath

Best to check with the rules Wendy

http://www.immi.gov.au/migrants/family/balance-family.htm

Note the points about step children etc.

 

Good luck

 

Steve

I seem to recall that Gollywobbler's mum had this same issue with step children but it was resolved in her favour and she is now happily settled here in Perth. I don't know any more of the details than that. Anyone know where Gollywobbler has gone? She would be the most perfect person to answer this query with her expertise.

Cath

Hello, just found you and very grateful for it! Am about to apply for a Contributory parental visa and have found to my horror that I have been diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes. Has anyone any experience please of this in the application process? Is it going to prevent me from being given a visa? I have read the official blurb and it is very 'woolly'. In all other aspects my health is good, but this is a bit of a blow. Many thanks in anticipation!

Hi and welcome. I too have type 2 diabetes and got my visa with no problems whatsoever. I don't see any reason why you shouldn't too. Good luck, Cath.

There are folks on here whos hearts are breaking because they cant afford the second vac payment,there are folks who would travel in the hold to be able to see their relatives,folks who are desperate to sell there houses in a depressed market,to have to buy in a rising one just to get to OZ and you complain about having to wait 15 mins from your flat bed for a drink,ever wondered where the phrase wingeing POM comes from, you will really fit in well in Australia good luck.

Mike.

Oh come on, there's no need for this is there. Of course we are aware as anyone of the difficulties others are having and have enormous sympathy for anyone struggling. Anyone who has or is making this journey has experienced hard times. We made it here only to find that we can't fund buying a house of our own which comes hard at our time of life so it's not all roses. That wasn't what we were talking about, we were discussing the merits of the various airlines flying the UK/Australia route and lets face it, if you have just coughed up several thousand pounds to fly business class you do have the right to expect good service. And no, that is absolutely not being a whinging POM. Please do not let us go down the route of that other forum where straying off the subject is severely punished.

Cath

There's no doubt, Emirates are GREAT and have been for the last 12 years while we have flown with them.

Having said that, I'm not totally convinced about the 380's.

No question, the flat beds are fantastic especially on a long haul flight to Oz via Dubai. However, not too many 380 flights from Brum to Dubai.

Also, I do have one grievance. The 380's have so many business class seats that service leaves a lot to be desired, compared to the smaller planes. Not being served breakfast, lunch, dinner at the same time as each other is really not good enough.

Waiting for a drink for 15 minutes when the flight attendant light is on is also something that can make you MAD!!

John & Eirian :wink:

We had only ever made the trip here with Singapore airlines prior to the one way. We made that with Emirates and were able to come business class (the first and last time I should imagine). We flew from Gatwick and the business class lounge there was amazing. There was an incident at the gate but we were told to relax until the kerfuffle was over and then made our leisurely way the the aircraft. That, unfortunately, was where the feel good feeling largely deserted us. The cabin crew were for the most part fairly surly and though it was worth it for having more space and being able to lay flat, the overall service left a lot to be desired. Methinks that should we go back to the UK again it will be via Singapore airlines and the lovely smiley ladies there.

Cath

Since arriving over here, we have been trying many different types of gravy granules trying to get the same flavour as Bisto. I think that Gravox Supreme Gravy mix....is like the original Bisto powder. We have also used Green's Gravy Granules....that was fine. The one we really don't rate are Massel Gravy Mix or "beef style" stock powder - that are actually suitable for VEGETARIANS!! Yuk.

 

Julie

I'm with you Julie, Gravox Supreme does it for us and I will perhaps whisper this - I prefer it to Bisto. I also rather like the Campbells stock paste.

Cath

G'Day

 

I think the confusion arises because the main "Seniors Cards" are state-based, and the benefits vary (though there are some reciprocal interstate benefits). These are quite different from the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, which gives health discounts; I think there is some delay in CPV holders qualifying for this, but haven't found the details – Can anyone help?

 

Useful links:–

 

http://www.seniors.gov.au/internet/seniors/publishing.nsf/content/national++concession+cards+for+seniors

 

http://www.seniorscard.com.au/

 

Mike

I think you have to be here for 2 years before you can qualify for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and then benefits are means tested. It does give a good discount on prescriptions I'm told but whether we will qualify remains to be seen and on the strength of the dollar too of course. Someone asked how we got the seniors discount on our gas supply. We seem to think we asked about it when we called up to set up our account.

Yes, there does seem to have been a big increase in the fees this time and to upgrade to the 143 you pay the fee that is applicable at the time you apply.

 

Also when you are a pemanent resident you can get the Seniors card which gives lots of discounts off various things, including electric and water I understand.

You're right about the Seniors Card, it's brilliant and we use ours all the time. Sadly, you don't get a discount off electricity though, only gas. A water discount is only available if you own your own home I think.

Hi Guys and gals

Not posted for a long while. We were hoping for a 2nd vac request before end of june so we could pay at the 1.54ish rate. No joy though, only more questions about wifes disabilities and her ability for independant living. Now hoping that they take about 3-6 months to sort it out and hopefully the exchange rate has lifted so our meager funds will meet the cost. ...........

 

Hi Pete & Marg

I know it must seem as if everyone posting here is comfortably off and looking forward to starting a new life in a new home in a new country but that is just not how it is for everyone. I know there are others like us who when we started out on this journey had great plans. We always knew that we didn't have enough to buy a house outright and had enquired about a small short term mortgage to top up our capital. Well that was when we made our plans at 2.2, worst case scenario. What a joke that turned out to be. So now we are here and we are having to rent and no, I don't like it one bit, for all the reasons given before. I gnash my teeth about it frequently as do others around us but we are here and enjoying our new life and being so close to our family. We have found some super new friends through PIPS. Please don't despair, if you are able to get the visa I would go for it. Don't lose sight of the reasons you filled in that form in the first place.

Good luck

Cath

Hi, hard to believe that no one on here has an opinion or any experience of this problem either first hand or anetdotaly,or am just a synic ??.

cheers mike.:err:

Hi Mike & Mavis

Sorry, I meant to have responded before, not that I can of much help, but I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes long before I went for my medical but everything was fine. I wasn't referred, it just went straight through. So, I don't know whether this is relevant to you or not. Just to add to our joy, when we went for our driving licence medicals my husband was found to have sugar in his urine and a blood test showed high levels of glucose. He's now taking Meformin and is well controlled so all is well there. Anyone who is taking medication for hypertension or diabetes is required to have a medical here before a driving licence can be issued. It was quite a detailed medical, similar to our visa medical. We both passed just fine and opted for a 5 year licence. Anyone doing similar here in WA do get your Senior's Card first as it gives a hefty discount off the fee.

Regards

Cath

Hi thanks for this we will try what you did have seen some pretty scary prices on the web for comprhensive insurance for the car, but if we could et some genuineno-claims that would be good,thanks again,

cheers mike.

We also got a no claims discount with no proof requested. As I said before, we used Coles and got a multi-insurance discount since we also used them for household. We also got fuel discount vouchers with our car insurance which was not to be sniffed at. 12c off a litre when used in conjunction with the check-out discount. Every little helps.

Hi Cath

 

Are you able to give us any pointers on private health insurance? You can PM me if you wish.

Hi Linda, how's it going? We used iselect to find our insurer. What I chose is basically hospital cover with a couple of extras such as optical and dental, it also covers ambulance. My thoughts were that we would just go for the cheapest cover for now and see how we get on. Even though we have been here 7 months already I don't feel we know all the financial implications as yet and I'm nervous of over committing ourselves. We used Coles for our car and household insurance. We will be in touch with you soon to see if you would like to join the PIPS for lunch.

Cath