scuffythetugboat

We went back to the UK 2 years ago on a house buying mission. The only institution that was interested was HSBC. The rules have changed a lot since then so it will be more difficult to get a loan. For some that I know, impossible. Our mission failed so we're now saving up to buy with a mortgage bypass.

You cannot compare the two until you experience them for yourself. Add to that the fact that you are going to another country. Be brave and make your own choice.

But he was so right wing if you didn't stand up when he did, you were shot! Boom boom

No one asked me, and come to that, no one has ever asked me about anything so where do they get their facts from?

AQIS are about everything to do with bringing in infectious plants, animals and diseases to Australia. Read the guidelines online and be honest in your declaration and clean everything that needs cleaning and you can't go wrong. Put all your wood items in together for example. A removal company we dealt with asked for a fee up front to cover the cost of cleaning anything we brought over prior to inspection. We said no as we had con formed to the requirements of AQIS and heard no more. Another rip off!

My wife went back to the UK on her Australian passport and had her expired UK one with her. She showed both to Border Control who said she could have entered with her UK one without a problem. I've just sent off my application to renew my UK passport. It runs out in February next year so they will add on the time left on my old one, up to 6 months, so I don't lose any time. My Australian passport runs out at the same time but the new passport will only last for 10 years from the date of issue so I'll apply for a new one when it actually runs out in February.

Here's one scenario. If you were to go to the trouble and expense of shipping your car out, then while it is on it's way, your 457 visa is cancelled. Bit of a pickle I'd think.

I don't know if you can do it, but I do know I wouldn't do it. I'd get PR first, for obvious reasons. I've seen too many 457's come unstuck. I'd walk before running.

I'd see what happens with the Scotland decision first as it would probably indicate which way the English pound will be heading. Apparently a yes vote would see it fall, but who knows. A year is a long time when it comes to currency fluctuations so either way you could do well or end up in a mess, it's your call. Personally if I was not sure about moving I would leave my money in the UK as a pound will still be a pound in a years time.

Try looking on Gumtree for house sharing. It is harder as a couple but not impossible plus there are less questions asked. Basically if you get on with everyone and you pay the rent on time you can stay as long as you like. You won't be tied down with a lease of 6 or 12 months either.

We first came out in 1980 as migrants and we lived in Australia for 15 years. Back then it was at virtually no cost to come out. Back then Australia was a cheap country to live in. No more. We came out here again over 3 years ago for me to work (my wife can't get a job as she's not blonde and under 25) and as soon as we've got enough cash or we've had enough, we're going back to the UK where our son and daughter live. Don't let our experience put you off, these are different times and we're older but I can only say that the draw of family will never change. I've said it before to others that if you have a good life where you are, coming to Australia may not be a good idea.

My wife has an idea. She said why don't we let everyone in and see what happens.

We lived like that for years when the children were younger, both in Sydney and Perth, then we gave up and moved back to the UK. Family draws you back, like a magnet.

Just a thought. When my wife and I first got married we had no desire or intention of being apart for more than was absolutely necessary, no matter what the money or consequences.

8 days on and 6 days off is what most FIFO's dream of. He must be high up in the tree. Flying back to the UK within the 6 days would seriously stress anyone and to do it once would probably prove my point. Come out and be with your partner as soon as you can is my advice. 8 on 2 off would be good in town let lone FIFO.

We actually had no money to our name. We borrowed $1000 from my brother to make it look good. We got by. We're all still alive.

I am from Perth but it appears to me that wherever a large construction job springs up next to a town the cost of everything goes up with it. It always reminds me of the gold rush days in the 1800's.

The Ichthys LNG Project just outside Darwin is kicking off so that will have an effect on housing costs for certain.

That's the spirit!

Someone in HR finding it hard to get a job. It's probably HR that's blocking your path, as they do with everyone.

This may be the lucky country but when it comes to retirement it's sink or swim.

My experience was after the UK retailer helped themselves to a handling fee then the money changer at Heathrow taking their slice of my refund it wasn't worth the effort. My £30 VAT refund was reduced to less than half.

That's a no too.

Hi Dave, It is what it is as they say here so change your money and get on with your life is my advice. When people come out here to live it's very often the first time they experience changing money on an industrial scale as opposed to holiday cash. Waiting for the exchange rate to improve which may not happen and it could get worse from your perspective may cost you more money. 67p for the dollar was a good rate a while ago and 54p is not too bad either at the moment. There's always a possibility that it could fall further if the UK puts up interest rates soon. Best of luck with the move.

Yes they do. I fly on them regularly and they have the same interiors as the Cobham buses.