Marisawright

1 hour ago, Bob Jones said:

You can get a new chromecast, download Send To My TV both to your phone and the chromecast from the playstore.  Download iPlayer apk to your phone, send it it to the TV, install it.  Then access iPlayer via the chromecast over something like NordVPN

 

This is my problem.  I've tried several VPNs and they all slow the signal down so much, we can't watch it.  

26 minutes ago, Ken said:

I sometimes wonder if I'm the only one to take a pay cut to move to Australia. But I guess that's City of London salaries for you.

Ausvisitor just said that she could be earning thousands more if she went back to the UK.  

AFAIK, corporate jobs are frequently lower-paid in Oz.

We've been using an old Chromecast on our not-very-smart smart TV and it's time to replace it. I'm looking at an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, and something occurred to me.

I seem to recall that someone (was it you, @Lavers?) brought their Firestick from the UK and just used it on their Aussie TV without changing the region settings, and that meant they were able to continue watching all the British TV channels (which are usually blocked in Oz).  Am I right?  If so, what model was it?

I don't care if it blocks Australian channels as I can always watch the free-to-air channels on the TV channels instead of through the Stick.  Most of the shows I watch on there are British anyway!

Bear in mind that the population of the entire state of WA is only 2.5 million people, most of whom live in Perth.  That's the market you'll be working in. That's why all the big corporates (except the mining companies) have their offices in the Eastern states, where most Australians live.    

Housing is hard to find, however being "far out" probably isn't that big a deal in Perth.  Of course people complain about traffic jams, but with such a low population density compared to British cities, they're probably not anywhere near as bad as you're imagining!

1 hour ago, Home and Happy said:

I am happy for anyone who made it work for them. Once a person knows they want to get back home to the UK, once the seed is already planted, it's just a matter as to when they leave. 

The sad thing is that so many people stay on in Australia for years, focussing on the financial benefits of staying and thinking, "I'll go home when the time is right" or "I'll go home when I retire", only to find they can't afford to make the move in older age -- and then they're trapped in Australia for the rest of their born days. 

For that reason, I encourage anyone who's decided Australia isn't for them, to get on a plane home as soon as they can manage it, even if it does mean losing money. Staying only damages your mental health.   The sooner you get back, the sooner you can start building your life again.

I'm very lucky that I felt at home in Australia from the moment I landed, but then I was never very attached to my home country in the first place.  

15 minutes ago, rammygirl said:

I managed by using an old Uk address. I could then change it. You can try and call them too

I managed by using my old UK address, too.   I just needed my UK passport and the address.  However I just had a peek at the instructions and it looks like you need more proofs of identity now.

4 hours ago, Cheery Thistle said:

I would be wary of taking advice from any website or forum. 

True, but when a professional migration agent posts to confirm the advice, as Paul Hand has on this thread and Westly Russell did on another post recently, I'd be inclined to take it seriously.   Rules change all the time and just because some people managed it in the recent past, doesn't mean it's still possible.

Have you tried logging on to the HMRC website?  You can see a lot for yourself there.

56 minutes ago, Ausvisitor said:

Couldn't agree more, I'd earn about $70k more a year doing this job in the UK but I still earn more than enough so I prefer the lifestyle here (and I can always go back if I want the extra cash)

I used to work in the corporate sector so I've heard about this difference in salaries before, however I didn't realise it was that big!

41 minutes ago, Bob Jones said:

It's difficult if you move with a UK mindset and exchanged money

I think that has a lot to do with it.  When you're living in your home country, you're not (usually) thinking too much about the price of things, you just pay what it costs. Then you move to Australia and you're checking the price of everything you buy, and it always feels like it's more than you expected.

I can't say what the comparison is like now, but when we moved to the UK for a year in 2015, we found our expenses stayed about the same.  There were swings and roundabouts (some things were cheaper and some things more expensive) but it all evened out, approximately.   Housing is the big difference and that varies hugely in both countries, depending which city you're in.

45 minutes ago, Bob Jones said:

... until you're earning an aussie wage but then you're home and dry.  

That is true for a lot of occupations, however it's worth noting that "Australians earn more money" is as much a myth as "Australia is more expensive". It depends what you do for a living.  Medical professions, teachers and tradies are all paid better, for instance.  However we've had members report that corporate jobs (other than IT) are lower paid, at least initially.  So doing your research is critical. 

@ELR, applications from the UK are usually on the faster end of the range.   Not long ago, they were being processed in 3-4 months but it changes all the time, so don't bank on that. 

They are not done in date order.  They don't share exactly how they work, but it appears that if an application is complicated or needs extra examination, it can be put aside while they process the straightforward applications. 

5 minutes ago, Britinozz said:

Very well said , I think waiting until I’m 60 is the way to go 

I would still get busy with making preparations, though, because you don't want to get to 60 and realise you're still unsure.   

I really recommend looking into the NI contributions.  I paid about 9 years' worth of back payments and even though I'm still in Australia, I'm now receiving a British pension. Even at the reduced rate payable in Oz, the extra payments were well worthwhile and I will easily recoup the money I paid in.

2 hours ago, Ken said:

Unfortunately for many people that "something missing" feeling never goes away even when they move to the UK.

It depends what you mean by "something missing".    Sure, there are people who migrate to Australia, then years later find themselves thinking, "Is that all there is?" and looking back at their homeland through rose-coloured glasses.  They probably won't be happy if they move back.

But there are many people, like @Quoll, @bug family, @Nemesis who simply never feel they belong, no matter how good their life in Oz is. I've never felt that feeling, but I can see that it eats away at a person's mental health.  For those people, moving back is the cure, even if they're financiall worse off, or if the UK isn't what they remembered.  They don't care because they're home.

@Britinozz, I think you need to decide which one you are.  Are you just dissatisfied with life, or have you had a hole in your heart most of the time you've lived here?  

If I may make a suggestion:  If I were you, I would stay in Australia until I'd turned 60.  In the meantime, I'd be 'decluttering' my home, paying as much in extra NI contributions as I'm allowed/can afford, and saving up for the big move.  You don't have to make a final decision about whether you'll move, until nearer the time.    Then once you're 60, if you still want to go, you can claim your super, get your UK passport, and off you go.

2 hours ago, jimmyay1 said:

You clearly feel very trapped.  When you feel this way, you blame everything and anything that upsets you. 

I seriously suggest taking action...to start thinking about moving back or take steps to change perspective. 

...I see your posts as a rant to get things off your chest which is totally fine and we can all smile at one or two of the reasons you give and recognise some of them. But when they become dominating, you need to do something about this.  

@hop, I agree 100% with what Jimmy says above. Even if Australia was a paradise, if you feel you don't belong, it will feel like hell.   I don't see Australia like you do, but it would be rude and unfair to criticise you for not liking it.  In your shoes I'd be moving heaven and earth to get home, even if you'll be financially worse off doing so.

https://www.homely.com.au/dunsborough-busselton-south-west-western-australia

32 minutes ago, Amber Snowball said:

I think your Australian pension would trigger NI payments, but it’s really not my area of expertise. just thinking out loud to float some ideas for you.

Surprisingly, there is no social security agreement between Australia and the UK so there's no reciprocal credit.

12 hours ago, Stafford_UK said:

Similar situation here. However, I do have some ties to Australia:

- An Australian Superannuation;

- Sibling in Australia (1 out of 3 of us).

Is there enough grounds for an RRV?

On the face of it, no.  But we've been astonished at some of the applications that have been approved in recent years. No harm in trying. 

2 hours ago, Britinozz said:

 I have had feelings similar to a lot of people that say there’re is something missing or do not feel complete  living in Aus , I feel the same way but not sure on where to start the process of moving back . I have a house worth $600,000 and owe $260,000

van I just sell the house and everything and return back to Uk when I get my passport ?

can I withdraw my Aus super and is there anything else I need to do ?

Good for you.  Feeling the way you do, moving back sounds like the right decision for you.  That "something missing" feeling will never go away, otherwise. 

First things first, renew your British passport.  Legally, you need it to enter the UK to settle (though they will let you in with your Aussie one). Once you're in the UK, you'll find you need it as a form of ID for various things.

Next thing to do is contact HMRC, get a State Pension Forecast, and find out about back-paying NI (National Insurance) contributions for some of the years you've been in Australia.  As long as you worked at least 10 years before you left the UK, you should be able to backpay some of those missing years, and then you'll be able to claim a higher UK pension.  The more you pay in, the more you'll get back as a pension (up to a certain limit).  And that matters, because you won't be able to claim the Australian govt pension, ever, (unless the rules change in the future). 

https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension

You can't withdraw your super until you reach 'preservation age', even if you're leaving Australian permanently.  I think your preservation age will be 60.  So if you absolutely must have the lump sum, you'll have to delay your move until you're 60, AND then make sure you claim the money and get it safely in your bank account before you leave Australia.  

I say that because if you leave Australia now, then claim your lump sum from the UK when you're 60, the British taxman will grab a massive chunk in tax. So remember, if you want a lump sum, you have to take it and put it in the bank before you leave. 

If you really want to leave now, then the answer is to convert your superannuation to a pension ('income stream') when you reach retirement, instead of taking the lump sum.  As you won't have the Aussie state pension, that sounds like the wisest move anyway. You will pay UK tax on your income stream, but as it will be your only income and you'll have a tax-free threshold, it won't be nearly so high.  All you have to do is keep your superannuation company up to date with your address and they'll help you arrange it when the time comes.

1 hour ago, hop said:

Immediately. Australia is soulless and isolated.

Is there no way you could get up and go home?

1 hour ago, jimmyay1 said:

I actually had a relative say this to me in all seriousness. Quite sweet in a way so i had to smile. 

 "what's it like living in Australia, i guess it's like being on holiday all the time?"

I think this perception is more common than you think.  being overseas = sunshine = holiday. 

I had another relative who came and visited and was amazed i put a suit on to go to go out to work in my office every day "oh i didnt think anyone would wear suits in Australia".  

...and this is why so many Brits want to migrate to Australia.  They have an unrealistic view of it.

As Paul said, it's always worth trying to get a RRV first, even if it seems unlikely.  We've been surprised at how many people manage to get one despite not qualifying.  Best to get a MARA registered agent to help you  put a case together.

8 hours ago, Blue Manna said:

When you get free accommodation, car hire and meals provided? I would have thought it was pretty close actually.

I guess if you're offering them all that, you'd have to wonder why they're so reluctant.   

11 hours ago, Adam 005 said:

So we would be renting in Australia. 
Family of four and dog. 
Visa type 190. 
The 35k was for everything from visa to flights move cube and dog import. 
we would be living with family for the first four weeks on arrival. 

I suggest you get a quote for a shared container, to compare it with the cost of the Movecube.     The Movecube used to be a no-brainer because it was cheaper than a shared container, but that's certainly not always the case now.  

If you're not sure what to bring and what to leave behind, try doing a 'pretend shop' at the websites of major Australian stores.  Sites like TheGoodGuys for electrical, HarveyNorman for furniture (or IKEA if you like their stuff, but make sure there's going to be a branch where you are, as they aren't everywhere here).  The thing that stunned me, when I moved countries, was how much it cost to replace pots and pans, crockery, cutlery, towels and linen -- all the small stuff.  We tend to buy those things gradually and don't realise how many you need, and how much they cost, when you have to trek round the shops and buy them all at once.   

The dog is going to be the most expensive cost of the lot!  Doing it yourself won't save much and isn't worth the hassle and potential disasters, look at Pet Air or similar. 

You'll save a ton of money by having family to stay with, so that's great.   

Buying a car is expensive, and Australians don't generally lease their car, because leases here are a dreadful rip-off.  Also don't get sucked into a car loan from a car dealer, because they're a rip off too!  Probably best to compromise on a second-hand car to start with.

14 hours ago, CaseyLawson said:

Are you still here?

It's not unusual for people to post a question here, and never come back.   Sometimes it's because they've got their answer so they go away and take action -- I suspect that sometimes, they post the question, forget where the site was and don't even see the replies.  It would be nice to know!

Did you have a question yourself, @CaseyLawson?

1 hour ago, Monica33 said:

Has anyone had family and friends essentially forget about you after you leave the UK..... I just think it’s maybe a case of out of sight out of mind.

Yes,  I think that's exactly what it is.  After all, we're the ones who chose to go off and leave them behind, so (whether it's conscious or not) they feel it's up to us to do the keeping in touch, not them.  When we left, we left a hole in their lives, but they've filled that hole up long ago -- they've had to.