Dexterdog

Hi there - I'm not a mum I'm afraid, but my husband and I have just moved to Burleigh waters from Glasgow and I'm looking for a pal/s to hang out with, even a glass of wine or wee night out??? I know it's hard with wee ones but if anyone is wants to meet for a coffee I'd be happy to meet up. Let me know or can private message? How are you finding Burleigh Waters Heather ? I can't get used to how dark it is at night!!!

Hi there. Can I pick your brains as you describe a similar situation to ours. We moved to Gold Coast a couple of months ago on 457 visa and we took bupa health insurance as needed health insurance as condition of visa, and actually it says on our to maintain health insurance? Anyway, now we are here do we also qualify for Medicare and how do we go about that?? I am need in to make a doctors appointment for some regular (non urgent) medication I got at home and no idea how I do that, whether I pay for an appointment etc. I see lots of health care centres but do you need to join like you would a gp practice at home? Any info specific to Queensland would be great!! Thanks guys.

Anyone recommend where to buy adapters for my uk stuff - have had a look in couple of electrical stores but not seen any?? thanks guys.

Yes we are just selling up. that's good to hear, couldn't face dealing with it!! Thanks for the info much appreciated. annie

Does anyone know the tax situation if you sell your UK house? We will be transefering the funds from sale to our Oz bank account to purchase new house. Do I need to let UK tax office know - the money won't be hanging about in an account for long so not sure what the situation is. Anyone got any advice/experience if this???? trying to get through to tax office is a very long process so if I can avoid it I will! thanks.

Hi. Yes you need to start the process ASAP. My Patterdale flying out on 15th April! He started the process of vaccinations in July. Failed first rabies and that was another month wasted. Petair is who I am using. Been great so far. They provide a time schedule of when everything needs done and will email to your vet. I am on the other hand am a nervous wreck. Dreading taking him to the airport and handing him over. He's an anxious dog and think whole thing going to be v stressful for him.

OH and I need a short term rental for us and 1 small dog. seem to be thin on the ground in Gold Coast. We thought maybe even a holiday let as often they do let pets stay too. Anyone know any good agencies/landlords out there?? Husband is working so will have reference etc. Anything else required thanks guys.

Hey how did you and Dexter get on? I too am shipping an anxious Dexter out in a month!! he's a Patterdale terrier and is terrified when he doesn't know what is happening. He is not good around new people, although I think when I am not there he is actually better. I know he will find the whole experience stressful and I too have been really worried and stressed about it. My husband flew out two weeks ago and I was less stressed about that!! I keep thinking the pet carriers know what they are doing and will be used to scared dogs who might have a nip at them?? I am picturing him going nuts and biting anyone who try's to get near him! Anyway I thin in reality he'll be quite submissive and withdrawn as he will be scared. I wish I could sedate him for the flight but know that's not allowed. Anyway am unsure it'll be worth if when we all get reunited. Let me know how you got on. Xx

Lol thanks Blossom79!

Do you know what the treatment is for old furniture which has had woodworm? Who would do this? Thanks

Hi I have a similar question - I have a large antique indoor church bench I want to take with us. There are signs of woodworm, which I assume are old. Should I get it heat treated or fumigated to prove no woodworm? I'd hate for them to destroy it or for me to not be able to take it!! Remover said rent oil might fumigate but they only do it if there is existing woodworm. Anyone else had antique furniture dealt with?? Any advice? Many thanks. Move in about 6 weeks!!!

hi there. We are going on a different visa - sponsorship, think its a 457? My husband has a job and I am going on his. It actually didn't take long once we got all the right paperwork sent so there was some to and fro'ing . But was only a few weeks once it was all in. We didn't need to do a medical for ours. Is your visa for permanent move? We are sponsored until 2018. If we like it am hoping we can then apply for residency. Where are you guys off to? Good luck with it all! Annie

]What about facebook groups? There are some for the Gold Coast and ive met heaps of people, theres bound to be one for near where you are? Hi Nic 1171 sorry I am v late to this conversation but I noticed you said you were in the gold coast and met lots of folk. I am due to make the big move at end of April, husband went out to start work on Thursday. I am a bit stressed at home - selling house, car etc but cant wait to get out there. Am a bit worried about meeting new friends. I'm 41 and husband and I don't have kids so wont have a ready made access to other adults! What groups are you a member of and did you find it ok meeting new people? Advice on gold coast social stuff. Not adverse to hanging out in a pub or two but looking for other stuff too. Many thanks.

I know how you feel. We are moving to Gold Coast from Glasgow - in fact my husband flys out on Thursday and me and the dog join him in april. It's something we are so excited about but just now the reality is sinking in of not seeing friends, family etc. Am nervous but excited. Hope to get a job, make friends and live the good life in the sun, but know the first year likely to be hard? Good luck everyone and if anyone moving to Gold Coast get in touch! I'm forty two, husband 44 and dog is 10!

Great - thanks for the info. Will get husband to check those out. Just so many small things to sort eh. Can't wait to just get out there & get on with it. At least will be able to keep in touch while he forges ahead with things. Cheers x

Thanks guys. Will just get new sims when get there? Sorry bit of a Luddite when it comes to phones. The sims we have here we pay monthly from our bank account.

Hi looking for advice on using our British mobile phones. Can we take them & use an Aussie SIM card? Also - current iPad, not a contract so can we use it out there & use wi-fi. Thought of buying a laptop to take but wondering if best to wait till in oz? Husband goes out in a few weeks & I'm stuck here till April. Need to be able to keep in touch - texting, Skype etc. advice on any of the above gratefully received!! X

Yeah getting house sold made it feel more real. What's PR. - permanent residence? Think we have to be there a whole before going for that? Another question! How do we get bank accounts etc open when we don't yet have Aussie address? Partner getting a rented place for a month with work when he goes out. Do we need to wait till he's there before opening bank accounts etc? Sorry I know this started as best place to live thread!! Xx

Thanks calNgary. Will keep checking out those areas. So many questions about everything. Can't believe we are finally in last stages of getting to Oz. house sold at this end so just the removal, dog export, car sale, etc etc to get done!! Can I ask- have you bought a house out there? Is it fairly straightforward for expat to do so? We are on 457 visa & husband on 4 year contract. I'll be working also. Cheers x

Yes we noticed that. Can't beat a good pub. Have considered mount tambourine but not sure if it's just too far from the beach? Part of me thinks Moving to oz is all about the beach lifestyle, but looking at properties in the hinterland, it looks pretty nice there too and offers a different lifestyle. Nhs and goes out in about a month and is going to explore both beach and hinterland before I come out in April. I'll check out the areas the other guys suggested too. Thanks x

Hi all - new to pomsinoz and will soon be new to the Gold Coast. Wondering which areas people would recommend to live for forty something couple, no kids, one dog, like to eat out, enjoy a beer or two, access to nice cafés etc. also wondering - beach vs hinterland?? Seems both have their charms and looking for some local recommendations please. Can't wait to get out there - especially as weather in Glasgow is so miserable right now... thanks x

Thanks oz maniac - that's helpful. Partner wasn't looking forward to doing test here in jan then another one in oz! Don't think I could pass another driving test to be honest.

We are moving out to Gold Coast & my boy flying out April. I decided to go with pet air as there's already so much to do organising human export that I opted for as stress free as possible. He's a really nervous dog & I didn't want to risk making mistakes re paperwork etc. my understanding is that doing it yourself not an easy option re dealing with airlines etc. being a vet you are at least ahead of the game re knowing paperwork you require so don't need to pay company to do that part which saves you some money. Make life a but easier at a stressful time & use export co. Any advice re helping nervous dog cope with flight & subsequent quarantine anyone??.

Anyone know if its the same for Queensland? I'll be on husbands temporary visa & he's currently learning to drive before we go out shortly. Can we use uk lisence for the 4 years if the visa?? Thanks.