chris999

I have never been to Australia and I move to Melbourne at the end of the month on a 457 visa. I think its best to get what visa is available to you and get over there if you want to give it a shot, then think about getting residency whilst there if you want to stay or look into extending your visa. There is a few options at 26 years old

Haha I was waiting to get new ones because I thought shipping lithium stuff was a definite NO! But the Snap On ni cad guns are pretty good and have served me well (still do). Thanks for the replies I will get on to the airlines and see what their stance is on the subject, no doubt it will depend on who you get through to and which way the wind is blowing.....

Ok so I'm a technician for BMW and I'm moving to Melbourne this month from the UK. I'm having trouble shipping the batteries for my power tools (Drill, impact guns etc etc), how have other people done this? I'm air freighting my tool box so they cant go with that and I have sent pictures to the shipping company, I'm flying with BA and it looks like you can only take batteries for personal items like phones or lap tops. The batteries are Ni Cad and not lithium, any one have any advice or experience? The biggest one is 18v for dewalt drill...

I also went with Letton Percival due to good reviews on here and I dealt with two members of staff there and they have been very helpful and quick to reply. It was much cheaper than the insurance the removal company provided and wanted me to take out. I cant comment on the claims side as my stuff was only collected a few days ago...

Haha that's where I get mine from, ask if they have any one off`s you can view they are usually in the back.

I have tame ones too!!!! If you have a Castle galleries by you pop in because no doubt some of his work will be on display.

Ok thanks, I am leaning towards the direction it will be ok. Unless some one chimes in who finds it offensive......

Haha well if I have introduced some else to his work some good has come from it. You have to see them in the flesh to really appreciate them fully especially the scenes placed into books.....

That's a valid point, I guess its the same as taking a scar face dvd (scar face dvd possibly worse) and this piece is kind of a pun/light hearted view of the subject.....

Hey guys just filling out my customs form and there is a bit that states about material that might cause offence to an adult or depicts the miss use of drugs.... I collect art and one of the artists I collect I have this piece....... http://www.nicjoly.co.uk/portfolio/recreational-drugs/#prettyPhoto Do you think it would be ok or should I just leave it out to prevent problems?BTW I don't do drugs of any kind I just collect his pieces

My application was submitted on the 6th of June and got acceptance confirmation today 9th of July. Used an agent and going to Victoria (Melbourne)

Thank you, still not really had chance to think about it as I've been in work all day. I was prepared for a 12-14 week wait but obviously that wasn't the case.... Good luck with yours

Hey susanbro, coincidently I actually got my visa granted today I woke up to an email stating I had it which was weird. I'm going to Melbourne if that helps? I largely think it has to do with how complete and thorough the submission is and the demand for that area.....

Mine was sent in on the 6th of June.... Still haven't heard anything

Speak to a visa agent in Australia they will give you an honest opinion on your chances, you may be able to get a reference from your fathers company if you have been working for them recently.

Thanks for this information I will look at this area, the distance to the city i.e. walking distance is definitely what I am looking for. Have you lived in this area?

Thanks very much for this sounds quite similar to my situation, the more information I get the less attractive the centre is and if I was to live just outside then the commute to work would be quicker Before coming on here I had heard good things about St Kilda and South Yarra which are also on the route to work, I just would to prefer to live in the hustle and bustle with everything on your door step. Im not so much into clubs mainly bars, cafes, shows etc etc

Haha different taste is what makes the world go round.... No I really appreciate your comments its good to get every ones take on life and areas. So where would you recommend as a place to live?

Hi Petals thanks for the input, I will look into those areas and see what I think some of those places I have never even heard of so its food for thought. Engaus - I thought the centre of Melbourne although its called the CBD and obviously that means business district it was still full of bars, restaurants, cafes and things like that? Also it seems to be where the most high rise accommodation is..... As far as house sharing goes its not really my cup of tea although I have friends here that do it and they enjoy it. I have always lived alone so its not something I want to consider at the moment till im desperate haha

Hi Engaus thanks for the response. The main reasons for leaning towards the CBD is as im a single 30yo guy coming alone so I assume this is where the hub is. Also I thought it would have the best transport links and then I want to live in a apartment in a high rise building with a good view/balcony. Also I was planning to get the train to work in Brighton and the route stops in various places in the CBD then Richmond, South Yarra, St kilda etc etc so I would prefer to live as close to a station as possible. What are your reasons for not wanting to live in the CBD? I don't think any suburbs match my needs from what ive read. Most rentals ive looked at the lease is for 6 or worst case 12 months so if I did hate it then it wouldn't be the end of the world, but this is the reason I started this thread as for as much information you read you can't beat information from people that have lived or live there so ANY opinions are welcome!!!!

Thanks again guys, ive looked into public transport and I think a dual zone monthly pass was around $160 and I would be hoping the train to work. $400 would actually be the minimum I have per week due to bonuses but I just like to work things out from basic salary. whats a water standing charge? Where is your short term rental situated buzzy-bee?

Thanks for the welcome and reply. So council tax is included in the rent.....That's kind of what I meant by outgoings the things that are mandatory to be paid so you don't have issues while living there. For example if I got there and found out council tax was an extra $100 dollars a week then obviously it wouldn't be feasible. food was kind of a given and I doubt I would be eating out too frequently and I'm not a heavy drinker.... is there anything else im overlooking? What is meant by fares?

Hi guys its my first post here so go easy!! I am on the verge of making a move to Melbourne from the UK and I would like some advice please on living cost/budget........ I wish to live in the CBD as I am 30, a single male and will be living alone. After paying rent on a place I would like to live I will have approximately $400 a week left to spend. Apart from internet/gas/electric/water/mobile phone etc what other outgoings am I missing? Is there a council tax or equivalent? (I wont be having a car) Is living off $400 a week going to be tight? Thanks Chris