angelicuprising

Thanks folks. We've got an Oz bank a/c set up from our visit in May. We'd planned to leave the money in the UK I think not least as the exchange rate seems to be climbing of late. We would ideally be looking to bring it over at some point during the next 6 months with a view to buying somewhere as a result. So we could put it in our Oz a/c but we'd have to exchange it into $ at current rates (and I'm sure there's a whole discussion to be had about all of that - we're not really interested in levering out every single cent on the exchange rate but obviously want to try to maximise things) Simply put, I just wondered what others have done in similar positions in terms of sticking their lump sum somewhere until they are ready to buy in Oz. The easiest thing, I guess, is to change to dollars ASAP and put it into our Oz a/c. And that may or may not give us a good exchange and interest but it seems a bit of cavalier to do it without some awareness of what a good rate of interest is or who might be a reccomended bank. As I say, I think we'd probably want to leave it in UK, which seems to pay about 1.5% interest and look to exchange at some point in the near future. If there's a "smarter play" or any tips from anyone who's been through this stage recently, I'm keen to hear them

Hi All We're about to complete on the sale of our house. I just wondered if anyone has recently sold a UK property with a view to buying one in Oz once they've moved and if so, what did you do with the lump sum? I can see that if we split it up and put £15k in an ISA and so much in this savings account which has a £10,000 limit, etc, etc we would get the very best returns but.... we're kinda up to our ears with emigrating! I guess we're looking for the best returns with the minimum of additional hassles. Just wondered if there's a smart, and easy play, that we would be advised to look at? Thanks, as always! Nick

Hi - My husband are I are coming to Sydney in October and just sorting our 457 sponsored visa (my employer is sponsoring me). They have asked me to put private health insurance in place to meet 457 requirements for my visa application. However- we are on a 2 week visit from this Friday and I wondered if I might be able to go and register with Medicare (UK reciprical) on our 2 week trip and then this would cover us for the 457 requirements? It seems that Medicare (UK reciprical) is sufficient for 457 requirements - the problem seems to be that you have to be on the ground in Australia in order to register with Medicare. Just wondering if we can be a bit clever and register with Medicare on the basis of our ETA / eVisitor visas (valid for 1 year but clearly we're only on a 2 week visit). Would they let us register for 1 year (lifetime of ETA visa) or just the 2 weeks we're in Sydney do you know?? Sorry. Really random question. I have tried searching for answers but no success so far. Thank you SO much to any Medicare / Visa experts out there!! Libby