M1sery

On 27/01/2017 at 3:29 AM, HelloFrenchie said:

Our visa got approved yesterday - next step... we need to organise the actual move!

 

Which shipping company would you recommend? We are not shipping any vehicle (4 bicycles though, I KNOW) and a very limited amount of furniture. So mainly books, records, house decorations we really care about (framed prints, vases etc).

 

I got quotes from 1st Move and Anglo Pacific last year and they came to the same amount.

 

I also read about Pickfords (terrible trust pilot rating though) and Seven Seas, with the Move Cube being an option (esp if they offer a packing option?!).

 

What would you recommend?

 

We'd like to avoid the obvious issues so extra costs in addition to the initial quote, damages, issues at the border... Timings are less of an issue.

 

I am also getting a quote from Letton Percival in case and looking at using an excess baggage company for items we'd want to take with us straight away.

 

Thanks a lot in advance!

OSS seems a good one. If you go on product review Australia they are all reviews from people from the uk as well as inside Australia, I use this website a lot 

Hope this helps

On 24/02/2017 at 0:05 AM, Quokka2005 said:

Looking at booking my holiday this year but haven't a clue where to go. I'm thinking more of a bucket list type holiday rather than Spain. I really like wildlife so I've been looking at Canada (BC) for ages because I could see bears and maybe whale watching. But I'm not sure how good it would be without a car, I know Vancouver is fine without one but not sure about outside there. That was my problem in Australia a lot of the time. Anyone got any ideas? It has to be between June and August unless I don't get into college this year. If I forget the wildlife side of the holiday then my other option was maybe do a interrail Europe trip

Africa the amazing wildlife ?

On 25/01/2017 at 8:51 PM, Barry1986 said:

Hay, my wife and I plan on making the move to Adelaide in August and really don't know if taking the cats is a good idea. Firstly would they get along with the wildlife? So is it best to be cruel to be kind and leave them here with what they know? Also the cost of anyone has any idea please let me know. I would hate to leave members of your pride behind but need to know they would be ok out there.

Depending where you there are local bylaws to have to adhere too.

In Victoria they are VERY strict regarding animals especially cats.

They don't like cats outside ( as they interfere with wildlife) and they are not allowed to leave your property at anytime.

Some states have a curfew for cats also 

But I wouldn't be without mine. 

On 14/12/2016 at 7:08 PM, BritChickx said:

I posted this under health because it's mental health. Just curious as to what people's experiences are - bad ones I assume. Apologies in advance if this upsets or offends anyone, I've never seen a thread like this on PIO before so I realise It's a delicate subject. It's estimated 1 percent of the population have some kind ASPD

I agree with everyone steer clear.

On 04/02/2017 at 6:44 AM, Alycat said:

Hi all

 

I'm trying to figure out if I should buy glasses/contact lens in the U.K. Or Australia. Anyone have any opinions?

Should I wait till I get to Oz if it's cheaper?

Depends on what you are after they do offers at Specsavers was there this a.m they do glasses from as little as $39 then 2 for $199 or 2 for $249 but bifocals are expensive.

The one I use are very accommodating both prescriptions are meant to be the same but they allowed me one pair long and one pair short sight ?

On 19/11/2016 at 11:43 PM, dancing1112 said:

Hi everyone.

We have been informed that due to a road traffic accident 2 years ago my husband needs to have a back decompression operation to relieve a trapped nerve. It isn't decided if my husband is going to go ahead with it. But if he does we are looking at 3 months recovery period. We have looked up health issues that could fail and we r concerned that we shouldn't apply until after his operation. But as the visa application is going to be about a year anyway, we are wondering if we should not wait and proceed as his operation would be December 2016 if my husband does go ahead with it. The application costs are not cheap. And so my question is to anyone who would be able to help advise or have been in a similar position could give some feedback or advice on their experience.

Since the accident my husband has been working with no problems just a big sore. And working 6 and 7 days a week. So working is no issue. We are led to believe he would be fully functional 3 months after the operation. He is a wall and floor tiler. Can anyone help advise us so we can make the decision when to start the application process with a migration agent. Many thanks from cold wet windy Wales UK. Longing to be in Oz.

When I had my medical it was a chest X-ray then touch your toes (hubby couldn't) ? But then you have to lie on a bed and they rotate your legs and so fourth. (This was 10yrs ago)

I personally would wait just incase.

I feel his pain I was diagnosed with Lumbar Spine stenosis a few yrs back after damaging a couple disks.

All the best you you both 

On 12/02/2017 at 8:23 AM, Fleetwood Rik and Nik said:

I'm not sure if this is in the right place but can anyone shed any light on the health care system in australia, Ive been told my my agent that becuase im british i will qualify for the Aussie version of the NHS but what does this cover

 

Any input welcome

 

Rik

Where I live there are few medical centres that bulk bill anymore. 

The current Dr I go to not in there long you pay $80 then insert your card back in for a $30 rebate from Medicare 

On 02/01/2017 at 11:22 PM, jennlx said:

Hi all. Just a quick question around school holidays. Currently, we put the kids into a holiday club at a local primary school at the very affordable cost of £65 for both kids for all day care. Does something similar happen in Australia (Melbourne, to get into specifics). Do you find you have the kids in care for more days, as holidays are less? What do you do over the summer? I can never understand how everything seemingly shuts down (or so I'm told) for the whole month- does everyone use all their holiday allowance in January?

 

I am going from having 30 days holidays (I 'buy' holiday every year currently) to 20 so quite a difference for us...

 

Thanks in advance!

I am not sure it's less as in the uk it's a weeks holiday where in Australia it's 2wks so they don't break up as much 

On 03/01/2017 at 8:13 AM, Bound4Tassie said:

Is childcare rebate for anyone with children or just based on eg low income families? Or age of children?

The Childcare centre has to be accredited for you to get a rebate

On 10/02/2017 at 2:34 PM, ScottishMatilda said:

Is anyone in the position to give some information with regard to school fees?

 

My understanding was that there are good state schools (non-fee paying) and private (fee-paying) schools and that you can make a choice as to where your children go on that basis. I may be totally wrong and would love to hear some comprehensive info about this as we will have three children to put through school should we be granted our skilled visa.

 

Thanks

Also where I live we have schools that are half and half yup they are kinda like a cheaper private school as they get government funding.

My son schooling was cheaper in Sydney than it was in Victoria.  He went public but the last couple years are very expensive compared the the UK

On 09/04/2017 at 9:57 AM, Rumblyvike said:

Ah, okay. So not the $18,000 a year I saw on one website then? Because for two kids, that's just not going to be affordable! Does anyone know roughly how much termly fees are for a full time course? (Ballpark figure)

What are the other costs like? Is accommodation expensive, or do kids live with their parents? 

Thanks 

It depends where you are moving too Regards accommodation 

On 19/04/2017 at 9:38 PM, sazhar said:

Hi,

Planning my move to Aus (Sydney) in Aug/Sep 17 from Dubai on PR visa. My kids - elder one in G-8 and another in G-6. In Dubai, academic yr. ends in June. Need a bit of advice.

Some question on top of my mind:

1. Shall I wait and admit them in next grade (academic yr 18-19 staring Jan18)  or join them in same grades as soon as we arrive (repeating grades they r done with already).

2. Do they need to take any admission test if joining catchment area public schools. Are there any specific requirements to join G-9, G-7 levels.

3. I heard about Selective Schools available for special talented kids. Is it an assessment that schools do to determine if they qualify or a qualifying exam my kids need to take to join these schools.

Appreciate your time answering them for me.

Cheers!!

Azhar

My son was in High School when we left the uk and were worried about him going to High School not knowing anyone so he repeated 6mths as they enter school in Uk younger he was actually the same age as everyone else and when he went on to High School he had friends. 

But I guess it also depends on your children 

On 21/04/2017 at 5:19 AM, SimonandSian said:

Hi all, 

 

We are lucky enough to have our 189 VISA granted and are planning on moving over to Perth December/January in time for the new school year to begin in February.

 

I was just wondering if anyone had any advice or experience trying to get a school place sorted for a little one before moving to the other side of the world!? 

 

We are fairly certain on the area we want to settle as it is close to family and friends, but that still depends on available rentals etc. I am presuming we have to try to get something sorted before the schools break up in December but am really unsure how to go about this and would love some advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation. 

 

Many thanks  

Also if the school isn't to its full capacity and you are not so close to the school but it's your preference they will take your child. 

We did the same when our son went to High School, there were two schools closer but we were able to enroll him in our preferred school. 

On 07/01/2017 at 2:51 AM, MichaelDS said:

Hi, moving to Sydney in April.

 

Looking on most rental sites its unclear whether properties are furnished or unfurnished. Is it more common than not for rental properties to be furnished?

 

 

Thanks

Michael.

Depends where you are planning to move to. I live on the Mornington Peninsula and it's a holiday place for many Australians so here there are a few furnished places but they are normally only 6mths rental as it brings in an income over the winter for the owner of the property and I imagine a lot of 'holiday' destinations are the same 

On 30/01/2017 at 6:20 AM, Beaty said:

 

Not a daft question at all.

 

I believe that the bond is paid and between 2-4 weeks rent, both 'up front'.

 

B

Most agents will ask for 6wks bond (they seem to where I live) then you pay your months rent upfront.

On 19/02/2017 at 9:06 PM, Debstu said:

My partner had just been offered a job in Mornington VIC and we will be looking at renting around the

Bonbeach area as its midway between my son in Mordialloc and Mornington and needs to be walking distance to the Frankston line for me as only looking at one car. I keep hearing that we may have a problem renting with our two indoor cats. Does anyone know wether this is something to worry about. They are completely housetrained and leaving them behind is not an option.

We will be arriving around June /July time and can pay 6 months rent in advance. Any one else found this to be a problem?

I live on the Mornington Peninsula and have 3 indoor cats and never had a problem.

i am sure if you offer that much rent upfront it won't be a problem I never have but if it helps. 

But make sure you take pictures before you move in (during inspection upon approval that is) I always do just to be safe, also make sure your animals are registered with the council also as it's a must. If you ever have more than x2 dogs and x2 cats you need a special license and that's a right pain just a heads up btw.