Niti

Same we are really worried ours will get cancelled but fingers crossed it won't. We are flying with qatar as we had a credit note with them. Only 2 weeks left now! Getting very nervous as it's daunting on me that there is no going back lol.

Hi Marmite, That's amazing! We are literally counting down the days. I couldn't get travel insurance either so I am going to have to leave it. I just sent my TOR ref to sevenseas today - It took 3 business days for our TOR reference number to come through - it would have been earlier, but they wanted a utility bill for our current address in Australia. Who are you flying with? Niti

Thanks Ali I totally agree with you..I love Australia and it is has given me some of my best years. It was exactly what I needed when I arrived single with my backpack. Now I am married and wishing to start a family of my own, it is time to be back with my family in the UK and make more memories

Thanks for clarifying Marisa. I will call them nearer the time and see what they can do. They do seem like a great super fund - I highly recommend them. In regards to a AU Bank account without fees - do you have any you recommend? I am with CBA and have a savings with ING.

Yeah I am definitely going to take both :)

Thanks for your advice Susan. I will do the transfers in installments.

Hi everyone, I am in the process of moving back to the UK and have a large sum of money I wish to take back with me. I have used transfer wise previously but for smaller amounts. Has anyone used TW for large sums of money.. or have any advice what is the best and safest way to do this (not banks) Also, would it be best to do in chunks or all in one go? Thanks

Thank you Tulip - I am so pleased to hear I don't have to wait for 3 months. I am going to look into the areas you mentioned - just hope it will be within our budget

Insurance has been cancelled

Hi Amber, Thanks so much for your advice and making me feel like it is not all bad of a decision heading back! I have heard Halifax are great so will definitely make an appointment to see them on my return. Just hope I get a new job soon

Hi Marisa, Thank you so much for the advice. I called Hostplus and they advised they can't transfer my super to an oversees pension (unless NZ). They said they only allow this on compassionate grounds or if I was on a temporary visa. Not sure where this leaves me. I suppose I could access my super when I am 60 and keep transferring it over to my UK account, rather than taking it out as a lump sum. Bank - I will call CBA and see if I can change my address and get a letter sent out. Thanks for the tip! Passport - I will look to change my passport details on my flight if it is not too late.

Hi everyone, My husband and I are in the process of relocating back to the UK in December (Yes I know we are crazy!). I feel like I have a million questions in my head so was hoping you can all help in some way or another. Some facts about me to help with answers: 34, British citizen, recently just got AU citizen. Been in OZ for 5.5 years. No children. 1. Super annu - Can I transfer my super to the UK or is it best to leave it here and access this when I am 60? (I have no plans to return to Australia). How does the tax work if i wish to access this at 60 or earlier as a lump sum? 2. Shipping - I am using seven seas but as they will take 12 weeks to send my goods, I am thinking of using sendmybag.com to send a suitcase earlier as excess baggage with Qater is a joke! I have applied for my TOR and am yet to hear from them. I have also been asked by sendmybag to provide a TOR reference number. Can i use the TOR ref number i receive for seven seas or do I need to make a separate application? 3. Mortgage - My husband is relocating back with his current employer and I have something poss lined up for the new year. We really want to buy a house asap (we have a substantial deposit to put down). What have peoples experience been like in securing a mortgage without having any credit scoring? (I understand we will need to show 3 month payslips). Are there any mortgage brokers you can recommend? 4. Hubby's work is in London but we really want to live rural/countryside ideally half way from London to Midlands (my parents live there). Any recommendations of good places to live that are commutable to London (45 - 1 hour)? 5. Opening up a UK bank account (hubby has one). I am staying with my in laws so have no proof of address - will this be a problem? 6. Is it okay to fly back with my UK passport? If there is anything I am missing that I should be considering, please let me know!! Sorry in advance for the long list

Hello, My husband and I have just recently gone through this and in the end we decided it was best to go back before xmas. We have been homesick since Jan and I suppose lockdown was the icing on the cake for us. We love Australia and have had the best 5 years here but there is something missing for us. We miss our families and feel like if we continue to stay here we will miss out on seeing our parents growing old. The thought of waiting and dragging out the inevitable just did not make sense to us and like people have mentioned, covid is going anywhere anytime soon. Luckily my husband has secured a new job and we will be staying with my in laws until we get our own place. I'm confident I will be able to get work also but have prepared myself for the worst. I do feel for your situation as it is such a big decision and it is even harder if you can't decide together when is the best time. The only thing I will say is that I can relate to your husband not wanting to wait anymore. When you want to go, every day here feels wasted and depressing..Yes it will be hard to relocate during a pandemic but as a family I am sure you guys will pull through and settle down quickly. Anyway I hope you can both come to an agreement and work a way that works for both of you. x