Kimanda Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 Hello PIO'ers The time has come for me to give you my reccie report since arriving in Perth 3 and a half weeks ago So far we have got our TFNs, Medicare cards, AHPRA rego, rental and jobs. Getting these we're straightforward even the rental. We were surprised at how successful we were as it was our first and only application having gone through those awful group viewings. We were panicking as we coming to the end of our holiday let but thankfully we were accepted. One word of warning estate agents like to take their time with everything. They'll be late for viewings and not really have a clue about anything. They've got so much demand for properties it seems they just don't care or have enough time for you. BUT despite this we were still trying to be "bouncy, positive" prospective tenants and tried to speak to them and have a little laugh during the soul destroying process. Don't know if that helped or not... We haven't had time to relax properly but the times we have been out to see the sights it's been beautiful and enjoyable. We live near the CBD and its just a beautiful place to look at and be in day or night. Views of the swan river are gorgeous, great for walks or cycling. The impression I got of Perth from a lot of posters is that's its boring. Personally I don't think so from what ive seen and researched there is quite a lot to do and many events that are family friendly. I really think that it's about where you live and what your willing to do with your time. If you're new to Perth I would try and suggest living as close to the centre/Joondalup (which is like its own city but never been). I found a few things very difficult when I first touched down, I lost all knowledge of how to conduct myself in public lol! I felt lost because I dint know how to operate the credit card (cheque, savings or credit?! Lol), I couldn't find my favorite skin toner, I came out in a rash, all sorts. You feel so new and lost! I would say try and prepare yourself, there will be many a time here you havent a clue - but don't be afraid to ask for help - the Aussies are friendly and always helpful. Their friendliness is a pleasant surprise to me, and WA seems to have neighborly community feel that I really appreciate. I was at the bus stop with several bags after found a shop and I flagged down a taxi. Not only did the guys at the bus stop help me put my bags in the taxi, the taxi driver didn't charge me anything as it was only 5 minutes down the road - that really cheered me up as I was having such a down day. Shopping is pretty much the same for me, except I buy meats from a butcher or supermarket deli counter, and fruit/veg from a greengrocer. i avoid prepacked meats, they are expensive and prepacked veg, you're just asking to be ripped off if you put them in your basket. I also enjoyed shopping in a greengrocer too (and their prices are much more reasonable). The bacon is great! Not pumped full of water - haven't bothered with the sausages because they are mainly beef ones - I prefer pork . Supermarket of choice is Coles they also do home delivery. They don't sell beer in supermarkets but in bottle shops - you can get some bargains on beer just be prepared for a shock when you go to the pub (which are called hotels btw). We paid $10 a pint for a Hahns Superdry. You can blame it on the miners lol Cost of living? Its high but so are wages. id compare it to living in London. I'm just happy we don't have to pay council tax on top of our rent lol. Well have a better idea a few weeks down the line. Medication is expensive though. Bus travel is also free in the city boundaries and you can also use what they call Smartcards to get around on the Transperth network. I've found them to be pretty good so far and they are cheap. I don't have a car yet, so it's good to have decent public transport to rely on. Areas, well we stayed in East Victoria Park which wasn't too bad. There were some questionable looking people but I suppose you get them every where right? Areas which we were told to avoid repeatedly (even though the houses are brand new and rent is cheap) were: Balga Mirrabooka Armadale Westminster Midland Nollamara (although some parts look nice) Belmont Whatever you do, don't be sucked in unless you fully research the area. If you live in these areas don't be offended, it's just what the locals have advised me as a newcomer to the country. If you have or can get a car, just drop by and check out the places - I think you'll easily be able to get n idea of what the suburb/neighborhood is like. That aside I just love Perth and I am so happy to be here. Ive been made to feel very welcome here and will most certainly show my gratitude and help in return. I feel lucky to call this our home and can't wait to see what the rest of Oz is like. My advice is to just take some time to learn your new country's ways and how they do things. I could say so much more but this post is just way too long already! Good luck to anyone hoping to make it here x Kimanda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy1982 Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 Great post and good to hear from someone and their experiences while so fresh. You sound like you are giving it your all and things are falling in to place...well done i say! Enjoy the summer and festive times ahead. Keep posting. Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimanda Posted November 9, 2012 Author Share Posted November 9, 2012 Great post and good to hear from someone and their experiences while so fresh. You sound like you are giving it your all and things are falling in to place...well done i say! Enjoy the summer and festive times ahead. Keep posting. Dan Thanks Dan , it's been tough but yes we're both trying to make the most of this. Definitely looking forward to the summer /christmas/new years! And Australia Day! We've heard so many good things we feel a little spoilt right now hehe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Ropey HOFF Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 What a brilliant post Kimanda, you seem to be doing great Perth is a fantastic place, thanks for the great tips and advice and keep updating us on things and all the best, I hope it just keeps getting better and better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Love Oz Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 Great post kimanda, glad your settling in so well :biggrin: keep us up to date on how your settling in. Did you have a job offer before you went and what do you both do? christine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimanda Posted November 10, 2012 Author Share Posted November 10, 2012 What a brilliant post Kimanda, you seem to be doing great Perth is a fantastic place, thanks for the great tips and advice and keep updating us on things and all the best, I hope it just keeps getting better and better. Thanks Hoff, we hope so! I will probably post another update in about 3 months time after we're properly settled and in jobs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parley Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 What made you choose Perth? Was it mining work ? It seems that over half of poms seem to choose Perth for some reason. Nothing against it is is very nice, but seems most poms are targetting Perth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newjez Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 One of the problems with moving to a new area is learning to recognise which areas are trouble. For the outsider, they often don't appear that different from the good areas, because everything appears different. It's often best to follow local advice initially. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimanda Posted November 10, 2012 Author Share Posted November 10, 2012 Great post kimanda, glad your settling in so well :biggrin: keep us up to date on how your settling in. Did you have a job offer before you went and what do you both do? christine Thanks Christine! I agreed a temp. contract with my UK employer and my OH has used an agency for the nursing roles when we got here. May do some volunteering work to try and get out and meet people until my contract finishes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimanda Posted November 10, 2012 Author Share Posted November 10, 2012 What made you choose Perth? Was it mining work ? It seems that over half of poms seem to choose Perth for some reason. Nothing against it is is very nice, but seems most poms are targetting Perth. I've only ever been to Perth on holiday, liked it, wanted to come back OH also liked it when he was on a WHV but the clincher for us was OH's nursing job. There were no prospective cuts or strikes in the pipeline (as we heard in SA and VIC and pay was good) also the non humid dry weather ... Where abouts do you live ATM? We'll definitely be visiting other states Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parley Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 I live in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Haven't lived in any other state but have visited most. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimanda Posted November 10, 2012 Author Share Posted November 10, 2012 I live in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.Haven't lived in any other state but have visited most. Ah we considered Melbourne early on - hope to visit in the new year sometime I hear it's really trendy and happening there with a European feel - maybe even the new Sydney? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parley Posted November 10, 2012 Share Posted November 10, 2012 Depending on what you want it has places to suit different tastes. There are trendy inner city suburbs, places like Brunswick. There is city living if you like that - apartments in Docklands and the like. But Melbourne is so big that for most people it is life out in the suburbs. Great for families. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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