Working Holiday Visa Peeps :)

[BritChickx]

I arrived this morning in Sydney! Look ages to relaxed-felt a bit panicked but i'm starting to relax now.

 

Wish I knew;

- How expensive the basics are

- That jet lag is a bitch

- That we can open a Aussie bank account from the UK well before we go

:yes: wish I knew the first 2! Or rather wish I listened to the warnings from people lol. How ever I did open up an ANZ account in england it's just a pain in the arse to get your card delivered as you need to be in one place for at least ten days!

[amandak]

Hi everyone

sorry to but into this thread, but just a quick question if anyone can help. How long does this WHF take to apply to granted. Oh and another question did anyone have to take a medical? Just unsure as immi website does say you may have to have a medical???

 

thanks

Amanda

[PositivePixie]

Hi everyone

sorry to but into this thread, but just a quick question if anyone can help. How long does this WHF take to apply to granted. Oh and another question did anyone have to take a medical? Just unsure as immi website does say you may have to have a medical???

 

thanks

Amanda

 

It takes anything from a few minutes to 24 ish hours to come back normally, unless you have a criminal record or anything.

 

You only need the X-rays (medical) if you tick the box about working with children or nursing for 3 months or more, otherwise you don't have to take the medical (which is most people ).

HTH

[Guest James Kimmins]

Hey,

 

James - Hope you are relaxing in Sydney now! I noticed you said that you got your visa from STA travel - did you get a tax file number from them too?

 

The reason I ask is that on their website they have it advertised that they can sort your Tax file number out and when I called them they said the same thing and wanted a quick sale over the telephone (which I managed to get out of). When I go to https://iar.ato.gov.au/iarweb/default.aspx?pid=4&sid=1&outcome=1 the wording says you have to be in Oz to organise this. A couple of people on here have also said that you need to be in Oz too to arrange this so I wonder how STA travel manage to organise TFN for a fee when all advice seems to point out that you actually need to be in Oz and then you can do it online yourself for free...

 

Hey Scarletta,

 

STA Travel never give me a tax file number, I'm sure they didn't mention the TFN when I bought the visa.

 

I booked the rest of my Trip with Real Gap who employ 'Work and Travel Company Australia' to help us into work. I saw them on Tuesday for orientation and completed the form then. I'm 99% sure it's possible to apply for the TFN online before entering Australia. Must be someone here who can help advise, maybe contact Work and Travel Company?

[Guest The Pom Queen]

Hey Scarletta,

 

STA Travel never give me a tax file number, I'm sure they didn't mention the TFN when I bought the visa.

 

I booked the rest of my Trip with Real Gap who employ 'Work and Travel Company Australia' to help us into work. I saw them on Tuesday for orientation and completed the form then. I'm 99% sure it's possible to apply for the TFN online before entering Australia. Must be someone here who can help advise, maybe contact Work and Travel Company?

Unfortunately you can't get a tax file number until you are in OZ, sorry:sad:

[Guest James Kimmins]

:yes: wish I knew the first 2! Or rather wish I listened to the warnings from people lol. How ever I did open up an ANZ account in england it's just a pain in the arse to get your card delivered as you need to be in one place for at least ten days!

 

They sent my card home! Just collected my new one from WestPac today. Dosen't have a chip on it which seems a bit behind the times.

 

Jet Lag is tough- I didn't realise I had it until the evening I arrived, arriving at 8am. I felt moody all day and was standing still for a moment when I relaised that the shakes I was feeling where the same as the movement of the plane!

 

My advice to people on WHV is wait until the second week at the earliest to get a job. I got a job on Tuesday in Collaroy but was in no fit state to do it well.:goofy:

 

Also if you need a packpack buy one in the UK. In a shop in Collaroy (north of Sydney) it costs $300 and above for a good quality pack!

And if there's anything you'tr not sure you'll need leave it at home. Costs a lot more to sent via Australia Post than Royal Mail

[PositivePixie]

They sent my card home! Just collected my new one from WestPac today. Dosen't have a chip on it which seems a bit behind the times.

 

And if there's anything you'tr not sure you'll need leave it at home. Costs a lot more to sent via Australia Post than Royal Mail

 

The non-debit card thing is standard as a first card, but you just have to ask for a debit card and they will process that for you - should take about 5 days for it to come in.

 

If you want to send things home, look in a copy of TNT for the adverts from companies that specialise in sending boxes of stuff home - iirc it worked out quite cheap (comparatively!) to do this rather than sending stuff via the normal mail when I did it from NZ.

[BritChickx]

The non-debit card thing is standard as a first card, but you just have to ask for a debit card and they will process that for you - should take about 5 days for it to come in.

 

If you want to send things home, look in a copy of TNT for the adverts from companies that specialise in sending boxes of stuff home - iirc it worked out quite cheap (comparatively!) to do this rather than sending stuff via the normal mail when I did it from NZ.

When I signed up online for a card I just chose to get an access account, so I assumed mine wouldn't have a chip and pin, but when I got it it did have it on there so bonus really, maybe you could upgrate ?

[Guest James Kimmins]

Yeah, I'll try and upgrade thanks for the advice.

 

I'm not sure that living out of a back pack in hostels is for me. I'm 29 and feel older than I should around so many people nearly a decade younger! I'm missing home a bit. I know the weather is bad this time of year, I don't mind it really. Maybe I should work harder improving what I have in the UK than starting again down here?

 

I'm feeling that making this into a long 'life experience' holiday is a better idea than immigrating. Have only been here a week though so my feelings are sure to change.

 

Both the UK and Australia are beautiful places to be each with a list of totally different pros and cons which balance out in comparison.

[Guest Emmberry]

Yeah, I'll try and upgrade thanks for the advice.

 

I'm not sure that living out of a back pack in hostels is for me. I'm 29 and feel older than I should around so many people nearly a decade younger! I'm missing home a bit. I know the weather is bad this time of year, I don't mind it really. Maybe I should work harder improving what I have in the UK than starting again down here?

 

I'm feeling that making this into a long 'life experience' holiday is a better idea than immigrating. Have only been here a week though so my feelings are sure to change.

 

Both the UK and Australia are beautiful places to be each with a list of totally different pros and cons which balance out in comparison.

 

 

Hi James,

 

What kind of work are you doing? Maybe you could look at WOOFing for a little while to get free accommodation and meals while you try to set up a better job / accomodation? That's if you're still not settling in with the "hostel / backpack" lifestyle.

 

You're bound to feel a bit wobbly in your first couple of weeks! Nice to see your updates.

I see where you're coming from with being 29. I'll be 28 and my fiancee 30 next year when we look to embark on the same.

 

I'll take your advice on the jet lag / starting work situtation! :yes:

[Guest Emmberry]

Hello fellow backpackers! I have just been granted my second year visa and shall be in Oz till about May next year when I shall head home. I'll be in Melbourne until Christmas at least, but not sure what I'm doing after that. Either stay in Melbourne or go back to Sydney. I'll decide closer to the time. Anyone wants to get in touch and meet up please feel free

 

Can I ask a question of anyone who's been granted a 2nd year extension please?

 

My dates of travel are flexible right at this moment. I should be heading out to QLD between April - May 2012 on a WHV.

My Fiance will be 30 at the start of May '12.

If we did our regional work on arrival, and completed 88 approved days, could we apply for the 2nd year extension as soon as we'd completed the regional work? (applying when he is 30, for the visa to tag on to the end of his current one. Depending when we go - he will either be 30 or 31 when the 2nd year would commence)

 

I guess my question is - If we apply when he is 30, can the 2nd year START a few days after his 31st birthday?

 

Your help would be invaluable - I've searched and searched and can't find a specific answer. It'd be nice to hear more stories from those Backpacking at the moment!

[Guest James Kimmins]

Hi James,

 

What kind of work are you doing? Maybe you could look at WOOFing for a little while to get free accommodation and meals while you try to set up a better job / accomodation? That's if you're still not settling in with the "hostel / backpack" lifestyle.

 

You're bound to feel a bit wobbly in your first couple of weeks! Nice to see your updates.

I see where you're coming from with being 29. I'll be 28 and my fiancee 30 next year when we look to embark on the same.

 

I'll take your advice on the jet lag / starting work situtation! :yes:

 

Thanks Emmberry,

 

At the moment I'm looking for work and my money is going down fast. I'm very anxious and,well, anxious about a lot of things the last few weeks.:wacko:

 

I would consider WOOFing, only if I can find paid work first to improve my coffers otherwise I would just stress out

 

It's the hostels which are killing it for me. Got a cousin in Melbourne but he isn't returning the few Facebook messages I've sent; he's getting new broadband, wouldn't just turn up and bang on his door.

 

In hostels most people seem to be either 10 years younger than me or 20 years older. The older ones seemed to be working at places nearby (two of these guys where nightmares) and people aged 19 are rightly here to drink too much and do what 19 year old's do. Maybe most people my age are just at work and with families after travelling young or waiting till the kids grow up?

[BritChickx]

wwoofing would be a good idea James. We're trying to wwoof our way around to save ourselves money, gain work experience and see the sights, whilst still looking for a paid job.

[BritChickx]

Can I ask a question of anyone who's been granted a 2nd year extension please?

 

My dates of travel are flexible right at this moment. I should be heading out to QLD between April - May 2012 on a WHV.

My Fiance will be 30 at the start of May '12.

If we did our regional work on arrival, and completed 88 approved days, could we apply for the 2nd year extension as soon as we'd completed the regional work? (applying when he is 30, for the visa to tag on to the end of his current one. Depending when we go - he will either be 30 or 31 when the 2nd year would commence)

 

I guess my question is - If we apply when he is 30, can the 2nd year START a few days after his 31st birthday?

 

Your help would be invaluable - I've searched and searched and can't find a specific answer. It'd be nice to hear more stories from those Backpacking at the moment!

I think that would work but I can't say for sure, you could post this on the migration issues section as you're more likely to get help there.

[PositivePixie]

 

In hostels most people seem to be either 10 years younger than me or 20 years older. The older ones seemed to be working at places nearby (two of these guys where nightmares) and people aged 19 are rightly here to drink too much and do what 19 year old's do. Maybe most people my age are just at work and with families after travelling young or waiting till the kids grow up?

 

I think most people in the 30-40 age bracket who do it get a camper and go around that way, that's what we're doing and I've heard of a few couples our age (I'm 32, Hubby is 41) doing this as well. Either a bushcamper type 4x4 camper, or if we can't get one of those we'll admit defeat and get a 'normal' 4x4 and put a roof tent on it, but we really want the bushcamper for a whole heap of reasons.

 

We might spend the odd night in a hostel, for a change, but it will eat into money a lot so we are investing in the troopy and then we can sell it when we've finished our trip and hopefully get some of the money back that we paid for it, which cuts down on accom. costs a lot. I was really stressy about young people being all drunk and loud in hostels as well, which I don't cope well with lol (Angry/amorous kolas I can cope with, drunk bogans I cannot!), and it gives us far more flexibility in where and when we can go places too.

 

Sorry that's not a lot of help for your situation, but just wanted to let you know, we are out there (well, not us exactly yet - give us a couple of months!), just hiding in the bush!

[Guest Emmberry]

I think most people in the 30-40 age bracket who do it get a camper and go around that way, that's what we're doing and I've heard of a few couples our age (I'm 32, Hubby is 41) doing this as well. Either a bushcamper type 4x4 camper, or if we can't get one of those we'll admit defeat and get a 'normal' 4x4 and put a roof tent on it, but we really want the bushcamper for a whole heap of reasons.

 

 

Campervanning is what I'm planning to do, having thought on it more in the last couple of weeks.

 

Do you reckon it's better to buy or rent a camper? It seems like you're buying one PositivePixie. I haven't done much research into where you could buy one, I've only been researching rentals...

[Guest Emmberry]

Thanks Emmberry,

 

At the moment I'm looking for work and my money is going down fast. I'm very anxious and,well, anxious about a lot of things the last few weeks.:wacko:

 

I would consider WOOFing, only if I can find paid work first to improve my coffers otherwise I would just stress out

 

It's the hostels which are killing it for me. Got a cousin in Melbourne but he isn't returning the few Facebook messages I've sent; he's getting new broadband, wouldn't just turn up and bang on his door.

 

In hostels most people seem to be either 10 years younger than me or 20 years older. The older ones seemed to be working at places nearby (two of these guys where nightmares) and people aged 19 are rightly here to drink too much and do what 19 year old's do. Maybe most people my age are just at work and with families after travelling young or waiting till the kids grow up?

 

 

Are you in a working hostel? I think good ones can get you a job and are mainly geared toward work.

 

You could consider short term WOOFing for a week or so, to save cash while you have a look around? It would be a change from the young party atmosphere, and if you meet the right hosts they might help with your orientation.

 

Can any family get hold of your cousin's phone number for you maybe?

 

We're the same age as you, with no kids and will be travelling just like you in 6 months - I'm sure there's plenty of folk in your boat, you're just yet to meet them!:hug:

[PositivePixie]

Campervanning is what I'm planning to do, having thought on it more in the last couple of weeks.

 

Do you reckon it's better to buy or rent a camper? It seems like you're buying one PositivePixie. I haven't done much research into where you could buy one, I've only been researching rentals...

 

Depending on how long you are planning on camping in it for,it very quickly works out a lot cheaper to buy one rather than hire one - and most hire places you can't take it off any sealed roads, so you are pretty stuffed with going anywhere interesting as well lol.

 

Depending on what you are thinking of getting it can range anywhere from about A$5000 for the bottom end (something more like a transit van with a mattress in the back) up to the sky is the limit really, but the things we're looking at are around the $12K - $20K range depending on mileage, condition, added extras and so on. Non-4 wheel drive things seem to be about $18K upwards, most of those are ex-hire vehicles. There are a few hire place that sell ex-hire vehicles and then will buy them back, but imho that is only a pretty desperate act as you get such a pittance back - you'd probably get more selling it from the Kings Cross car market in Sydney. If you look on the hire places a lot of them have a sales link as well we found, and there's gumtree as well.

[Chorlton]

Don't know if it'll help but when I drove round the outback 2 years ago I saw loads of camper vans belonging to a company called wickedcampervans or similar, I think you can pick them up one place and drop it off another.

[Guest The Pom Queen]

Don't know if it'll help but when I drove round the outback 2 years ago I saw loads of camper vans belonging to a company called wickedcampervans or similar, I think you can pick them up one place and drop it off another.

Like Dave says you have wicked to rent your van, but you can also buy their used vans http://www.wickedcampers.com.au/cheap-campervan-hire-australia/vans-for-sales.html

[PositivePixie]

Don't know if it'll help but when I drove round the outback 2 years ago I saw loads of camper vans belonging to a company called wickedcampervans or similar, I think you can pick them up one place and drop it off another.

 

Don't forget to get your van checked out before you buy though - I can't remember if it is Wicked or another of the 'budget' van companies but one of them has many many reports of death-trap vehicles that are not maintained at all, be safe peoples

[Guest James Kimmins]

I haven't posted anything for a while. I spent some time in Brisbane and went to Australia Zoo! In the two and a half weeks I've spent in Australia I've learnt so much, it's been a great experience.

[Guest Scarletta]

Hey everyone,

 

Just wanted to say thanks for all the great information that has been posted on here over the months.

 

I'm setting off Oz bound on Friday. I've left my long term secure job now to embark on a year with a WHV. I sort of guessed that life is too short to sit back and wonder what Australia is like - I'll just go for it and won't have regrets.

 

Was a bit worried at the weekend with the whole Quantas drama as I'm flying with them but it seems to be back to normal now thankfully.

 

I've got my bank account sorted, WHV and accomodation for the first 2 weeks. Feeling very excited but also a little worried as I'm doing it alone :unsure:

 

Good luck to those who have posted on here who have arrived in Oz recently and good luck to those who are going in the next few months!

 

Best wishes

[Guest James Kimmins]

Good luck Scarletta. In the time i've been in Sydney and Brisbane I've learned a lot and know some things I wish I knew earlier!

 

I wish I knew about tripadvisor.co.uk and that Sydney was so expensive!

 

Have a good time, it's a great place to be

[Guest elesmith05]

Hey all,

 

Im looking to be out in Australia by the end of november got my visa, booking ticket on weekend really looking forward to it starting off in Katherine to get regional work out the way first as my bf is already out there doing his for a company called area, just looking for any tips or advise for going as trying to get organised.

 

Cheers

:daydreaming: