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All The Info You Need Part 3

All The Info You Need Part 3

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Old May 16th 2004, 2:17 am
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yes you can get a rebate and yes you can get a rent rebate when you arrive it is the only thing you can claim.

C xx
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Old May 16th 2004, 7:51 am
  #47  
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Hve just cut 'n pasted your "to do list" into word... thanks Carrianne!
I would just add for wanabee expats...
Stock up on oral contraceptives (free here!), medicines, inhalers etc. so that you don't have to faf about with obtaining them immediately in Oz.
Get Dental check a few months prior, and get any dental work done (expensive in Aus). Some dentists will keep you on their books for a period of 18 months, if you have a forwarding address. (Might help if you intend to return, on holiday etc.)
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Old May 16th 2004, 7:54 am
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Originally posted by Larissa

Stock up on oral contraceptives (free here!), medicines, inhalers etc. so that you don't have to faf about with obtaining them immediately in Oz.

Definately - think mine cost me about $50 a time (3 months) plus the consult fee!! Just the fact you don't pay per visit to the doctors here really helps reduce the costs on everything
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Old May 16th 2004, 8:05 am
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lol, I'm being a right squirrel, hoarding my contraceptives!
Might be worth checking if there is a compatible one in Aus, if not, switch before hand?

Some other "to do list" things for those with children:

Inform headteacher and class teacher, at least a month before going if possible.
Ask for school records, about a month before going. Make sure you get them at least a week before, so you can check they are all there and go back for more if needed?
Church schools - make sure you have note from man in frock.
Buy disposable camera for last week of school. Take photos of house, favourite people, animals and places!
Take autograph book into school, obtain home and e-mail addresses of best friends.
Make scrap book on local area with children?
Inform creche. Ask for any assessments and drawings etc.
Put aside little toys, books, crayons etc. for taking on the aeroplane.
Pack snacks, emergency knickers/pants (for kids!), calpol, reins, fav blanket etc.
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Old May 16th 2004, 8:15 am
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Originally posted by Larissa
lol, I'm being a right squirrel, hoarding my contraceptives!
Might be worth checking if there is a compatible one in Aus, if not, switch before hand?

If you want to PM me with what you've got I might be able to help - went over the main Aus ones when I was there with the Doc as they didnt have my UK one!!
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Old May 23rd 2004, 1:15 am
  #51  
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Default Re: All The Info You Need Part 3

Originally posted by Carrianne
BANKING TIPS

oke to various banks and cluey relatives in Oz to make some sense of banking plus added in what we remember from living there. Aim is to maximise interest on dosh from sale of our UK house until we buy in Melbourne plus minimise ripoff bank charges.

Our plan is below. Hopefully might save someone else a bit of brain space figuring it out.

Basics:

- Govt debits tax is taken on all transactions from accounts with chequebook facility - not just on cheques from those accounts. Daft.

- Impossible to avoid charges for using ATMs from other banks so you need to bank with a 'biggie' that has loads of machines: Top four are NAB (National Australia Bank), CBA (Commonwealth), ANZ and Westpac (Bank of Melbourne in Victoria). First two are the biggest. Check who's the biggest where you're going.

- Banks charge ridiculous amounts for current accounts unless you have lots of money with them. You have to have a $20K 'relationship' in total with the bank to avoid all charges. So it's possible to have a basic account charge free with minimal money in it (earning even more minimal interest!) if you keep $20K in something with better interest with the same bank (eg term deposit).

- You can get an instant access account with someone like ING (see their website www.ing.com.au) paying 4.75% on any balance. You need an account with another bank as a 'front' and the money can be transferred in and out same day by phone or web (none of this 3-5 days rubbish!)

We're going with Commonwealth so our strategy is:

- Use credit card for most transactions - look for one with decent bonus points/offers - direct debit full balance monthly from bank account

- CBA high interest current account (aka Cash Mgmt A/c) - keep minimal money in it, enough for day to day use, request no chequebook so no debits tax, transfer money from ING to top it up monthly/whenever

- CBA basic account (aka Streamline A/c) - with chequebook, keep $1 in it, transfer money across if cheque written (instantly done at ATM)

- CBA term deposit - eg 90 days pays 4.4% if set up on web (can only do it once in Oz), not as much interest as ING but difference more than offset by saving on bank charges with free banking

- ING a/c - rest of dosh earning 4.75% - can set this up on arrival, application form on web, need copy of CBA bank statement, takes 1 week to open

Hope this is some help to someone - my brain's fried...

RENT REBATE WHEN YOU ARRIVE

Some news that should linterest you new comers. When you arrive as a perminant resident and you are looking for work you can claim a rebate on any rent you are paying. You only get the payment while you are not working and you get it from center link along with your child benefit.
I have just filled a from out for the family we have in the Mandurah house ( they told me about it actually) and they are going to get back around $100 a week.
Hope this helps
Paula
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR ONE WAY TRIP
Try John Wason Ltd. Click here for their web page.

They do a special insurance package for expats. It covers your travel there and your contents after you arrive. You can pick and choose which bits of the policy you want. It is even transportable so that if you move to somewhere else in the world your insurance always goes with you.

I insured with them and the quote was very reasonable and they were very flexible with which bits of the policy came into effect at certain dates during the move. More importantly I've also had to make one claim (theft from my house in Australia) and they settled in full (minus the excess) very promptly
I found two cheap policies (Which best buys) who cover one-way trips. In both cases cover ends 48 hours after arrival. Most others end at immigration control - what use is that if your stuff gets nicked in the airport carpark???

For under 40s: www.leadedge.co.uk
For over 40s: www.worldwideinsure.com
Same company for both.
Columbus (0207 375 0011) offer one way travel insurance. It stops as soon as you pass through immigration, but at least you are covered for delays, loss of baggage, etc. They were very reasonable, only £35 for two adults.
I rang a big Aussie insurer for Victoria - RACV - www.racv.com.au., phone no. 00 61 13 19 55, to compare local prices.

RACV said they were perfectly happy to cover temp accom for however long, whether with or without a lease, rent paid nightly or whatever, on same basis as usual contents. Then just a change of address when moving.

Premiums were much lower than Wasons esp with a letter from previous insurer saying no claims in last 2 years. A lot of excess options are available - up to $1000. Sample premium for $75K cover new for old with $300 XS in Box Hill, Melbourne was $363 pa. They laughed at the premiums we pay in London...

So we're going to go with the cheap best buy travel policies above: leadedge/worldinsure which expire 48 hours after arrival. Then ring up in first 2 days to get RACV cover on the spot.
Outbacker is another option for one-way trip insurance - www.outbackerinsurance.com The cover levels seemed better than other policies in the same price range.
Getting one way travel insurance is not an issue and quite esy to do it's just finding a policy with enough cover to:
a) Ensure you fully covered for a period of 3 weeks
b) Offers sufficient person effects cover so that laptops, cameras jewllery etc are covered (most limit it to £1500) which is no good for us. The Future Mrs Dinky has an engagement ring which is worth more than the total cover and I'd hate to have to replace that again!

Any people who have been through this already or who have found a solution I would appreciate suggestions.
Try giving Sweeneys a ring.....specialised insurances

0208 6562544

Also very good at Shipping insurance...hell of a lot cheaper than the ones pushed by the removal companies

TO DO LIST

Sell House
Pay off any debts
Sell car
Contact Tax Office (UK)
Get immunised for travel
Sort shipping company
Refs from banks (you will need proof that you are good payers)
Refs from employers
Stop Cable
Stop Council tax
Stop House insurance
Stop Electric, Gas, Water, Phone, Car insurance
Arrange mail to be forwarded to Brenda
Change addresses with bank
Book Flights
Close all bank accounts
Proof no claims bonus.
Convert dosh, open bank account
Get hotmail a/c
Stop car insurance and get rebate
make sure mobile is operative in oz or cancel contract
go to Link shop and buy one-tel pay as you go unlocked mobile with very low call costs £49.95 works in oz they say
Organise ALL the keys you have to the house and doors to give to the new people
Get e-mail addresses for everyone you can (cuts down on postage costs)
Cancel mobile phone contract
Cancel mobile phone contract
OPen oZ bank account (HSBC) prior
Register with as many job agenices as possible as I am trying to do a present, Hays and TMP Hudson have Global parts in london I have numbers if anyone wants them.
Be checking housing market and rentals on line
Decide what you will do first travel, or stay in a b& B
Arrange for car rental for first 2 weeks rentnewcars.com - where bar far the cheapest on all the sites I went on
If you are a tradesman, print of the licence form for your licence complete and have your qualifications ready in hand luggage to
Leaving Party
Pack you suitcase just before packers come with all the bits you will need when you go - (we are travelling first and leaving in Feb but in our cases will be our clothes,(summer) trade papers, driving licence, all important paperwork, references etc. (in hand luggage. So all winter clothes I have will be given away.
Fly west and avoid jet lag [:-) and get 32kg allowance each without having to be tied in to the Qantas migration fare. Which can be costly. Find out about what you can put in the hold for free.
cancel internet
check and have smear
Medical records

Carrianne

Just copied your "To do list", many thanks for posting that it will be a great help.

Mark.
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Old May 23rd 2004, 3:31 am
  #52  
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don't forget the other 1 and 2 items to do
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Old May 23rd 2004, 3:49 am
  #53  
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Default Re: All The Info You Need Part 3

Originally posted by THYE.A.
Carriance,

Your mail is really helpful.

ONe particular issue that raises my interest is when you said new migrants can claim rent rebate.

Throughout I am under the impression that new migrants are not entitled to claim any social security for the first two year.Could you pls tell me where to look for more detail info on Rent Rebate .

Also are you aware of any other social benefit that new migrants are entitled without the 2 years waiting period. ?

Thanks Carriance.
In general, social security payments from Centrelink are only available to people who reside in Australia and are either Australian citizens or holders of permanent visas. In addition, most social security payments and concession cards, except Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Benefit, have a two year newly arrived resident's waiting period.
You can claim Family Tax Benefit, immediately, if you have children and depending on income.
FTB part A
FTB Part B
There is no waiting period for family payments which help with the cost of bringing up children. Migrants also have immediate access to health care under Medicare.

Parenting Payment and Widow Allowance have qualifying residence requirements of two years;
Age Pension and Disability Support Pension have qualifying residence requirements of ten years.

Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period

RentAssistance is available without waiting period, if you receive more than the base rate of Family Tax Benefit if you have dependent children.
 
Old Sep 7th 2004, 9:45 pm
  #54  
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Default Re: All The Info You Need Part 3

Three ever-useful threads being resurrected again.......and part 3 !
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Old Nov 13th 2004, 8:19 pm
  #55  
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Default Re: All The Info You Need Part 3

bumpity bump - and thanks carrianne!
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Old Nov 13th 2004, 8:32 pm
  #56  
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Default Re: All The Info You Need Part 3

You STAR

Great info from all 3 posts.

Many thanks

Sue x
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Old Nov 13th 2004, 9:37 pm
  #57  
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Default Re: All The Info You Need Part 3

Originally Posted by Carrianne
- Govt debits tax is taken on all transactions from accounts with chequebook facility - not just on cheques from those accounts. Daft.
Not from accounts in NSW.


- Banks charge ridiculous amounts for current accounts unless you have lots of money with them. You have to have a $20K 'relationship' in total with the bank to avoid all charges. So it's possible to have a basic account charge free with minimal money in it (earning even more minimal interest!) if you keep $20K in something with better interest with the same bank (eg term deposit).
CBA do have this A$20k concession, but it's not clear what the policies of the other banks are.

TO DO LIST

Sell House
Pay off any debts
Sell car
Contact Tax Office (UK)
Get immunised for travel
Not normally needed for Australia.

Sort shipping company
Refs from banks (you will need proof that you are good payers)
Refs from employers
Stop Cable
Stop Council tax
Stop House insurance
Stop Electric, Gas, Water, Phone, Car insurance
Arrange mail to be forwarded to Brenda
Change addresses with bank
Book Flights
Close all bank accounts
It is not generally a good idea to close UK bank accounts.

In fact, it's best to leave a a small amount of activity (occasional standing orders - even payable to yourself) - in place so the bank doesn't close your account as dormant.

It's also a good idea normally to keep UK credit cards, at least for a while. As long as you can trust yourself with the credit limit.

Proof no claims bonus.
Convert dosh, open bank account
Get hotmail a/c
Stop car insurance and get rebate
make sure mobile is operative in oz or cancel contract
go to Link shop and buy one-tel pay as you go unlocked mobile with very low call costs £49.95 works in oz they say
Make sure you get your mobiles unlocked before leaving the UK - a nightmare to do it from Australia.

Organise ALL the keys you have to the house and doors to give to the new people
Get e-mail addresses for everyone you can (cuts down on postage costs)
Cancel mobile phone contract
Cancel mobile phone contract
OPen oZ bank account (HSBC) prior
Or CBA (HSBC seem a mixed bag)


Register with as many job agenices as possible as I am trying to do a present, Hays and TMP Hudson have Global parts in london I have numbers if anyone wants them.
I'm not sure if it's a good idea to register with every recruitment agency in the marketplace. Choose one or two to begin with.

Be checking housing market and rentals on line
Decide what you will do first travel, or stay in a b& B
Or a serviced apartment.

Arrange for car rental for first 2 weeks rentnewcars.com - where bar far the cheapest on all the sites I went on
Bayswater Car Rental are good if you're going to Perth or Sydney

If you are a tradesman, print of the licence form for your licence complete and have your qualifications ready in hand luggage to
Leaving Party
Pack you suitcase just before packers come with all the bits you will need when you go - (we are travelling first and leaving in Feb but in our cases will be our clothes,(summer) trade papers, driving licence, all important paperwork, references etc. (in hand luggage. So all winter clothes I have will be given away.
Fly west and avoid jet lag [:-) and get 32kg allowance each without having to be tied in to the Qantas migration fare. Which can be costly. Find out about what you can put in the hold for free.

Flying west is less good an idea now as you need to clear US immigration, which can be a nightmare. All family members need their own machine-readable passports to use the US visa waiver scheme.


Jeremy
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Old Nov 13th 2004, 10:05 pm
  #58  
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Default Re: All The Info You Need Part 3

Originally Posted by Carrianne
yes you can get a rebate and yes you can get a rent rebate when you arrive it is the only thing you can claim.

C xx
]

Hi carrianne.hope you can help us.we have be here now for over 3 months and you said you can get rent rebate,hubby started work about 5 weeks ago so can we can we get a rebate from are rent.
Just waiting for hubby tax number to come in the post it as be over a month now just get is passport back.

thank you

Ann Marie
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Old Nov 14th 2004, 12:39 am
  #59  
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Default Re: All The Info You Need Part 3

Originally Posted by footie chick
Thanks Carrianne your are a star you have done all the hardwork for me.

Cheers

footie chick
OMG! Can we have the bank thing in simple english please? Want to make most of your thread!
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Old Jan 20th 2005, 10:04 pm
  #60  
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Default Re: All The Info You Need Part 3

bounce to help
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