Go Back  British Expats > Living & Moving Abroad > Australia
Reload this Page >

All The Info You Need Part 3

All The Info You Need Part 3

Old Oct 11th 2003, 6:22 pm
  #31  
Forum Regular
 
Foggies's Avatar
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Sunny Scarborough QLD
Posts: 63
Foggies is an unknown quantity at this point
Default

Another vote of thanks Carrianne,
This post couldn't have been timed better for us as we were just talking about the insurance side of things so it's given us loads to look at, Claire was feeling particularly stressed as we've got 3 weeks to our provisionally booked flights, with loads of jobs ready to do BUT as with a few others, we can't do any more until we exchange contracts on the house, hopefully Friday at the latest. Fingers and everything else crossed for that one!
Cheers

We're on our way out to a leaving do for some friends (who leave for New Zealand on Wednesday) and have a few in an empty house as all their stuff is on the way!
Foggies is offline  
Old Oct 12th 2003, 9:16 am
  #32  
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
 
Carrianne's Avatar
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Location, Location!
Posts: 1,481
Carrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to behold
Default

You are welcome, also I have found out today you can get one way insurance with Trailfinders, very comprehensive cover for up to 17 days for just £57 each.

Another tip would be appoint an accountant just to advise you on the new tax system and what to expect from salaries and introduce you to the new tax return system also. We hope to appoint Collet and Co.

C x
Carrianne is offline  
Old Oct 12th 2003, 9:33 am
  #33  
Pass The Post
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Location: Ping Ponged York via Melbourne and now pinged to Ferny Hills, Brisbane
Posts: 1,177
joh117 is a splendid one to beholdjoh117 is a splendid one to beholdjoh117 is a splendid one to beholdjoh117 is a splendid one to beholdjoh117 is a splendid one to beholdjoh117 is a splendid one to beholdjoh117 is a splendid one to beholdjoh117 is a splendid one to beholdjoh117 is a splendid one to beholdjoh117 is a splendid one to beholdjoh117 is a splendid one to behold
Default

We have just used Outbacker insurance as we are going travelling round Asia first. I found it through a search engine but decided it was the best one for us. 4 months cover for two people travelling worldwide with extra cover for the camcorder One Way to Australia is £197

If anyone is looking for cheap car hire after they have sold their car. We need one from York to Gatwick to catch the flight we used www.whizzcarrental.net

For a ford Ka (we only have 2 rucksacks and 2 people) £36 one way

It is through National car rental and when I checked their rate for the same thing £57.

Jo
joh117 is offline  
Old Oct 12th 2003, 10:08 am
  #34  
Home and Happy
 
Pollyana's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,786
Pollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I've just cover with Outbacker insurance too - very cheap, & one-way no problem.
Pollyana is offline  
Old Jan 24th 2004, 8:07 am
  #35  
NZ or Bust!
 
Sazzle's Avatar
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Location: Twickenham
Posts: 132
Sazzle is an unknown quantity at this point
Default

back to the top for this .....
Sazzle is offline  
Old Jan 24th 2004, 8:55 am
  #36  
Go Banana's !!
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Hi Carriane,

We've just caught up with your three threads as we went a bit cold turkey on the site last night but the addiction kicked in this morning again.

All we can say is WOW and thanks. This will save us all a great deal of time and effort and crystalises all our thoughts and mini-lists we were all compiling.

Who ever said that this forum was just for bitching and irrelevant things.

If there was a medal then you should get it ! !!

Thanks again

Warren & Jill
Perth 2004........
 
Old Jan 24th 2004, 9:16 am
  #37  
BE Forum Addict
 
podgypossum's Avatar
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,666
podgypossum has a brilliant futurepodgypossum has a brilliant futurepodgypossum has a brilliant futurepodgypossum has a brilliant futurepodgypossum has a brilliant futurepodgypossum has a brilliant future
Default

Carrianne (thats my daughters name too)

You are a real star!!...all this info is wonderful stuff. Would you object to us Adelaide Brits stealing some of it to put in our welcome brochures and website? It would save us a lot of time and energy, as we have heaps to organise.
podgypossum is offline  
Old Jan 24th 2004, 4:08 pm
  #38  
Loving it in Bundy
 
teach's Avatar
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Bundaberg, Australia
Posts: 1,775
teach is a glorious beacon of lightteach is a glorious beacon of lightteach is a glorious beacon of lightteach is a glorious beacon of lightteach is a glorious beacon of lightteach is a glorious beacon of lightteach is a glorious beacon of lightteach is a glorious beacon of lightteach is a glorious beacon of lightteach is a glorious beacon of lightteach is a glorious beacon of light
Default

bump, great info should be at the top and fixed there.
Thanks Carrianne

Sarah
teach is offline  
Old Jan 26th 2004, 2:01 pm
  #39  
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
 
Carrianne's Avatar
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Location, Location!
Posts: 1,481
Carrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to beholdCarrianne is a splendid one to behold
Default

You are all very welcome

Podgy no problem at all that is why I did this to share.

Also I got good one way travel insurance with excellent cover with trailfinders and you can for definate get a reciphricol (?) memebership with the RACQ if you take your AA documents with you.

Love C x
Carrianne is offline  
Old Feb 13th 2004, 8:19 am
  #40  
Perth Bound
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Aylesbury, UK
Posts: 75
Avery Family is an unknown quantity at this point
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
.......Pointed to the above link and thought it was worth airing again.
Avery Family is offline  
Old Feb 15th 2004, 1:50 pm
  #41  
Forum Regular
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 96
THYE.A. is an unknown quantity at this point
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
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.
THYE.A. is offline  
Old May 14th 2004, 2:18 pm
  #42  
Home and Happy
 
Pollyana's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,786
Pollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond repute
Default

And finally bouncing Part 3! All very grateful to you Carrianne - and it was great to have finally met you!!! See you again soon
Pollyana is offline  
Old May 14th 2004, 3:46 pm
  #43  
life begins again...
 
scutterUK's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: doncaster..then scunny... now canberra.
Posts: 1,790
scutterUK is a name known to allscutterUK is a name known to allscutterUK is a name known to allscutterUK is a name known to allscutterUK is a name known to allscutterUK is a name known to allscutterUK is a name known to allscutterUK is a name known to allscutterUK is a name known to allscutterUK is a name known to allscutterUK is a name known to all
Default

:scared:

i knew these notes were good but i didn't think Carrianne did as good a job as this. I just read through all 3 parts top to bottom and found this little gem....

"Arrange mail to be forwarded to Brenda"

i intend to get all my mail forwarded on to my mum's house when i go and she's called brenda!!!!

now i am impressed!

cheers Carrianne i hope it's all going well!
scutterUK is offline  
Old May 15th 2004, 1:51 am
  #44  
Home and Happy
 
Pollyana's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,786
Pollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond reputePollyana has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Ooh er Scutter, thats spooky!:scared:
Pollyana is offline  
Old May 15th 2004, 2:46 am
  #45  
BE Enthusiast
 
Trevglas's Avatar
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Location: Back in Aus
Posts: 721
Trevglas has a brilliant futureTrevglas has a brilliant futureTrevglas has a brilliant futureTrevglas has a brilliant futureTrevglas has a brilliant futureTrevglas has a brilliant future
Default

didnt spot if you have this on your list: when you cancel your UK car insurance, get a letter or statement from then showing what no claims bonus you have.

This will then allow you to pick up the same NCB here
Trevglas is offline  

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.