xzibit

As I'm currently waiting for my CO to notice my meds have been finalised and him to give me my visa, I've got some things I need cleared so I know what I've got to do and whether I should book my flight.

What needs sorting before I go? Do I have to tell anyone I'm going to Oz?

I plan to go and see how I get on for 6 months, and then decide if I'm going to stay or not.
I moved back to my parents house at the weekend, so all my stuff is there, and my bank accounts etc are all registered there. So all my post will go there, and my Mum can scan and email anything important for me.

Do I have to notify anyone I'm leaving? Or is it as easy as setting up an Oz bank account, transfering the money, booking flights, sorting sending a few belongings over, and then going?!?!

If after 6 months, I decide to stay for good, I can get anything I need sent out to me etc.

Any advice?

Pollyana

Have a look through the top tips threads here -
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=345774

Wendy

It might be an idea to give your Mum Power of Attorney just in case you don't want to go back. She can then close bank accounts, or sort out any problems you may have with bills or whatever.

xzibit

Thanks pollyana, I had already read them, but as I don't want to completely cut myself off from coming back then I didn't know what was a MUST if you get me.

I've seen it's an idea to tell the tax people, that I probably don't plan on coming back before April?!

Can I do that at a later date by putting it in writing? Or must I do it before I leave?

I presume that quite a bit, I can sort when I'm in Oz if need be, and get my Mum to sort it from the UK end.

Do I need to take medical notes out with me and that? Or can I literally arrive with some clothes, my bike and my xbox, and carry on as normal?

Wendy

I think you would have to be present to give your Mum power of attorney, or you could open a joint bank account - it's just in case really. If there's a problem with something it's not so easy to sort out from this side of the world

As for the rest, we brought nothing at all except clothes and photos. Have never had a problem (except with the bank - HSBC) I didn't bring medical records and I have some issues that need regular care - doctor didn't even want to know he did his own tests based on what I told him

xzibit

Right. Anything I have missed out?