PO Box Address
 

Getting near to the big day now, and feel like so many questions still in my head!!!

I was thinking about getting a PO Box address in Perth as I'm likely to be moving around a bit at first. Does anyone know what the restrictions are likely to be, e.g. can I have my TFN number sent there when I apply online? What about bank accounts; I was thinking of opening an online ING account for everyday transactions, but would they need a proper residential address?

I read a post somewhere saying PO boxes are useful to have, though it didn't say what for....

Cheers,
Chrisall

Re: PO Box Address
 

P O Boxes are far more common in Aus than the UK, mainly due to the daft tiny mailboxes many houses have. Very little mail can't be sent to a PO Box number - I've only found it with a couple of retail websites I think. Setting up bank accounts, TFN etc you will have to give them a residential address but most forms also have a space for Mailing Address - thats where you put the PO Box.

Re: PO Box Address
 

Brilliant, thanks for the info that's very useful to know.

Cheers,
Chrisall

Re: PO Box Address
 

I've found that even for a couple of websites that I've entered my GPO Box and then been told that a residential address is required, the item has still turned up at the GPO. I think it's just so they can bust you they find meth amphetamine in your tiaras and tutus.

Re: PO Box Address
 

A PO box can be useful if you don't immediately move into the place where you're going to live for a while. In other words, if you were planning on staying somewhere for 2-3 months at first, it can be a hassle remembering to change all the stuff you have to sign up for (bank, insurnace, car, health etc), so at least with a PO box you know it'll all be sent to the one place for however long you have it.

The downside is of course that you have to gamble that your PO Box will actually be convenient to check after you move! If you know where you will be working, it might be easier to have it near work than near your first home.

Re: PO Box Address
 

I organised one before I arrived in 2000 and directed all my mail to it. I still have it although it's not particular convienent (10kms from where I live) I only check it once a week but everything goes to it because it's secure (mail has gone missing from mailbox at home). Plus if I move I know I won't loose any mail.
I find I'm recieving less and less mail as I switch to recieving everything via email.

Re: PO Box Address
 

You can pay extra to have them text you when something arrives but it seemed a bit pricy. My one is a the shopping centre so m there every week or so anyway.

Re: PO Box Address
 

You can't always get one where you want - the PO just doesn't have enough in some places. I seem to remember we needed an Aus address in order to get a PO box.

Re: PO Box Address
 

I have had one since 1983 and when I came over to the UK my daughter inherited it lololol guess her daughter will also one day :)