Jensen Healey

Hi y'all
We're off to Brisbane to have a shufti and get our Visa's validated at the end of this month.

I'd like some tips as to what is regarded as essential to get done during the first trip.

First, is there anything required in terms of validating the Visa aprt from maybe having it stamped on entry? e.g. do we have to visit any Government office or anything?

Second, I read somewhere on here about paying over the odds for medicare if you're over 45 (40?), but that this can be circumvented if you take out a policy within 12 months of validation (or is it grant of Visa?).

Third, do we need to get Tax File Reference numbers sorted out on this visit, or will that just complicate tax matters between Oz and the UK? (We'll probably be abck in the UK fro several months before finally moving out)

Fourth, bank accounts - sort them out on the recce and leave them dormant, or wait until we;re there for good?

Fifthe etc., anything else anyone can suggest that we should be thinking about on this trip!

TIA

loz

Hi Tia

1) Visa validated on entry into Oz no need to visit any Govt dept.

2)Don't know

3)You can sort your Tax file number out when you get back to UK by doing it online but you do need an Aussie address (ie the place where you will be staying when you first get there permanently)

4)We opened a bank account with Suncorp when we went on holiday with no problems but check the charges they can be fierce

5) ENJOY YOURSELVES....................loads to see, don't miss out by just doing the 'sorting out' stuff.

Have a great trip.

Loz x

thribble

We just upped and left, so no recce etc, but here's my two-penneth worth!

No, just go through the normal queue. If you're lucky the person will notice it's your first time in and say welcome to Oz. If not, they'll just wave you through!

No idea. You might get some clue from the medicare website.

I'd leave it. It only takes a couple of weeks, and your employer will wait for it, so it's not a big deal. It would probably just confuse the tax office and they'd probably try to make you do tax returns or something!

I'm not sure. You need to do an ID check when you open one which involves address info, so you may struggle. I'd certainly recommend looking into it though, and if you do get one make sure it doesn't have a monthly fee!!

You're already way more organised than we were! The only other thing I can think of is that if you're looking into the Medicare question also look into health insurance - it's pretty much a requirement over here and if medicare have rules about your age you can bet your bottom dollar the insurers do too!

Good luck, and have a great time. Try and have a holiday too

Jensen Healey

Thanks all. I suspect that I really meant to ask about medical insurance rather than Medicare!

Pollyana

Re the opening of a bank account. With a fresh entry stamp in your passport that gives you enough ID to open one. Its a good idea, as then you have one here to transfer money into when you are ready to move

Jensen Healey

Oh no, that then raises the age-old vext issue of which bank!

Thanks Pollyanna.

TeresaG

Good luck and have a great trip.

neiluk

hi
regarding a bank account we opened one with westpac over the phone from the uk took 20 mins 5 days later our account info came through account numbers and so on. couldnt have been more helpfull.just have to go in to the main branch in perth with our passports and we will get our cards and cheuqe books.hope this helps