Pippa1972

OK... we got our PR approved TODAY! YaY but OMG This means that there is nothing stopping us now! I just don't have the first idea where to start

We have been very busy since we applied back in June 08, so unlike many we do not have all this planned out. Five months ago we had our 3rd child but it means that we have not stopped, as well as DH was made redundant and it took months of hard graft to get a job (albeit a contract role). We have no house to sell, so that's easy and are looking at Brisbane but will consider Melbourne and possibly Perth.

So my questions.......

1) What's the best bank?
2) Best way/place to transfer currency
3) Where does everyone stay when they arrive? (MIL is making a huge deal about how we'll have to stay in a hotel for 3 months)
4) best airline prices/extra baggage allowance etc.
5) helpful web sites
6) House/rental web sites (we will probably move to Brisbane)

I do appreciate that a lot of this may have been asked so people may have links but it would be nice to hear from everyone, as my head really is spinning We will look to move a.s.a.p! I know there is lots of wisdom out there!

Any help gratefully received, even if it's just pointing us in the right direction

Thanks, Pippa

comet555

A lot of your questions you will get multiple answers for, everyone has their favourites.

1. We use Westpac, have loved them so far although others might disagree.
2. We used Ozforex and thought they were fantastic. Usually Ozforex and HiFX are the two most recommended currency exchange services.
3. I would get a furnished holiday rental for a week or two so that you have time to find a long term rental.
4. Airlines, I have no idea. We flew from Canada not the UK so can't comment.
5. The most helpful website by far has been this one. You'll find all the info and help you need on here.
6. House rental websites:
www.realestate.com.au
There's tabs at the top for buying, renting, etc. Just click on renting and then the map to narrow down the area. You need to have a rough idea of suburbs though to get an idea for rent.

You'll also find this map website helpful to figure out where all the suburbs are.
www.whereis.com.au

Lastly, congratulations on the visa!

And before I forget it is 11pm Brisbane time so you probably won't get too many responses for quite a while because everyone will be sleeping.

TMRE

Take your time looking for rentals, a lot of them will look nothing like the pictures on the websites. Be prepared to find 10 other couples etc looking round at the same time as well. On the map they may look close to the CBD but public transport can be a bit hit and miss.

ps some of us in Brizzy can stay awake after 9pm

Pollyana

There are a few nocturnal types around aren't there

1) What's the best bank? ANZ
2) Best way/place to transfer currency www.tranzfers.com
4) best airline prices/extra baggage allowance etc. www.expedia.co.uk If you're looking for extra baggage you will almost certainly have to fly Singapore Airlines.
5) helpful web sites http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=54
6) House/rental web sites (we will probably move to Brisbane)
www.realestatecom.au have a look at www.ourbrisbane.com
and http://www.transinfo.qld.gov.au/ alongside too to see how easy it is to get to suburbs by public transport.

fairystar

hi
congrats pippa
we travel on our 457 in 2 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!1

does anyone know how to tranasfer money when you havent got an aussie bank yet????
we have opened a hsbc here but they said i havent enough time to open the aussie one before i go and will need to do it there, can i then online transfer funds from that account to the agent to the aussie account??
thanks
natxx

nevsy

Snap

comet555

Yes, but not may of us after 11pm!

Pippa1972

Thanks, I will look into the links

So excited.... can't wait now