Stralians....give me a to do list

[schoolholidaymeanshotcrossmum]

So, moving to QLD in 3 and a half weeks, despite (because of?!) short notice things going well this end. But would very much like a to do list for arrival...

...things like get the equivalent of an ni number/ open bank account/ sign up to medicare. What else? Any tips on going about any of it?

Thanks in advance

I still use my UK credit card quite regularly anyway - used it just a week ago to buy something from IWOOT, who charge £10 delivery to Australia. And then I have it on hand for when I go back to the UK as well. It is registered at my dad's address though - not sure how it would work if I had to move my address over here; although I have done that with my HSBC accounts and I still have a credit card with them as well (don't use it because I've mislaid it here in the house somewhere, and I get points on my other card that translate into money vouchers to spend).

Last time I was back, I had to go and unlock a building society account that I'd failed the security questions on over the phone; and asked whether I should still have that account, being overseas. They already had my Australian address but the man said I should be in a different account (I could still have one, just not the one I already had, iyswim) and switched it over for me there and then.

There obviously are some advantages to a global economy after all...

Thanks for that advice. I don't have a UK address any more (house purchase fell through just as we were leaving!) but I could get one at a push. My banks have been happy to send correspondence to me in Aus but cannot change the registered address without my losing my rights to my accounts apparently.
I find this odd because like Allthreeways, I know at least three of my Mum's friends that have had Barclays accounts for years and years. My godmother used to top hers up when she visited the UK.
Thumbsnose - 10 pound delivery doesn't sound bad. I wanted to order from Boden once but the delivery charge was horrendous.

Asos does free delivery

As does amazon

M&S is only £10 delivery as well, if that helps!
I did look at getting a food order sent out but the delivery charge was around £64!!! I didn't bother.

What is Asos?

Asos is a uk clothing company www.asos.com/?r=2

Thanks All3!

sorry, you're quite right. 47sp is the form - too many sleepless nights. anyway, its the permanent spouse. thanks again for all the info, it is so helpful, and I love a good list.

nope, not brisbane. dh's job is in rockhampton but we'd like to live out of town we think. so I don't think we'll have the desperate getting into schools worry. mil is supposed to be looking into it for me at the moment, for my dd, who has turned 5 today .

right, so now this is totally off topic. But was holding everything together and getting really organised. all felt good, then spent the weekend with my incredibly supportive folks and have cried all the way home. it's not even the last time I'll see them before we go....I've lived overseas before.... they are on my side. How does one harden the feck up whilst still respecting the relationships you have with people at home/ elsewhere?

Promise yourself a trip home within six months of going. It was the only thing that got me on the plane.

Schoolholiday - one doesn't.
I went back 5m after leaving, admittedly because I had some paperwork issues (tax return) and really had to, but also it helped. I then went again another 6m later; and again 8m after that. I probably have to wait another 12m or so now before I can go again but that will be hard. DH was warned though - it was the one stipulation I had about coming over here, was that he would let me go back when I needed to.

thanks for that. i didn't think we could afford to be going backwards and forwards too much, but i might be about to change my mind. can't get my mum's "just barely holding it together " face out of my head. In some ways it would be easier if they weren't being so fabulous and then I could go all rebellious and it might not hurt as much.

DH keeps saying we don't have to go if we don't want to...but I DO want to I really do (Not sure he understands mixed feelings!)

Apologies, the lump in my throat appears to be affecting my ability to punctuate correctly.

You'll need a pair of flip flops for when you are dressed up to go out

Thongs, hevian, Thongs!!!

One company (can't remember which) is linked to Bupa

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