David Jenkins
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| posted on 18/7/12 at 05:29 PM |
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Oz can be a great place to live - but the culture is quite different than in the UK. It seems the same for most of the time, but then it trips you
up. My daughter and her husband live in Sydney, which really is an expensive place - just like living close in to London (but a lot more
interesting). House prices are scary, with a reasonable-sized bungalow in a decent-but-not-posh area approaching A$1million. There are cheaper
areas, but they can start to get a bit rough. There are some VERY seedy areas! Perth is similar, although not quite so expensive.
We went to Perth to visit my wife's cousin... we realised well into the flight from Sydney just how big Australia is! We could have got to New
Zealand in the same time.
Oz is more expensive in many ways - my daughter now uses a Kindle, simply because the cost of new books is so high. In the UK we're used to
books being discounted - there they take the cover price and add a fat percentage. With Kindle she can buy the books off UK or USA Amazon and
download them cut-price.
Medical care can be expensive - it seems to be half-way between the UK and USA.
Expect to spend a lot of time educating your kids about personal safety when out and about - not dodgy characters (although I'm sure they have
them) - but stuff like covering up in strong sunshine, knowing where the places are where you might meet nasty creatures, and so on. The sort of
stuff that Oz kids pick up as they grow up. You'll probably have to pick up a lot yourself!
Eating out can be a great experience, but again can be very expensive. The portions tend to be huge too!
If you're part of a close family then bear in mind how far away you'll be if something happens - my daughter was heart-broken when her
grandfather died a few years ago, and she really felt remote.
BUT - it really is a great place, if you can take it in your stride!
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RK
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| posted on 20/7/12 at 11:59 AM |
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Just a small anecdote: my cousin and aunt moved down there from Canada a few years ago. My cousin has a couple of kids, married to an Aussie. My
sister went to visit once, and was KIDNAPPED by my aunt, who was starving for someone to talk to from home. Just kind of lets you know how isolated
Purrrth is.
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Hector.Brocklebank
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| posted on 20/7/12 at 06:28 PM |
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Hi
Thanks to all for the public (and private) advice.
The job offer came through in writing and was very very good, but the recruitment company comfirmed that they wanted near on £3000.00 in visa
application fee's and that my non Eu passport holding wife would have to take an english language test @ £500.00
I did a bit of research and the is visa fee's (outwith what the employer coughs up for) but nowhere the amount the recruitment agency was
talking about, and that my other half as secondary applicant DOES NOT need to undertake their English language test (her English is actually better
than some native speakers mind you)
So i told them i would not do it unless the fee was waived.
I got a very snotty email back from the recruitment company saying that the employer was NOT prepared to pay the visa application fee, and that there
was a line of 5 guys behind me ready to pay up instantly if i backed out !!! and they advised me to basically pay up and shut up and be grateful I was
being offered a job in Oz
my reply was ok good luck with your other guys !!
THREE Minutes after sending that email I get a phone call, the guy says he has wonderful news......
he is telling me that suddenly the employer would pay the visa application for me !!
I ask why the sudden change when he had just told me the employer was not prepared to pay this cost ? silence...
this point my mind was made up and I tell the guy to go forth and multiply with himself.
Some people can never handle the truth and always try to shoot the messenger instead of taking an honest look in the mirror (its always easier to
blame another than to face reality), but secretly they wish they could grow a pair and be the messenger !!!
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RK
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| posted on 20/7/12 at 10:35 PM |
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it's a long ways to go for something with so many red flags. go with your guts. England can't be that bad; not Ireland, I know, but
can't have everything.
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WanchaiWarrior
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| posted on 24/7/12 at 02:19 AM |
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Its pretty normal for employer to pay for visa application and relocation costs, however its also pretty normal for employee to pay for these upfront
and then claim back these costs when starting (with receipts).
I had an amount for relocation and had to keep receipts for medical expenses for visa application which I claimed back upon arrival and starting with
employer. Both were however to be paid back if I moved company within 2 years. Been with same emloyer for over 6 years now.
It was a 457 visa for me, and 457 dependants for wife and daugther.
Let me know if you want to know anything.
(Im in Brisbane BTW)
Jamie
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WanchaiWarrior
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| posted on 24/7/12 at 02:21 AM |
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other half depends on what passport she holds, they make for example phillipine and south africans take it.
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bobinspain
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| posted on 24/7/12 at 09:20 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by WanchaiWarrior
Its pretty normal for employer to pay for visa application and relocation costs, however its also pretty normal for employee to pay for these upfront
and then claim back these costs when starting (with receipts).
I had an amount for relocation and had to keep receipts for medical expenses for visa application which I claimed back upon arrival and starting with
employer. Both were however to be paid back if I moved company within 2 years. Been with same emloyer for over 6 years now.
It was a 457 visa for me, and 457 dependants for wife and daugther.
Let me know if you want to know anything.
(Im in Brisbane BTW)
Jamie
Jamie,
I note you say building nuffink due to the restrictive nature of Aussie rules and regs.
If you ever 'felt the urge' to get your hands on a kit over there, Neville Jones is the man to speak to. (The cost of crated shipping is
cheaper than getting a car to Spain too!)
Bob.
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WanchaiWarrior
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| posted on 24/7/12 at 11:52 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by bobinspain
Neville Jones is the man to speak to
Who is he ?
I know of Southam Automotive Engineering in Perth, who are importing a range of UK kits, but never heard of Neville Jones before, what does he do ?
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bobinspain
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| posted on 26/7/12 at 09:59 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by WanchaiWarrior
quote:
Originally posted by bobinspain
Neville Jones is the man to speak to
Who is he ?
I know of Southam Automotive Engineering in Perth, who are importing a range of UK kits, but never heard of Neville Jones before, what does he do ?
Sent u2u Jamie.
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