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"How Do I...?" Topic Index; in the process of being updated (29/06/2011)
Topic Started: Jan 16 2008, 01:39:14 PM (3,113 Views)
TerritorianTori	Jan 16 2008, 01:39:14 PM Post #1
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Here is a directory of frequently-discussed topics. Have a look through here, your question may have already been answered. To view a category, click on the link and it will open in a new window. Cars (motorcycles) & Drivers Licences Centrelink Children - schools, special issues Clothing Computers Cost of Living Credit - cards, how to build in Oz Customs & Quarantine Education (see also "Children") Electronics - voltage & hertz issues, converters (see also TVs) Employment - general Employment - jobs/careers Expatriate Issues - voting, citizenship, travel Furniture - where to find, recommendations Gifts & gift cards Healthcare - how it works, private insurance (see also "Medicare") Housing - rentals, buying property in Oz, home loans Insurance (see also Housing, Travel) Interests / Hobbies / Organisations Internet - differences, providers Legal Locations Medicare - eligibility, how it works, how to sign up Money Issues - bank accounts, loans, transferring money between countries Pets - transport, quarantine Shipping - moving companies, quotes, insurance Shipping - mailing packages, postage Taxes Telephones - mobile/cellular phone differences, calling cards Travel - airlines, best deals, tips, insurance TVs and VCR/DVD players - NTSC vs PAL, regions, converters, TiVo "What should I bring/what should I leave behind?" "Where can I find/buy...?" Miscellaneous Edited by TerritorianTori, Jun 29 2011, 06:09:29 PM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:04:14 AM Post #2
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Cars (motorcycles) & Drivers Licences L-Plate Log Book - does it have to be "neat and tidy"? Why was my car loan rejected? How to buy a used car in a private sale How much to ship a classic car from the US to Australia? Any car dealerships in Melbourne open on Sundays? How hard is it to get a drivers licence in Australia, if you never had one in the USA? Car insurance recommendations? How do I get a drivers licence in NSW? Novated leases (car financing) - how do they work? Has anyone dealt with Stratton Finance when buying a new car? Where can I take driving lessons in Sydney? Can't get a car loan from a bank - are there other ways to finance? How can we get the best interest rate on a car loan? Do Americans need an International Driver's Licence to drive in Australia? Has anyone used a car-share service? Using US car seats in Australia (legality) Is it better to lease or buy a car? What do I need to know about rego and greenslips? What can I expect car maintenance to cost? Do I need a special licence to drive a scooter? (NSW) How do I avoid double taxation on a third-party car purchase? Has anyone shipped a motorcycle? Is it worth it? Do cars have a cigarette lighter/charger - and is it 12 volts? Are car leases popular and economic in Australia? Are they similar to the US? How quickly did you adapt to driving on the left side of the road once you moved to Australia? Can I get a NSW driver's license if I am on a temporary visa (spouse)? How do I get a NSW drivers licence? Should I ship a car or buy a car? Has anyone shipped a car? What are the rules for carseats in Australia? Will I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Australia? How long after you get your tax number/ID can you apply for a car loan? Experiences with shipping motorcycle to Oz? How can I find out if this is a decent price for a car? Will we need to take some type of driver's ed classes, or will our American driver's licenses just be converted over to Australian licenses? How is it learning to drive on the opposite side of the road? How much do you pay for car servicing? Is there a web site for Aussie car pricing (new and used) like Kelley or Edmunds in the US? Edited by TerritorianTori, Jul 8 2011, 10:53:33 AM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:05:22 AM Post #3
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Children - schools, special issues Any Awana clubs in Sydney? Boy/Girl Scouts in Australia compared to the US How do I access dental care for my children? (school clinics) Using US car seats in Australia (legality) Moving to Australia with teenagers - any transition problems? Has anyone used an au pair in Australia? Has anyone brought their US babysitter with them (temporarily)? Would it be weird for me to attend my child's school events? Are there car seat laws in Australia? (and what are they?) What should we bring? (baby stuff) How do you survive a long flight with kids? Should we bring toys? How expensive are toys in Australia? Anyone know anything about Playgroup Victoria? (Melbourne) Any advice on flying with small children? How do school buses work? Do kids in Oz see GPs instead of pediatricians? Do kids in Oz get annual physicals? Where do children go for required immunisations? What questions should I be asking when choosing a childcare provider? Moving with kids - changing grades mid-year? How did your kids settle into Australian life and school? Suggestions for making the transition from US to Australia easier for a young teen? Edited by TerritorianTori, Jul 8 2011, 10:55:33 AM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:06:14 AM Post #4
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Clothing & Bedding Where can I find work pants like Dockers in Australia? Are sheet sizes in the US the same as Australia? Any good underwear brands here? Edited by TerritorianTori, Jun 29 2011, 05:28:22 PM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:07:31 AM Post #5
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Cost of Living What day to day items/activities are cheaper in the USA than in AUS and vice versa? How much will it cost for a family of five to live in Perth? Random info on cost of living and frugality Why is the cost of living so high in Oz? Does cost of living in Australia vary by region/state? Anyone know of a US/AU cost of living calculator? How do you find the cost of living in Australia compared to the cost of living in USA? Cost of living - what was the biggest sticker shock for you? Melbourne cost of living? Wage vs. rent and other necessities?? (will we make it?) Edited by TerritorianTori, Jul 2 2011, 02:48:26 PM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:08:40 AM Post #6
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Credit - cards, how to build in Oz How do I build my credit (in both US and Australia)? How do I prove I am a permanent resident? (for credit purposes) How to buy/finance a home in Oz with no recent credit history? Does bad credit in the US affect you in Australia? Keep your credit rating in control (article) Did you all cancel your U.S. credit cards, and start with a new one (or ones) in Oz? Is it difficult to get a credit card, as a new arrival in the country (457 visa)? How does one's credit history transfer, if at all? Information on credit cards in Australia (how they work) Best ways to build credit in Australia? Edited by TerritorianTori, Jun 21 2011, 06:35:24 PM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:09:34 AM Post #7
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Customs & Quarantine Any issues with Customs when using "Space Bags"? I'm already living in Australia, can I still ship personal effects and not pay duty? Is it legal to import craft items for resale? Which forms will we need? Issues bringing horse saddles & tack? Will we be able to take a wooden train set into Australia? Can we bring kitchenware (knives, cutlery) in our checked luggage? Hot sauce? Spices? Any issues with family/friends bring over your personal effects in their luggage? Can I get away with importing brand-new large appliances? How much duty can I expect to pay? Want to avoid paying duty - can I insure my belongings for one amount and declare a different amount to Customs? Shipping an old computer to Oz - will we have to pay duty? Will it be inspected? Will I have any issues with Customs if I bring prescription medications in my purse? Do I need to declare my prescription/OTC medications? Shipping newly-purchased items - will I have to pay duty? How much? Unaccompanied Personal Effects statement - How specific do I have to be? Tips for online ordering Duty-Free items Does the incoming passenger card ask about "goods not accompanying you"? Bringing vitamins from the States - OK if they're "opened"? Can I bring a gingerbread man? Has anyone tried to bring in 'used bedding' (mattresses/sheets)? Has anyone's mattresses/carpets been quarantined? How long? AQIS reply regarding bringing spices into Australia What documentation will I need to prove the value of 'new' items? Declaring new items? How much should I budget for import duties and fees? What is the duty-free limit for mailing items to Oz? Will we have to pay duty on new items? Issues with bringing wooden furniture to Australia? Bringing stuff made of wood - cedar/maple hangers? guitar? Question on wooden picture frames - will I run into trouble? What do they do to "decontaminate" items? Do I need to declare my newer items (less than 12 mos old) when shipping? Is there a certain limit (value wise) of what you can bring in new without being charged extra duty for it? What are the rules for bringing alcohol back to the States? Bringing Alcohol in to Australia - has anyone brought more than 2L? How much tax did you pay? Can I ship my wine collection into Oz? Will I have to pay duty? Edited by TerritorianTori, Jul 8 2011, 11:18:00 AM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:11:24 AM Post #8
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Education (see also "Children", "Employment - jobs, careers", "Taxes") How to best prepare for college in the US while attending Australian high school? How can I find out the out-of-pocket costs for attending university in Australia? How can I get a job teaching in Australia (NSW) as an American? Are we eligible for the Education Tax Refund on a 457 visa? University questions - Is it easy to get accepted? How are teaching styles different? Student organisations? Do we need to pay international fees for public/state schools (in VIC) on a 457 visa? Where can I sit for the SATs in Perth? Any experiences with TAFE (on a temporary spouse visa)? Proctored/invigilated exams Suggestions on how to find good schools in Melbourne? Will my son be able to attend school in Australia on a 6-month tourist visa? 457 visa holders - will we have to pay state international tuition rates at a private school? Special needs programs in primary schools Public vs private schools in Sydney - costs? quality? How do I compare them? Why are some high schools called "colleges"? Comprehensive info on public schools in Australia and how they compare to the US Has anyone used HECS-HELP to pay for university? How does it work? What documentation will my son need to attend high school in NSW? Is history taught in NSW high schools? Should I buy my school supplies in the US or Australia? Do Australian universities have paid "teaching assistants" (TAs)? What qualifications do I need to teach ESL in Australia? How much can I expect to pay for books/supplies at university? How much would we need to save in Australia for a good university for our child? Will I have to pay international fees while my PR visa is processing? Question for students - what is a "unit"? HECS - am I eligible? Edited by TerritorianTori, Jul 8 2011, 10:47:07 AM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:12:25 AM Post #9
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Electronics - voltage & hertz issues, converters (see also TVs, Computers) Will my US car cell/mobile phone charger work in Australia? Should we bring our Dyson vacuum cleaner? Will it work with a transformer? Christmas tree lights Should we bring our US lamps? Will we need a converter? Will Aussie light bulbs/globes work? Can I use my US Wii in Australia? Will I need a transformer? RCA inputs on Aussie TVs - are they the same? Bringing an electric guitar to Australia Where can I buy US-Oz plug adapters? Self-modified AC power adapters - anyone tried this? Can I use an American digital radio in Oz? Will my sewing machine work with a step-down transformer/converter? Is it worth it to bring my small appliances (hair dryer, iPod docking station, electric toothbrush)? Will they work with a converter? Is it worth it to bring our big-screen TV and electric piano? I need to bring my portable DVD player & blender - will I need a converter? Transformer? Or just a plug adapter? Has anyone found a reasonably-priced 100W step-down transformer? Where can I buy a plug adapter for my laptop? Can I bring electrical goods from Oz to the US? Do cars have a cigarette lighter/charger - and is it 12 volts? Do I need a converter for my laptop? Which electronics should I bring/leave behind? Shipping a US Washer/Dryer to Australia? Should I ship my power tools? Buying electronics in Oz - recommended stores in Sydney? GPS devices or software for Australia? General info on bringing electronics/appliances from the US to Oz Edited by TerritorianTori, Jul 8 2011, 11:09:53 AM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:14:03 AM Post #10
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Employment - general (see also "Taxes") What to do about retirement funds - transfer? discontinue? Should I put my visa status on my resume? Roth IRA, 401K, and tax implications in both countries Salary sacrificing I've left Australia, how can I get my superannuation back? Moving back to the US - can I apply for unemployment there? Forced termination after going on maternity leave Employment & tax advice for WHV holders Am I allowed to do contract work on the side while on a 457 visa? Advice on starting my own company - will I really "increase cash in hand and reduce tax"? Should I sign up with a temp agency while job hunting? When a job ad says, "Must have Residency", does it mean permanent residency? Or any type of residency? How do I get paid? Is it possible to get paycheques cashed without a bank account? Have any of you found that resumes for Australian firms need to be longer/shorter/qualitatively different from a US resume? How are you finding the job market these days? Have any of you used www.Seek.com.au and gotten a job through it? Any tips or advice for effective job search? How did you obtain your Tax File Number? Which company do you use for your superannuation? Do I need a TFN to work in Australia? Do I need to notify Immigration when I begin working? Working from Australia for US company - issues? withholding? taxes? (part 2) What surprised you about the business culture in Australia compared to the US? Tips on fitting in/making friends in the workplace? Applying for job online - should the cover letter be posted in the body of the email, or as a separate attachment like the resume? How should I dress for my interview? Official figures for wages in Australia? What is "super"? How is it calculated? Anything I should know when entering into salary negotiations? Is it legal to ask your age in an interview? Does age affect your job prospects? Where can I find info on employment laws? Getting a job in Australia - do I need certain documents? how should I prepare before leaving the States? Is it hard to find a job on a temp visa? How do I explain gaps in my resume? How to calculate average salary & tax withholdings? Recommended temp agencies? Is it normal to get no response when applying for jobs? Edited by TerritorianTori, Jun 30 2011, 11:06:26 AM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:15:07 AM Post #11
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Furniture - where to find, recommendations Where can I buy a "normal" couch? Furniture rentals in Melbourne? Pine furniture stores in Melbourne? What are the best second-hand/vintage furniture stores in Sydney? Does anyone have any recommendations for places to buy furniture in Melbourne? Furniture rentals in Canberra? Who can I call to haul away my old furniture (Melbourne)? Does anyone in Perth know of any good thrift shops with second hand furniture? Edited by TerritorianTori, Jul 1 2011, 12:20:18 PM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:17:07 AM Post #12
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Healthcare - how it works, private insurance, dental Do I need a letter from my doctor if I am bringing prescription meds into Australia? Where can I get travel insurance if I am not an Australian resident (e.g. on a WHV)? Travel insurance for 457 visa holders Yearly exam, pap smear, birth control - GP or OB/GYN? What's the best private health insurer for prescription meds coverage? How to best combine private insurance with Medicare? Private health insurance on a WHV - do I need to pay for a full year upfront? Or can I pay quarterly/monthly? How do I find out if a particular medication is available in Australia? How do I find a doctor in Melbourne? Medical insurance on a 457 - 390 vs 120 plans from www.austhealth.com Can I get medical insurance coverage after I've arrived in Australia on an ETA? List of birth control medications covered by the PBS, US-Oz equivalents Tips on getting private insurance with pre-existing conditions Recommended chiropractors in Melbourne? Visiting Australia - can I get travel insurance that will pay my medical bills directly (versus reimbursing me later)? How do I find a doctor in Sydney? Will I need a pap smear to get birth control here? How much does dental work cost in Australia without insurance? How much will my medications cost on the PBS? Should I bring a supply with me from the States? Will I have any issues with Customs if I bring prescription medications in my purse? How much do over-the-counter medications cost in Australia? Tylenol equivalent? How do I access dental care for my children? (school clinics) What's the difference between "cover as a private patient in a public hospital" and "comprehensive private health cover"? (private vs public hospitals) 457 visa and private insurance - Are immunizations and well child checkups covered? How much do you pay for private insurance? 457 and private insurance - what is typically covered? Are prescription drugs subject to a 12-month wait period for coverage? How much do you pay for a dental exam and cleaning? Aussie equivalent for US birth control pills? What are your experiences with having a baby in Australia's 'public system'? (2) What are your experiences with having a baby in Australia's 'public system'? Private insurance recommendations for working holiday visa? Will bringing medical records raise suspicion? (tourist visa) Private insurance - Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) Chipped my tooth - what do I do? Dentists? Recommended doctors in Melbourne? Bringing prescriptions from the US to Oz Do kids in Oz see GPs instead of pediatricians? Do kids in Oz get annual physicals? Where do children go for required immunisations? Private Insurance That Covers Therapy? Transferring medical records to Oz Health insurance for temp residents (prospective spouse) - recommendations? What do you pay for health insurance? (457 visa) Private health insurance for 457 visa - recommendations? pre-existing conditions? What has been your experience and impressions of dentistry between Australia and the US? What are your experiences with healthcare here? Can anyone recommend a good dentist in Melbourne (or ones to stay away from)? Will having surgery in the US cause any problems in Australia? Edited by TerritorianTori, Jul 8 2011, 10:50:56 AM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:19:38 AM Post #13
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Housing - rentals, buying property in Oz, home loans (for hotels & holiday homes, see "Travel") Cheap serviced apartments in Sydney? Has anyone experienced difficulty finding a rental? Is it possible to secure a rental before we arrive? Apartment complexes vs units (differences) Has anyone invested in US property from Australia, as a US citizen? How to rent without losing your bond or your mind - tips & advice Need recommendations for temporary accommodation in Sydney, for a family of five? How difficult is it to get a rental with dogs? 6-month leases Best way to find a rental property in Sydney? Will we be OK without heat and A/C living on the water in Sydney? Recommended temporary accommodation in Sydney CBD? (plus general relocation advice) I've changed my name - do I also have to change it on the deed to our house? How much will that cost? Is it tough to find a rental in Sydney? Should we look for a furnished or unfurnished place? What type of furniture do furnished places have? Can anyone recommend a good property agent in Sydney? Can anyone recommend a relocation agent (to help with the housing search)? How much notice should I give my landlord when I move out? Re-financing our mortgage - implications of being on a temporary spouse visa? Can I borrow in the US against home equity in Australia? Recommended real estate agencies? Do I have to pay to have a telephone installed in my rented property? What is the process for new migrants buying a home in Australia? Anyone here using an offset loan such as Westpac's Rocket Repay to finance your home in Australia? If so, how is it working out for you? Can anyone recommend a good web site to search for apartments in Sydney, other than domain.com.au? What, exactly, does "1 bathroom" mean? Are there such things as fixed-rate mortgages in Australia? Home loan requirements in Oz - credit history, job history? Dogs and housing - special permission? What are our rights as tenants here in Oz? (NSW) When looking for an apartment, can I expect the list price to be at all negotiable? Are utilities usually included in rent? If not, what can I expect to pay? Are people normally allowed to paint their rented accommodation? Good reno companies in Melbourne? Do apartments come with refrigerators? Apartment rentals - how do agencies work? who pays commission? Australian vs American mortgages - down payments? rates? What can I expect to pay for a 4BR 2-3BA house in a "nice" suburb of Melbourne? Edited by TerritorianTori, Jul 8 2011, 11:22:17 AM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:20:53 AM Post #14
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Insurance (see also Housing, Travel) What do you pay for Life Insurance?
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:22:19 AM Post #15
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Internet - differences, providers, accessibility, streaming audio/video Why did I pay $129 "connection fee" to hook up my Internet connection? Can I access Pandora and Netflix in Australia? Cable vs ADSL Has anyone used mobile wi-fi? Are there equivalents to Pandora, Hulu, and Netflix in Australia? Looking for a good Internet/phone package - what do you use? (naked DSL & VOIP) Where can I get immediate Internet access in Australia? (free WiFi spots, mobile broadband) Watching US TV shows on the Internet Recommended Internet providers? Are there any broadband options with unlimited access/downloads? Recommended Internet/Home Telephone providers other than Optus? Is DSL and variants of it the only choice of broadband internet in Melbourne? In particular, is there no cable broadband? Edited by TerritorianTori, Jul 8 2011, 10:45:15 AM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:23:13 AM Post #16
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Locations Recommended neighbourhoods in Perth? Can anyone recommend good suburbs within 20 minutes of Toowong or Indooroopilly and within 30 minutes (peak commuting time) of the [Brisbane] CBD? Opinions about the Sunshine Coast? Can anyone tell us about Brisbane, Sydney-Wollongong areas? How do we decide where to live? Melbourne Which suburbs in Perth and Brisbane are good for families? Family of 5 moving to Perth - suggestions for areas, good schools, finding a rental home What's the best "walkable" Sydney suburb? What is public transportation like in Sydney? Recommended neighbourhoods in Melbourne? Perth Adelaide and Brisbane Family-friendly neighbourhood suggestions in Sydney? Is Baulkham Hills a nice neighbourhood? Where can I find cheap/good accommodation in south Brisbane? Recommended Sydney suburbs? Perth vs Brisbane - recommendations, thoughts? Perth Suburbs? Can you tell me anything good or bad about the following areas of Sydney: Waverton, Cremorne, Artarmon, Neutral Bay, Lane Cove, North Epping Any recommendations for nice suburbs to focus on in both Sydney and Melbourne? Edited by TerritorianTori, Jul 1 2011, 12:23:22 PM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:24:41 AM Post #17
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Money Issues - bank accounts, loans, transferring money between countries Issues with cashing a US cheque (for a large amount of money) at an Australian bank What to do about retirement funds - transfer? discontinue? What's the best way to move a large sum (six figures) from Australia to the US? Do we have to inform US/Oz governments of the transfer? How to link bank accounts in the US and Australia (Citibank)? Travelling to SE Asia - what's the easiest/cheapest way to get US dollars? Why was my car loan rejected? How do you keep your US bank account & credit card open without a US address? How do I cash a US check in Australia without getting ripped off? Tips and advice for using Ozforex Need help transferring money from B of A to Westpac via Ozforex Visiting the US - where's the best place to buy US dollars? Is there a limit to how much money you can send back to the US? Has anyone had trouble opening a bank account while on a temporary visa AND living in Australia less than a year? How to transfer funds from B of A to Westpac (tips & insight) Where can I get a signature guarantee (in Melbourne or Sydney) that will be valid in the US? Has anyone used ING to transfer money to Oz? Is there anything like Coinstar in Oz? Where/how do I exchange my money when I arrive? Has anyone used "tranzfers.com" to transfer money between countries? How do I deposit my US (stimulus) cheque in an Aussie bank account? What's the cheapest way to do banking in Australia? Can a non-resident open a bank account? Can you buy prepaid/reloadable credit cards in Australia? Does filing for bankruptcy in the US affect your credit history in Oz? What are my options for quickly converting any money I bring with me on the plane? Will my ATM/credit cards work in Australia? How much cash should I bring? Getting a lower interest rate on student loans? How do you transfer funds to the US from Australia? fees? Table of conversion fees for various credit cards Has anyone used Moneycorp to transfer funds? Recommended Aussie banks? Transferring money via cashier's check - would that work? Oxforex vs. Paypal - which is better? What is the cash limit you can carry on your person when you enter Australia? Transferring funds - is Paypal less expensive than a bank wire transfer? What's the best way to transfer money from the US to Australia? What's the best way to transfer money from Australia to the US? Can anyone recommend a good introductory book on investing in the Australia share/bond market? How can I transfer money from my Oz account to my US account? Does anyone here pay off US college loans? Have any temp residents had trouble getting loans/financing, and what have they done about it? What are your experiences in transitioning from U.S. banks to Aussie Banks? Edited by TerritorianTori, Jul 8 2011, 10:58:15 AM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:27:19 AM Post #18
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Pets - transport, quarantine How did your dogs handle the long flight to Australia? Did anyone bring their pets from the US east coast? Bringing my Maltese to Australia - where do I start? Need advice on moving 11lb rat terrier to Australia Tips on sending a cat from DC to Melbourne How do I find an official government vet? Am I forced to use a transport company? Recommended "Dog Walker" for quarantined pets Did anyone not use a pet transport company? Should I bring my dog or not? How long does it take to receive a permit to import? What happens to your dog's crate while in quarantine? Importing pets - which airline to use? Can I send my dog to Australia ahead of time? Sending pet medication to quarantine Lepto test failed - what happens now? My experience shipping pets to Melbourne Microchipping differences and compatibility Moving your pets over is a tax deduction for temp residents! Pet Movers to stay away from! For those of you who have brought your dogs Down Under, what's your sense of how they dealt with the trip, and how long did it take them to settle into their new home life after quarantine? For those who chose not to bring your pets, what was your reason for not doing so? Bringing pets back to the US - costs? recommendations? Moving a dog - recommended companies? Recommendations for pet transport companies Bringing a cat to Oz - where to start? experiences? Edited by TerritorianTori, Jul 2 2011, 02:43:59 PM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:30:34 AM Post #19
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Shipping - moving companies, quotes, insurance (for questions on import taxes/duties, see "Customs and Quarantine") YDU member who owns a US-Australia shipping company? Should we pack our own boxes or let the movers do it? Will it clear Customs faster if the movers do it? What shipping address do I put down if we don't yet have a "home" in Australia? How much to ship a small crate to Melbourne? Any experiences with a company called OSS (in Australia)? Insurance inventory/valuation - how do you do it? Support documentation? Advice on shipping a TV (and other small items) in a small shipping container Which moving companies have people used (US to Australia)? Would it be easier/cheaper to sell our stuff and buy new, or ship our stuff from the US? Shipping from Colorado to Perth - any experiences with Rainier? Has anyone shipped a 5th wheel trailer? What's the best way to get our stuff from the US to Australia? Moving back to the US - how much did you take? companies? reviews? Frieght-Forwarding - how do I receive my stuff when I arrives in Oz? Our experience using a liftvan (Texas to Sydney) How much did you bring and what did it cost you? Do I need a shipping agent to receive our items in Australia? How did you pack your wooden items (for Customs inspection)? Finding an interstate removalist? How did you determine the value of the goods you are shipping over for insurance purposes? Has anyone ever used a "Lift Van" for shipping to Oz? Shipper/Consignee Profile - how to fill out? What is the difference between shipping and freight forwarding? How far in advance of your move did you start getting moving quotes? Did you pack your own boxes or did the moving company do that? How did you move sentimental or important items - photos, file cabinet documents etc? Would anyone mind sharing... moving costs Domestic (within Oz) moving company recommendations? Moving companies & quotes.. what should I do? Did anyone use a moving company to ship boxes to Australia? Recommendations? Edited by TerritorianTori, Jul 2 2011, 02:39:12 PM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys


TerritorianTori	Apr 5 2008, 04:31:45 AM Post #20
Dance to disco Posts: 4,775 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: Feb 14, 2007 I come from... Rio Grande Valley, Texas I now live in... Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia	Shipping - mailing packages, postage What's the quickest way to send legal documents from Oz to the US? Cheapest way to send 2 x 40lb boxes from the US to Oz? Amazon - can you get free "super saver shipping" to Australia? What's the cheapest way to send small packages from Oz to the US? Mail forwarding from the States - recommendations? Best way to ship medium-sized boxes to Australia? Experiences with couriers other than USPS? Mail and package forwarding services - recommendations? What's the best way to ship a box so that it arrives around the same time we do? Has anyone mailed clothes to Oz? What is the duty-free limit for mailing items to Oz? Mailing personal items - what to put on the declaration form? Info on Flat Rate Boxes from the USPS What is the most economical way to ship boxes within Australia Shipping books via M-bags What is the most economical way to ship boxes to Australia? Edited by TerritorianTori, Jun 29 2011, 05:54:01 PM.
	South Texas to the Northern Territory - since 2004 I'm a huge fan of... Angry Video Game Nerd \| The Big Bang Theory \| Doctor Who \| Pet Shop Boys \| Yanks Down Under ~ Americans living in Australia Avatar by Sketch Shop Boys

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