fredk Posted January 2, 2018 Report Share Posted January 2, 2018 We arrived on 27 Nov in Sydney - has it only been a month? Herewith just some experiences, thoughts and hopefully tips to those still coming and nostalgia to those who's been here a while... Flights: We booked 1way, direct flights on Qantas. Used our SA vitality discount which then didn't end up too bad. Our kids were awesome on the flight. Each could take 30kgs of luggage which we didn't get close to using. The jetlag was a killer for us in that 1st week. 1st night my oldest son didn't go to sleep at all; and finally went to bed 6am. They were not all in sync, so my wife and I took turns watching whoever was awake. NOT FUN. Temp accommodation: We have 4 kids so finding something suitable is not the easiest to do, especially in Dec on a ZAR budget. We were very lucky - found a 3bedr place in the central coast; close to the beach. This helped us adjust and made it feel like a bit of a holiday. The kids loved going to the beach daily (we made a point of it) and it helped us cope in some ways. It was also much cheaper than options in Sydney - actually even for South African terms it was relatively cheap - about ZAR30k through AirBnB for 25 nights (yes, that was ZAR). Admin week 1: We did bank acc on day 1. This was relatively straight-forward - going into the branch to activate the account. Key for new arrivals: make sure you activate your card & set the pin (saves having to do it later via the app); also get a printout confirming your address. You provide them with your temp address - how refreshing no FICA! "You mean you just take my word for it that I stay at this address"? Everyone was too tired for more... On day 2 we did Centrelink/medicare. This was also easy enough - many forms to complete; especially with 4 kids. Everyone has to be there. They didn't enjoy it but about a week later we got our medicare cards posted to us. Day 3 we did the drivers license conversion: Again just a form and a photo. You had to have 100 points ID (or just 2 separate types), so it was key to have bank card PLUS passport; and off course the old SA license. I did take the letter from SA stating I had a valid license, but that was really adding value and it wasn't really required. Searching for a rental: Everyone makes this sounds so horrible so we were either lucky or just expected it to be much worse. We really enjoyed the central coast so considered for a while getting a rental there - it is a bit cheaper than Sydney, close to the beach and public transport is available. In the end we decided against it since there were not many rentals available (it was Dec so not a lot of supply then) and I wasn't really prepared for the commute. We decided on Castle Hill and did a lot of online searching. We went to the open house for one which we liked - there was not a lot of people and we had 30mins to view. During the viewing we got the impression we were the only ones really interested, so we made an offer the next day (at a lower price than asked) and it was immediately accepted. Yay! Car: We initially rented a car for 12 days; which I extended for another week. The objective was to buy a car during this time. I preferred to do a novated lease, rather than spending a lot of cash (saving for a deposit on a house, one day when I'm a big boy). This took a bit more time than anticipated. I needed to get up to speed on (or "get across" as these peeps would say) salary sacrifice and novated leases. In the end we had to give back the rental before we had our car - luckily for some awesome friends who let us borrow their car! Camping in an empty house: Seems like most people go through this - one of those unavoidable rites of passage it seems. My top tip here would be: don't be proud, join a community FB group and ask people to help out. They are very generous. Be clear and ask what is needed (i.e. fridge, cutlery, mattresses, etc.). We were given most of these and we are very thankful - not sure what we would've done without the help of some people. Container: The summary here is: we used ExecuMove in SA for a 20ft container. Cost was ZAR78k. Their service in SA was excellent. It was moved on 17 Nov. It arrived in Sydney port on 30 Dec 2017. We just got a message today (2 Jan 2018) to say it was customs cleared, and we're awaiting a date for quarantine clearance (and then subsequent delivery). This cannot happen soon enough - can't wait!! Other admin items: Phones - Vodafone has a pretty good deal for $50pm, you get 30GB data monthly and also 1200 free minutes to international countries (incl SA). Reception so far has been okay so happy enough. Internet - got Optus ADSL2+ contract for $60pm. This gives unlimited data usage plus a free wifi router (if you sign up for 12m contract). Pay TV - at this stage not getting it. Considering Google Chromecast / similar. Still not sure where I'll watch sports... Electricity & gas - Used ConnectNow (there are other similar providers) as a one stop shop to organise this. Make sure you call them at least 2 days prior to moving in to get it connected. Estate agents told us to call them on moving day, but this is too late. Credit cards: did the application from SA which helped. Private health: you need private hospital cover to avoid the medicare surcharge; assuming you are over the income thresholds (google them - easy to find). New arrivals have 1 year to do so. Getting Private "Extras" (essentially for specialist consultations like dental, optometry, etc) does not qualify for avoiding the surcharge; you need private hospital option with max co-payment of $1000 pa. We haven't yet taken this out but will do so in time. Etoll: I am happily paying etoll here. Although in SA I also paid; just less "happily". Register easy enough online and get the tag in the mail. Moving cash over: I used the Shyft app from Standard Bank. The reasons I like it: all in my hands to do anytime, 24/7. Rates are competitive. Fee of AUD18 per transaction, regardless of size. I think you do need a Standard Bank account to transfer your ZAR into your Shyft wallet - not sure if compatible with other banks. Took about 4 days for money to arrive in Aus acc. Tax: filed online for TFN (tax file number). Can only do after you've arrived. Do it asap though since you wait for it to arrive - your new employer will need it. Other experiences: It is overwhelming starting a new job, moving into a new house, into a new country. You don't know the roads so constantly use GPS. Need to get used to where to shop; not only groceries (for now we default to Coles) but also other items. So if we have a tough day then we know next day will be better - I think it's okay to have some tough days. We've found people friendly and happy to help out. Postal system which works! We get stuff posted to our house, and it actually arrives. Best example: my son forgot his glasses in the park next to the car rental company. We only realised this 2 days after. We called them: they found it still in the grass in the park; posted it to our address and next day we had it back. What an awesome experience! Our kids homeschool so can't really comment on schools. Also, I managed to secure a job prior to moving over so didn't have that additional stress on me as well. Happy if anyone has questions for you to ask away - hoping this helps someone! 12 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riekie Posted January 3, 2018 Report Share Posted January 3, 2018 Thanks for sharing all that info - and welcome to Sydney! Castle Hill is a great area to live! December and January is a renters market - not many people who move that time of year - other times of the year can be a bit of a challenge. There is a huge South African mothers group in the hills - maybe it would be good for the kids being home schooled to socialise with other kids their age and also for you to meet other families in the same boat. They have a Facebook group - not sure what is it called actually, but I can find out and post the link here later. Here it is: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=south african moms in the hills district (sydney) nsw There is also a home schooling support group in Sydney - they offer support and arrange get-togethers for home school parents and home schooled kids. http://shen.org.au/ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlesH Posted January 3, 2018 Report Share Posted January 3, 2018 Thanks for sharing your experiences. This post will be so helpful when we make our move (will hopefully have our PR visa soon). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marmotte Posted January 7, 2018 Report Share Posted January 7, 2018 Thanks Fredk for the info this is much appreciated. My turn on the 25th this month. Also in Sydney. Your info will be of much help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
renebo Posted January 7, 2018 Report Share Posted January 7, 2018 @fredk Thanks for the info, I have a couple of questions if you don't mind sharing What was the issue with novated lease? Is private health care a must by law or just a personal preference? You said you applied for credit card from SA, which bank? Hope to hear from you soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredk Posted January 8, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2018 No problem Novated lease It just took a bit longer than I thought it would (than the salesman said it would), because 1. They require you to provide at least 2 payslips. Since I just started working here I didn't yet have 2. Luckily we get paid fortnightly so got the 2nd payslip and provided. 2. We bought a new car, and the dealer had to order a car for us. These 2 were the main issues, and luckily ran concurrently. I was also not familiar with novated leases so spent some time trying to understand how it works. I guess if you've decided on a car and have all the paperwork ready, then it can be done within a week, assuming the dealership has the car in stock. Private healthcare is not a must by law. It is your choice. The downside to not getting it: 1. You may be subject to medcare levy surcharge 2. if you wait to get it, and then get it later (after you are 30), there is an additional "loading" tax applied per year after you've turned 30. New arrivals/PRs are exempt for 1 year from this. 3. Public hospitals will only treat you immediately in case of emergency (real emergency). In other cases you will likely not be able to choose your doctor or the date (may need to wait for treatment). Credit card: I opened a bank account with Commonwealth Bank online. I was then contacted by a relationship manager and asked if they could assist with additional services while still not in Aus. I said I'd like to apply for credit card so long, so did the paperwork before arrival. I did though 1st have to activate my account in person at a branch before being able to get the credit card. Hoping this helps! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunet Posted January 8, 2018 Report Share Posted January 8, 2018 @fredk Thanks for sharing, very valuable info to have! Hopefully we are making the move to Sydney soon. @Riekie thanks for sharing the mother support group info. Good to know that you can connect with other moms that will understand what you are going through. The adjustment for the kids is stressing me out a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riekie Posted January 9, 2018 Report Share Posted January 9, 2018 You're welcome @Sunet - your kids will be fine, especially if they're still little. The teenagers struggle a bit in general but it is mostly a case of missing their social group and struggling to find their "place" in a new social group (very important at that age). Just get them involved in as many things as possible outside of school (forcing them into a variety of social situations). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisH Posted January 9, 2018 Report Share Posted January 9, 2018 19 hours ago, fredk said: They require you to provide at least 2 payslips How did you get around the probation period with your employer, the guys point blank refused to help me because of my 6 month probation period. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredk Posted January 9, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2018 Hmmm - I'm not sure? It never came up so was not an issue. Come to think of it, I didn't read anything in my contract about a probation period, so either I don't have 1 or I'm just blissfully unaware. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lidan Posted January 15, 2018 Report Share Posted January 15, 2018 Hi Fredk. Thanks for sharing your experience and for all the information. Would you mind sharing the details of your furnished rental in Central Coast with us please? We are hopingto settle in Central Coast when we move to NSW later this year and that sounds ideal for when we land. Thanks a lot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredk Posted January 31, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2018 Hi Lidan Apologies for taking so long to respond. W.r.t. our rental: we found a place on AirBnB in Umina Beach. The owner indicated he is finding a long-term tenant, so don't think it is on AirBnB anymore (I checked and can't find it). However there are other options at around AUD100 per night, have a look perhaps at some of those. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADJacobs Posted January 31, 2018 Report Share Posted January 31, 2018 Hi @fredk, Thanks for sharing, definitely going to be very useful in the near future. Saving this post for sure. Thanks meneer :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
renebo Posted March 11, 2018 Report Share Posted March 11, 2018 @fredk hi me again I have a question about activating the bank account, what documents are required proof of identity etc? Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisH Posted March 11, 2018 Report Share Posted March 11, 2018 7 hours ago, renebo said: @fredk hi me again I have a question about activating the bank account, what documents are required proof of identity etc? Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks Bank account activation happens first, so you go to the bank with your passport, visa grant letter and bank account letter. That should cover it. The important thing then is to get the bank to print a statement with your address on it, get a couple of copies. This is your proof of address for everywhere else. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
renebo Posted March 12, 2018 Report Share Posted March 12, 2018 Brilliant thanks for the info When do they issue your card? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredk Posted March 12, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2018 If you open the account prior to coming the card will likely already wait for you at your nominated branch - this was the case for me. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisH Posted March 12, 2018 Report Share Posted March 12, 2018 55 minutes ago, renebo said: When do they issue your card? They mailed mine. Its how they actually FICA you because if you give them the incorrect address you'll never get your card and PIN (sent separately). 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LM17 Posted March 12, 2018 Report Share Posted March 12, 2018 I know for Commbank I applied online but I picked up my card when I presented my Passport in the branch, took 15 minutes, easy peasy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
renebo Posted March 26, 2018 Report Share Posted March 26, 2018 @LM17 thanks for that info, can you do your pin there and then as well or do they send that via post to you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LM17 Posted March 26, 2018 Report Share Posted March 26, 2018 @renebo all done there on the spot , when you heading over and where? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
renebo Posted March 26, 2018 Report Share Posted March 26, 2018 @LM17 thanks for that info, we are landing 5 May, will then go to the bank to do all that activation etc. I opened an account and already transferred some funds. Where are you based? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LM17 Posted March 28, 2018 Report Share Posted March 28, 2018 @renebo we were there in Feb to activate VISA , back in SAP, planning to make the final move at the end of 2018...;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
renebo Posted March 29, 2018 Report Share Posted March 29, 2018 Ah nice ok, good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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