Arrival Checklist

Article by: Elizabeth
Last updated: Tuesday, 11-Jul-2006 00:00:00 CEST

Below are a number of things you will need to have in place or get in place upon arrival in Western Australia. This arrival checklist will help you at a time when all manner of feelings and emotions will be swirling around (and that's not taking the jetlag into consideration!) This list is not exhaustive arrival checklist as it depends upon the individual and their own requirements, but most of these below are useful things to have ready to 'check' off.

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Bank Accounts

Top of your arrival checklist is setting up internet or telephone banking services to help you use your UK bank account if you wish to keep one whilst in Western Australia.

Consider setting up a bank account in the UK with an Australian bank; this will enable the transfer of funds to take place more smoothly and identify / trace the funds back to your UK bank account.

Take recent bank statements with you to Western Australia. This will enable you to provide information on your financial history to a financial institution.

Transferring Funds

It's advisable to give consideration to this as early as possible. This why it's worth your time and effort to write your arrival checklist well before leaving to allow you to complete some fo the tasks back in your home country. If you choose to open an account with an Australian bank in your country this will make the process so much easier. However, you don't have to carry the transfer out this way; you can also use the services of currency brokers/dealers, off shore accounts or your bank.

Off Shore Bank Accounts

Not a 'must' for your arrival checklist but could be useful for you is to open this type of bank account as it can assist in the tranferring of frunds between countries; however, do seek professional advice beforehand.

Insurance Policies

If you have any endowment or life policies find out whether they will still be valid whilst you are living in Western Australia. Seek professional advice and make sure you get everything in writing.

Pensions

Very important one off your arrival checklist this, it's the transfer of your pension into a superannuation scheme (the Australian pension scheme equivalent). You can seek professional advice from a pension advisor or you can visit a superannuation scheme office and ask them how to carry out the transfer yourself (with their help and assistance) and what is involved. You will not be obligated to transfer the funds into them.

Benefits including Child Benefit

This is most applicable to UK nationals moving down under, but may also be applicable to other contries as well. Inform the your benefits office early on that you will be leaving to ensure any benefits are ended in an appropriate manner. You will also need to obtain a Finalisation Form from the Newcastle Child Benefit office which will state that you do not owe any monies to them. Once done you are then eligable for Australian child benefits.

VEHICLES AND DRIVING

No Claims Bonus

Very important for your arrival checklist this one as it could get you pretty frustrated having to 'start again' with the no claims bonus ladder with regards to vehicle insurance. When you come to buying a car in WA you can use your current countries proof of a no claims bonus and apply it to your Australian motor insurance. Most insurance companies will accept this and apply it to your premium rates. Get a letter or certificate from your present motor insurance company.

Driving Licence

Make sure you take your UK driving licence with you to Australia as this will prove vital to obtaining a Western Australian driving license with the minimum of effort.

DOCUMENTATION

Important Papers

Very useful documents to carry with you are:

passports
birth certificates for all the family
Marriage Certificate
Divorce Papers

Carrying these papers with you will help you prove your identity once you arrive; don't pack them in your shipped items as it will be a while before you receive them! Plus don't forget to actually take this arrival checklist with you in paper form. A simple A5 sized book from a stationary shop will do; it will be vital to have this checklist to hand as you travel to help you remember all the 'little' things that need to be done.