Hi Cozwemust,
Like Bev we kept a UK bank account since we still have assets in the UK and we keep some money there (and will still be filling out UK tax returns too).
Is the mini cash isa in your pension?
We transferred our pensions to Australia since we knew we weren't going back to the UK and if you do it within 6 months the Australians don't tax it.
When it comes to transferring money I ring up several companies and let them know that I'm requesting a quote and ringing their competitors. Depending on the amount you are transferring they will negotiate exchange rates and charges. I take the best rate
Be aware that the banks do not operate the same way in Oz as they do in the UK. Although we had substantial funds in the bank we couldn't get a credit card because some of the banks like to see regular income first (as in a salary). You may have to shop around for that sort of thing...
Regards,
Karen