And more questions, many of them :)

[Pamm]

I've noticed a lot of the information on here is for Brits, but I need to know about for Americans, or in general

I'm an incurable list maker, so please bear with me. Even my poor guy has his own lists that he has to add to *chuckle*

1. Has anyone used CheapFlight Sales for flights? Or are there other discount flight companies that would be better?

2. I'm going to be applying for my prospective spouse visa in Maryland, which means I can probably deal with the embassy in DC myself, but I'm a bit worried over some parts, would it be better to use a migration agent, and does anyone know of any good ones that would be based in Maryland/DC or Perth?

3. Moving. That's the big one. Right now I'm considering using a container type mover, because I honestly don't have that much going with me. Mainly my clothes, my computers (laptop travels with me, desktop packed), and stacks of discs, lp's, dvds, cd, vhs tapes, and books that make me groan at the thought of the weight! There are also some odds and ends that won't weight much. I'm not taking most of my stuff that would be powered, that would be silly, but I won't give up my computers and my stereo, I know I can get the power supplies replaced or use a converter

4. Health insurance. This is a must for me, because of medications for a lazy thryroid and my diabetes pill, and others. I know I can't be covered for at least two years by Australian medicare. Any suggestions for the type of insurance that would cover my meds and basic health care till I can?

5. Has anyone also kept dual citizenship? As disillusioned as I have been with America for many years, I was raised to be proud of my country (Navy brat) and I'm afraid it will be hard to totally shuck it off. Not to mention that my parents, my sister and brother and their families live here, along with various other relatives. I'm not worried over not seeing them, we're all online and web-cammed

6. Would an ETA or a 3-6 month tourist visa be a better idea for the first visit?

Actually I'm done for now, but any answers may bring on more

Thanks!

Pamm

[Bevdeforges]

Hi again, Pamm - not to worry. You are far from the only American on these boards, though I admit we're outnumbered by the Brits.

Can't help with all your questions, as I'm on the other side of the globe, but a couple odd remarks or ideas:

1. Haven't used CheapFlights myself, but there are a number of flight discounters out there. Also look into going directly to the airline websites. Sometimes you can pick up a deal direct - though it depends on the airline.

3. Most international movers will give you a free estimate. Go for estimates from several movers before you decide. Some international movers charge by volume rather than weight. And don't forget to get insurance, especially for stuff being shipped by sea. Those containers sometimes take on water or suffer other miscellaneous damage. With luck, the insurance will just be an added cost, but if you need to make a claim, you'll be more than happy you paid the price!

4. Look into the expat medical insurance offered by an association called AARO AARO - Association of Americans Resident Overseas - AARO’s Health Care Program for Expatriate Americans You have to join the association to get the insurance, but you may also be able to get insurance through the company they deal with. There are details on the website. I'm not "pushing" this insurance - just offering it as a "group plan" that could give you a feel for what medical insurance will cost.

5. You almost have to keep your US citizenship. It's getting harder and harder to get rid of it, even if you want to, despite all the warnings you see. There is still a law that says you MAY have your citizenship revoked if you voluntarily take another nationality. However, this (and other conditions for revoking citizenship) was kind of neutralized in 1990 when the US said they weren't going to enforce any of this.

Since then the only real way to lose your US citizenship is to formally renounce before a consular official, and in recent years they have enacted laws to penalize those who do renounce "for tax reasons" (which is what they assume is your reason unless you come up with something much much better). A few countries require you to give them a formal renunciation certificate from the US consulate before you can take nationality, but I'd be very surprised if Australia is one of them.

That's as much as I know on your questions. Keep 'em coming!
Cheers,
Bev

[kaz101]

Hi Pamm,

Being a Brit (soon to be ex-Brit ) here are the answers I can help you with...

Originally Posted by Pamm

2. I'm going to be applying for my prospective spouse visa in Maryland, which means I can probably deal with the embassy in DC myself, but I'm a bit worried over some parts, would it be better to use a migration agent, and does anyone know of any good ones that would be based in Maryland/DC or Perth?

I've just added these 2 links in the "PLEASE READ..." post and I'll put them here too. They are migration agent associations so that you know you'll be choosing an agent that is registered if you don't get any personal recommendations.

Migration Agents Registration Authority
Migration Institute of Australia - Welcome

Originally Posted by Pamm

3. Moving. That's the big one. Right now I'm considering using a container type mover, because I honestly don't have that much going with me. Mainly my clothes, my computers (laptop travels with me, desktop packed), and stacks of discs, lp's, dvds, cd, vhs tapes, and books that make me groan at the thought of the weight! There are also some odds and ends that won't weight much. I'm not taking most of my stuff that would be powered, that would be silly, but I won't give up my computers and my stereo, I know I can get the power supplies replaced or use a converter

I'm not sure what the power supply is in the USA, but the UK is very similar to Australia so we just replaced a few plugs on electrical things we did bring over. Get a few quotes from companies and make sure that the movers are authorised to move your stuff overseas.

Originally Posted by Pamm

4. Health insurance. This is a must for me, because of medications for a lazy thryroid and my diabetes pill, and others. I know I can't be covered for at least two years by Australian medicare. Any suggestions for the type of insurance that would cover my meds and basic health care till I can?

There are a lot of health insurances in Oz, but most of them say that they will not cover pre-existing conditions for 12 months so you may have to look around.

Originally Posted by Pamm

6. Would an ETA or a 3-6 month tourist visa be a better idea for the first visit?

An ETA is for up to 3 months (well it is from the UK) and I wasn't aware you could get them for 6 month tourist visa. How long are thinking about staying for your first visit? We spent 1 month touring around the first time but I realise that it's different in your case I would think up to 3 months should be okay.

I made loads of lists too

Regards,
Karen

[Pamm]

*scribblescribble* Thanks Bev and Karen

*panicpanic* Please tell me someone there carries White Castle frozen.. eeek! I had just mentioned them to Jason and he didn't know what they were! I checked USA Foods, which is the first place I run when I realize there's something I can't live without, and they don't carry them. Are there any other importers that you know of?

Pamm

[Bevdeforges]

Geez, Pamm - I haven't seen White Castles outside the Midwest, much less outside the US. I have heard you may be able to mail order them - check around online... but importing foodstuffs (especially meat-bearing ones) into Australia and other countries could be a problem!

I've also heard that the "secret" to White Castles is that they put lots of chopped onion into the hamburger.... maybe you can make them yourself when you get to Oz.
Cheers,
Bev

[Pamm]

Oh, I know, Bev *grins* It was just a moment of "Eeek!" that I get at times when I realize something I'm used to ain't gonna be there I've promised him I'll try Aussie brands before begging my Mom for care packages! But truly, there are certain things that I've already made sure of.

I actually haven't seen a real White Castle restaurant since I was a little girl, there was one in downtown Glen Burnie, where I grew up, but my parents seemed to think it was a bad place, they'd never take us there! I was in heaven when I first tasted one from the grocery store though

My mom is used to sending things overseas, my sister and her family lived in a few places for their work, so I pretty much will be counting on her for things that won't break import law

Pamm