Alphagirl

Hi Alan, Thank you so much for that very useful piece of information. I shall now look at the website, to see the price comparison between an 804 & a 143. Sadly, I have a nasty feeling that as I have the 173, I shall have to follow through with the 143. Thanks again Alan!

Hi there, i arrived in Perth on 9th January, 2015 with a Contributary Parent Visa 173. As I wasn't sure if I'd like it here, I thought I'd best not fork out $40,000 as it would take half my pension lump sum. So, with the 173 visa, which lasted 2 years & cost $24,000, I'd have time to decide. I was told that after 2 years I could then pay the remaining $16,000. Before you kind people ask why not apply for the free visa for aged parents, I approached them about it & was told that would be fine, but there was currently a 20 year waiting list. Now to the crux of the matter, which is ive looked at the fees online, & it states its $19,000!! Is there any way I can address this with them, or even change boats mid-stream & apply for a cheaper parent visa? HELP!!! Thanks for your precious time..........

I'd be interested too!!

Hi ! I have been using Whatsapp for quite a few years. I text my sons from the UK to Perth, sometimes a few times a day. We would send photos to each other too. The first year is totally FREE. The second year, I was charged 69p for the whole year. I more than happily paid it. i am now living in Perth & we are still using it. So text away to your heart's content!

That's very kind of you. I'm finding this site a bit complex!! Thought of getting the app, but it's got such poor reviews! thanks again!

Thanks for that tip. I just find it all a minefield!!! lol

Hi Everyone, i arrived 6 weeks ago & wondered if anyone has found a good, reasonably priced hairdresser? The few I have enquired at, seem to give you a price, then say, oh & blow dry on top adds........! Does anyone know of a ' kosher ' hairdresser. I live in Kallaroo, near Joondalup. Thanks all!

Hi mrogerso! I have also come from the UK, about 5 weeks ago. I contacted ' Comparethemarket ' & when they rang back, they quoted me $169 a month & told me that after 12 months I would have a much lower quote, but for each year after, there would be a 2% loading, the same as native Australians. Still unsure I went to Hbf & was given a quote for $289 a month! However, she did tell me something of value, & that is when you come to Australia to live, for the first 12 months you are deemed to be an ' Overseas Visitor.' Then came the bombshell! She told me that the status of ' OV ' meant I could not shop around for the cheapest insurance. I can only get private cover by using BUPA, ie. none of the health insurance companies will cover OVs. They quoted me $229 per month. After 12 months apparently, the cost will dramatically reduce. If anyone out there knows differently, please let me know as I'm tearing my hair out!!? I could perhaps swallow it if it weren't for the fact that you would not be able to claim for any pre existing ailments. MEDICARE, by the way, only covers for accidents & emergencies, as my card says ' Reciprocal ' across it. ? Hope this helps!