[cK123]

Hi Everyone,

It's time to say goodbye for us now. We're planning to move to Melbourne this May so there is a lot to do. My biggest concerns are the household goods and MPF.

1. How much should we expect to pay for the shipping of goods such TV, books, clothes, DVD...? Do you have any suggestion for good moving company? Any reputable local company? (I have a weird dream recently that a company would quote a very good shipping price and then disappear with all your belongings - my newfound phobia ).

2. How we withdraw the MPF? All we need to do is print out the form from MPF website and send it to the trustee company? How long does it take for the money in our account? Any document to do with the Tax Department?

I'm welcome all your advice and recommendation.

[discobay]

MPF: The best information is available from the MPF Hotline 2918 0102. Expect around two to three months before receiving your funds.
Tax: If you paid income tax here then it would be to your advantage to advise them, by arranging an interview, so that you can a tax refund.
Good luck on moving to Melbourne - I envy you. Did you get any local advice from an Australian forum?

[Ziya]

We are living in Melbourne for years and I could never find anything on the web- Forums- except a Woman Only forum the rest are only american stuff. Very sad or I can not find them. This is the only intelligent site I could find. Welcome to Melbourne you will absolutely will love it here. You can even buy a decent house or apartment for less moneys than in HK, they are big and no pollution,lovely parks, the sea ,sunshine BUT not much water at the present.We have an excellent moving company here Alied Pickfords they work from Hk too we are going to use them to move to HK. I can not tell you how much but you can find them on the net and ask.
Good luck, happy landing.

[discobay]

What are the nice areas to live in Melbourne?

[Crocodile]

Originally Posted by discobay

What are the nice areas to live in Melbourne?

That is a bit like "Which is the nice area to live in Hong Kong" question.

Rich/in the Money - Toorak and Brighton
Bayside - Port Melbourne, Middle Park, Albert Park, St Kilda
Apartments/Convenience - Inner City, Docklands, South Bank, South Yarra

There are other areas such as South Melbourne, North Melbourne, Carlton, Elwood, Hawthorn & Prahran that have their own good points for different reasons.

But, it depends on where you are working and what you want from a home.....

Hope this helps a little.

[discobay]

Let's say I wanted a modest-sized house in a nice but not rich area (I'd like to talk to my neighbours) within 30 minutes commute of the city centre where do you suggest?

[Ziya]

It depends on what your are looking for. Beautiful apartment in the city its self, houses closer to the city, Hawthorn, East Melb.Toorak and Sth Yarra are more expensive. Parville 3 KM out of the city, all parkland.
The beach side Brighton ,Elwood. Near the city the new Quay. Outer sub. is more working class ,huge houses plenty of land and pretty cheap. Caroline Springs is what comes to mind, I can find out more about these places if you like but these are 20min on the freeway or public transport which is not very good and not very reliable.You will need a car the distances here are oh boy!!!! Unless you work in the city, or near.
See if you want to know anything else.

[Crocodile]

Originally Posted by discobay

Let's say I wanted a modest-sized house in a nice but not rich area (I'd like to talk to my neighbours) within 30 minutes commute of the city centre where do you suggest?

Try browsing www.realestate.com.au - it will give you a bit of an idea of the prices/areas....

[discobay]

I've visited that useful site before but I was looking for first-hand experience.

[minties]

How about Doncaster or Box Hill. Both fairly accessibly via public transport and have a nice community and family feel IMO.

Generally the eastern and southern suburbs are considered "better" areas than the northern and western suburbs.

The east has an added advantedge of a freeway that is actually free from tolls.

Hope that helps.