meandkudos
Junior Member posted 16-04-03 02:21 AM
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Hi, I'm new here; we have recently been advised that Australia is the place for us, for our retirement.
My concerns are, [apart from not having a clue where about to go]
1)Is Australia a better continent for hay fever & arthritis sufferers?

2)We will be buying a property with land, as we are bringing over a couple of horses - hopefully.
a} has anyone had experience in doing this, I'd love to know the practicalities. i.e. would they have to be quarantined at all? Any idea of cost involved. I do appreciate buying out there would be more practical, but not an option!
b) is keeping horses much different to back home [UK]? i.e. would they still need rugging up in winter.
c) what about farriers, how good + cost?
d) are rentable properties generally available to accommodate the horses until we settle?

3}from start to finish what would be a rough idea of time involved, going through the processes? I was naïve enough to think we may be on the move late this year, but reading through the forums, it seems as though it takes an age.

4) Would someone please confirm the electricity out there. One web site quoted 240 and another 110. We think its 110 & we cannot bring our electrical items, is this right please?

Any information very much appreciated. Thank you for your time.

I am replying to myself

I've managed to sort out the electricity question, it was confusing [to me] because of not being able to bring out televisions, and because different plugs are used. But I'm clear on that one.
Also despite doing various searches about transporting the horses in the past and getting nowhere, I have now being able to locate some information. I would still be interested to hear from anyone who keeps horses in Australia though.
Barbara

Hello Barbara,

I'll answer your question 3 about visas: if you are planning on applying for a 410-Retirement visa you are looking at a processing time of about 6 months through the Australian High Commission in London.

And re the voltage: it is indeed 240V in Australia - you'll need some new plugs though!

Best regards.

Alan Collett
alan-at-gomatilda-dot-com
Registered Migration Agent Number 0102534
and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
http://www.gomatilda.com and
http://www.collettandco.co.uk
Offices in Southampton, England; Perth, Australia; and Melbourne, Australia