Beginners Guide to Moving Country

Ok, so here I am in Sydney. I have learnt a large number of lessons in the last three or four days, largely through doing some extremely stupid things. So here is my guide to moving country (to Australia) based largely upon the things that I DIDN'T do:

1. Firstly, remember to call your bank to tell them that you are leaving. This way they wont cancle your cash card upon your arrival in Asia (en route), thus landing you in all kinds of crap!
2. Secondly, dont put your cash card in any Asian ATMs not attached to banks (discovered by my friend Pete), as if the machine swallows your card and then switches itself off, you will NEVER get it back. You will have to get a taxi to the nearest major city (using money you don't have - which why you were at the ATM at the first place), and then they will charge you to come out and fetch your card from THEIR faulty machine. Best just to cancel the card.
3. While on the subject of banks, make sure you set up a foreign account (in this case Australian) before you leave. Its not too easy to set up an account in a country where you have no address.
4. Always make sure you have accomodation booked if you are going to Sydney. This will save wandering around for six hours in 30 degree heat with a 20kg backpack on.
5. Never arrive in a new country during tourist high season - THERE IS NOWHERE TO STAY.
6. Never arrive in a city with a housing crisis on - THERE IS NOWHERE TO LIVE.
7. Investigate where you want to live before you land. This will save around 4 days of wandering from street to street.
8. Save up approximately $8 billion before arrival. (Deposit - $2,000, two months rent $2,500, Hotels $500, New Mac - $1600, Travel - $200, Intenet Cafes for blogging -$50, setting up a new bank account - $2,000 required, new furniture at least $1,000 as every property is unfurnished. That makes $8 billion right?
9. On the subject of banks, be aware that Oz banks charge you for EVERYTHING. To get money out of your account, to pay a cheque in. Even to get money over the counter from you own branch is $5. And dont expect any interest unless you have Bill Gates bank balance.
10. dont expect any help from Real Estate Agents. They are even bigger sh*ts that they are in the UK. Basically then can rent out any property at any price they want and still fill it. therefore they dont have to (and refuse to) work very hard. Expect them to take around 3 days before rejecting you application for a property (yes - you have to apply).

Well thats that off my chest. I am off on another wander to try to find somewhere to live. will keep you posted.