velcro
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Hi
To pay for an English Birth an Marriage certificate to GRO how do I go about paying in Pounds Stirling by cheque and what is the difference with Oz $ and English pound at present.
Cheers
Velcro
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« Last Edit: Saturday 05 April 08 11:31 BST (UK) by Berlin-Bob »
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MarieC
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Velcro
You can't send a personal cheque. You will have to get an international bank draft from your bank, and it will cost you quite a bit extra in various charges. I think the current exchange rate is somewhere around 45 GBpence to the $AU. It is much easier to order the certs online with a credit card!
MarieC
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trish251
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Have to agree with MarieC - the Oz banks will charge more than the cost of the certificate to give you a sterling cheque. If you don't have a credit card or can't talk a friend/relation into buying it with their credit card (& you pay them) try one of the NSW transcription agents - it will cost losts more than the 7 pounds, but probably less than the banks would want to charge (I think they charged me about $9 for an Oz bank cheque the last time I wanted one - moons ago)
http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/familyHistory/howToSearch.htm#TranscriptionAgent
Their rates seem to be $27 to $29 with the gro reference.
The last one I bought was $15.55 on my credit card.
Trish
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velcro
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Hi
Thank you both for responding.
Time difference with Uk. When is it best to ring for their office hours?
Thank you both for your advice.
Credit card seems to be the way to go then.
If you have the reg. number for the cert. is it cheaper?
Full birth certificate with reg number should cost me?
Marriage cert. without reg. number would cost me?
Cheers
Velcro
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trish251
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Hi Thank you both for responding. Time difference with Uk. When is it best to ring for their office hours? Thank you both for your advice. Credit card seems to be the way to go then. If you have the reg. number for the cert. is it cheaper? Full birth certificate with reg number should cost me? Marriage cert. without reg. number would cost me? Cheers Velcro
Hi Velcro
You can order online here
http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/ and yes, if you read up on the prices it is cheaper with the volume and page numbers (7 pounds with the reference, 11 pounds (I think) without)
I'm not sure why you would need to call, but if the clocks have been put forward for UK summer, they are 9 hours behind Oz Eastern Standard time, otherwise 10. You can check here
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
Trish
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velcro
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Dear Trish
Thank you for the two sites. So I just apply on site and use my card details to pay over the net. How safe is it this way?
Velcro
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MarieC
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Hi Velcro
I understand your fears about using your credit card on the Net, I really do. I used to feel as you do, and still take a few deep breaths before I do it! But Casalguidi is right, it is a secure site and I've never heard of anyone having a problem. Think of the bad publicity for the GRO if there WAS a problem! Just be brave and do it!
By the way - did you know you can order wills from the National Archives over the Net, and you will have them as soon as you pay, on your computer - no waiting! This is a wonderful service! 
MarieC
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velcro
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Hi
Thank you both for planting the positive seed within. I suppose if I dont go I'll never know! LOL!
So how much do these wills cost?
Wills would be very interesting to read.
Thank you both for your input.
How do they works so fast, the will I mean?
How long do Uk birth and marriage certs take to arrive by post or email?
Cheers
Velcro
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MarieC
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In Queensland, Oz
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Velcro
Wills are digitally transferred to you - instantaneously! They cost three pounds fifty each, or did last time I ordered one. They can be pages long, or just a paragraph - luck of the draw. They can give you fantastic information that you may not get any other way, like family members' names. I really recommend them.
Certs depend on what is the demand at the GRO at any given time, but 10 days to 2 weeks is an estimate - may be longer if they are busy. They post them to you - they don't email them.
MarieC
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Martins in London and Wales, Lockwoods in Yorkshire, Hartleys in London, Lichfield and Brighton, Hubands and Smiths in Ireland, Bentleys in London and Yorkshire, Denhams in Somerset, Scoles in London, Meyers in London, Cooks in Northumberland
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trish251
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Hi Velcro
I can only confirm what the others have said. When using your credit card online - look in the address bar at the top of the page - It will start with https - the s is for a "secure" site. Sometimes (but not always) there will be a small lock showing at the bottom of the screen. Other sites - e.g. rootschat while you are reading this - start with http. As long as you use a secure site, all should be well. Do NOT send your credit card details anywhere by email - that is not safe. Always check your credit card statements regularily & if you ever think there is a problem, contact your bank. I buy all over the world on the internet and have not yet had a problem. At 1/2 the cost of any other method of purchase, it is well worth trying 
As Cas said, the English certificate site is secure, as is the national archives from where the wills may be obtained. If you happen to do family research in Scotland, you can get all your certificates almost instantly & they are cheaper than the English/Wales certificates.
My last certificate from England took about 10 days. When you order, you will be given an estimated postage date. It takes only 4-5 days from this date to reach Australia.
Trish
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velcro
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Dear Trish
Thank you for being so informative.
If you dont ask you wont know so I asked.
Sounds very exciting receiving these certs and wills.
Do you have to apply in their working hours or any time on line for the GRO applications.
https They say you learn something everyday. Well this is something I've learnt today. Many thanks.
Lets hope my tree branches out to Scotland, any saving is more money towards another application down the track.
Many thanks for everyones input.
Cheers
Velcro
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casalguidi
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Hi Velcro
For online applications you can apply 24 hours a day so no need for us to wake up over here 
Casalguidi 
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velcro
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Me again
So how do I apply for a copy of an Australian will from the National Archives?
Cheers
Velcro
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casalguidi
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Hi Velcro
I think Marie is talking about Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills (over here) which only represent a relatively small proportion of pre 1858 (mostly rich/famous/London residents/seamen) wills proved here (England) http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/
Our Australian Rootschatters will no doubt be able to advise you about wills in Australia
Casalguidi
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