i really don't want a credit card, but for some things like car hire, you need one, as we are initialy here on temp 2 year visa cpv, anyone know who will give us one we have tried bank but say no until your perminant, any advice would be helpful

Lots of Banks do debit cards that can be used at any visa/mastercard place.

i.e. http://www.westpac.com.au/internet/publish.nsf/Content/PBTS+Debit+MasterCard

As its directly linked to your bank account, the rules for getting one are less strict

have that, but still need a credit card for somethings..........thats what i need

I am here on a 457 and had no problems getting a Credit Card. I have accounts with HSBC Premier in the UK and Australia and there was never any suggestion that they wouldn't provide a card.

Hi Mollyflanders
If you have a UK Bank account and credit card - why not use a UK credit card whilst in Australia until you are settled settled and transfer funds out ?
We have lived in Oz for last four years - our pension paid into UK Bank account and we use our UK credit cards here all the time with no problem, and settle via Internet Banking.

Normally, once you deposit funds with an Australian Bank they will give you a card.