Hi all

We're moving to Perth in June (Class UF - Interdependent) and I'm looking at trying to open an Aussie account before we go. I've been reading on the expats site and there is a very mixed reaction to the Commonwealth Bank. However it seems to be the only one we can open an account with before we go. I've had an offer from BankWest to lodge money with them by way of a transfer just before we go, then to go into a branch in Perth on arrival and open an account.

I've also heard that you can open an accout with HSBC here in the UK.

One more thing... I'll need to be able to transfer money from Australia back to the UK on a monthly basis. What are my options?

What I'm asking, especially of all you lucky people who are already there is what experiences do you have of these issues?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

Craig

[This message was edited by Craig_69 on 09-01-04 at 11:43 AM.]

We opened a bank account with Anz when we arrived, the only problems I can forsee is not having any proof of address in Oz yet or being able to show your visa at the bank.
The banks are a pain as they do not keep very good hours - 9-4pm so if you are working you can't get to them! With Anz we have been able to set up internet banking though and have had no probs transferring money back to the UK.

Thanks for your response Sian.

We've decided we're going to open an account here in the UK with the CBA as it seems easier than trying to do interbank transfers. At least that way we won't get stung by paying twice for a transfer. Responses on this and the Expats site seem to be generally favourable towards the CBA (the complaints relate to charges, but then the UK is one of the few countries to have free banking, so I guess people aren't used to paying for getting their money out of an ATM!)

We'll probably go and open individual accounts with ANZ once we're there - from what I've researched generally on the net they seem to be good value for money.

Reagrds

Craig

If you open a bank account in Oz within 6 weeks of your arrival then the only ID you need is your UK passport. You do not need proof of address in Oz. if you leave it more than the 6 weeks you will need ID for your Oz address, which is more difficult. I have found this to be the case for both St George bank and CBA.

Having Oz ID becomes an issue also when you want a mobile phone contract. My experience was that I could only buy a prepaid without an Oz drivers license or evidence of being resident for I think it was 6 months.

Hi,
I was reading Craig's first email and was wondering if anyone has heard of (or know anyone who might) know of a bank in the US that I can open an account with? Maybe the Aus online bank is the best approach for me as well?

Thanks,
Shari

Shari,

Have a look at Citibank and their Online Cash Manager Account - details are here:
http://www.citibank.com.au

You can (I believe) open an account online while you are outside Australia.

Best regards.

quote:

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Originally posted by ariesdiamond:
Hi,
I was reading Craig's first email and was wondering if anyone has heard of (or know anyone who might) know of a bank in the US that I can open an account with? Maybe the Aus online bank is the best approach for me as well?

Thanks,
Shari

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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