571090

hi , i was wondering if anybody could put me onto the right tracks regarding setting up an Australian bank account , ie good customer service and not getting ripped off with exchange rates etc , any advise would be grateful.
regards ,
karl.

touareg

Hi

I have just set up an account with Commonwealth Bank. Happened to be in London (getting visas evidenced ), so popped into their office earlier this week. All sorted within 30 mins! Very efficient and helpful staff. I also believe you can set up an account by downloading the application forms from their website.

Touareg

571090

this is what i like about this forum people wanting to help each other , thanks very much for that i will crack on with it , i think sooner is better than later with the exchange rate , and unstable pound at the moment

steve`o

http://www.migrantbanking.co.uk/moving_to_australia/

571090

good man steve , now hows about finding a refrigeration engineer a job on the gold coast , he he .

steve`o

is it ac or refridgeration ??

571090

hi steve its both mate , i am coming over in March next year , i am an installation and service engineer both fridge and air con , ps its bloody freezin over here .

calNgary

Hi we opened anz from uk then sent money with a firm who got us 250 while the bank was 245, you can also watch the exchange rate then order dollars when its in your favour,

richtea31

I have just arrived in Melbourne and walked into the Commonwealth Bank on Swanston Street and asked to open an account. I walked out ten minutes later with my sort code and account number and I only had to show my passport ('100 points rule'). My bank cards and chq book will take about a week. Sorted.

Why do it in the UK and have to show half you household documents to prove your identity, just do it when you get here.

When it comes to moving your money over it's best not to use the bank anyway but a specialist FX company.

seayork2002

Watch which account you get as Australian banks charge for everything (monthly "account keeping " charges etc.)

You may want to check out HSBC (no I don't work for them but they seem the best)

Seayork2002

xzibit

I have opened a Commonwealth bank account. I just filled in some forms, and posted them off and voila.

I just need to pop into the branch when I arrive to pick up my cards.

They also opened a transfer account at the same time, where I transfer £ into and then they transfer $ into my oz account. They do it at the current exchange rate. As I'm not transfering much money at all to begin with, I'll use that.

When I transfer the rest, I'll use hifx or whoever is best.

Deutschmaster

I wandered into Westpac and opened an account. Was easy, although they said that it was best to open an account close to moving here as that after a month or so they wanted extra ID than a passport.

Don't know about exchange rates. I have a job here so am paid in dollars. I kept a few grand in savings back in my UK account so could use this for flights and things.

Wol

Been there, done it.

Pity: Crimminwealth had no record at all of my account when I went into the Sydney office. Opened the account with HSBC instead.

The incompetence of Australian banks is quite simply unbelievable - not just the Crimminwealth.

paul30

I opened mine with NAB while in the uk did my security when I came over for a holiday last year at branch on collins street in melbourne all I needed was my passport and had my cards waiting for me at the branch even better they gave me an investment account which didn't have monthly charges until I came here perm which I have and took me about 5 mins in branch to change it to a regular account and could still use my existing card until my new one came through totally hassle free can't fault them

Gina123

I opened an account with ANZ from uk and then we just activated account on arrival with our passports. The staff in our local branch have been beyond helpful with more than just banking enquirys, even giving us directions to local government offices driving licence places etc!We met a personal banker on our first day who organised a credit card etc, They are great highly recommended. As for sending money over from UK I found it cheaper to use Moneycorp. They give you an up to date rate when you call them and charge a one off fee for transfering funds of £15. Rates are good and obviously I have been able to avoid bank charges, and just paid the one off fee to money corp. If you want more info feel free to PM me. otherwise google moneycorp and give them a call they are also very helpfull.

Gina