anewlife

I know it is possible to open a bank account in Oz whilst still in the UK, but I can't find an account that will allow me to make withdrawals across the internet from the new account until I have 'evidenced' myself in person, and I have searched extensively. Does anybody know any different?

I want to be able to transfer some funds into an account in Oz in AU$ and start paying for things like rental deposit, rental security deposit and the such like. We emigrate in August and would like to do this asap.

Thanks for your help in advance!

CadburysFingers

Try HSBC

jamiecairns

it is also possible with Westpac, although they advise that it is much easier in Oz...

crystal113

Commonwealth Bank do it and have a branch in London. Also ANZ and you can apply online.

anewlife

WOW

so many quick replies, thats alot.

So we have (in no particular order)

HSBC
Westpac
Commonwealth
ANZ

Okay, time to start looking again, I thought I had checked at least three of those banks, hhhmmm, I will post my findings.

Has anybody had any experience with these banks, is there a better bank from that list or are they all much the same?

Swerv-o

HSBC allow you full access to your account without 'evidencing' yourself as you put it. They will provide you with a cheque book and a Maestro (switch EFTPOS) card with a pin number, which you can use as soon as the pin arrives.

You can register for and use telephone and Internet banking too. I have used it to send money from one account to another which has been fine.

The telephone banking is good - it's 24 hrs, though I'm not too sure where the call centre is The staff are very helpful and they even run a call back service for you if you leave them a message.

All in all, despite the moaning and groaning about Aussie banks, I've found my experiences with HSBC to be very positive, and I couldn't recommend them more highly (at the moment).

S

marco121068

ANZ will allow you to open the account but you can't withdraw any money until they've confirmed your identity in person.

neiluk

is it possible to open a oz account without a perminent address in oz i have tryed anz but they ask for a australian address

PJA

Yes, we came across the same problem with Anz wanting a permanent address or telephone number. We emailed them and they said we could open a basic account with them whilst here. We've decided to try again whilst over there on a holiday end of May!!

Jane

suzimc

Have a look at this: http://www.yellabrickroad.com/banking.html

BillandAbby

We are in the UK and have just started setting up an Aussie account with HSBC. I queued for 40 minutes in my local branch while my 18 month old son tried to smash his way through the shop window while spitting raisons at the old lady in the queue behind us. When I finally got to the front of the queue I was helpfully told that we could have done most of the application on the phone in advance.


So....my tip is - ring first!

Wendy

Did that, they didn't have a clue


I will try again and hopefully get someone with a bit of sense

marco121068

We opened an ANZ account when on holiday last year. Took about 1/2 an hour tops and we left having our internet access all sorted. Statements and stuff get sent to us in the UK.

Swerv-o

Initially, don't bother with the local branches - generally they are pretty ill informed about these matters. You need to call the HSBC International Business Centre (Search this forum for a phone number.) They will send you all of the forms and the product information documents etc.

You then have to go into a local branch to have them verify your identification documents. The whole process takes about 4-6 weeks.

Hope this helps.

S

YoSemite

opened an aussie bank account (in australia) before i had a perm. address...

the guy who opened the account for us just got everything sent to the local post office until we could give the bank an address. Was no bother at all... but then again we were there in person so situation was slightly different