oz bank account
Oct 6th 2002, 6:35 pm
#1
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: tweed heads, nsw
Posts: 369
oz bank account
how can i open an australian bank account over here in the uk? is it the same as a currency account? i am in birmingham by the way.
probably won't be on our way till next summer but with the rate being so good it seems to make sense to convert some of our pounds already, all advice gratefully received.
another question with regard to shipping - i have had one conversation with an agent by phone who said sending anything made of wood causes problems with fumigation rules. what does this mean, as we want to take some of our furniture and its all wood! also we are buying land and building a house, probably live in caravan so wondered about hiring the crate our stuff comes over in as ot would make an ideal secure tool store. has anyone any experience of any of these things please?
just sending off alan's sponsored spouse visa application. much jollity with the friends who have testified how much in love and PROPERLY married we are. been together 16 years!
my certificate of australian nationality came a few weeks ago. huge excitement for all the new things we will face.
probably won't be on our way till next summer but with the rate being so good it seems to make sense to convert some of our pounds already, all advice gratefully received.
another question with regard to shipping - i have had one conversation with an agent by phone who said sending anything made of wood causes problems with fumigation rules. what does this mean, as we want to take some of our furniture and its all wood! also we are buying land and building a house, probably live in caravan so wondered about hiring the crate our stuff comes over in as ot would make an ideal secure tool store. has anyone any experience of any of these things please?
just sending off alan's sponsored spouse visa application. much jollity with the friends who have testified how much in love and PROPERLY married we are. been together 16 years!
my certificate of australian nationality came a few weeks ago. huge excitement for all the new things we will face.
Oct 6th 2002, 8:25 pm
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: oz bank account
Thomas Cook has Australian bank accounts in GBP, check them to see if the
reverse is also true.
If you want to convert now, given that current accounts pay squat in
interest anyway, buy international bank cheques or money orders in
Australian dollars so you get the current exchange rate. Check to see that
they won't be stale-dated under Australian banking rules (shouldn't be as
bank cheques).
You will basically have to open an Australian-domiciled bank account (as
opposed to a UK one denominated in AUD) on arrival in Australia.
Yes, wood quarantine is very strict. It was the only question I was asked
when bringing in an entire crate of tools last year. For my dime, unless
someone else is picking up the shipping tab, dump it in the UK - you have
lots of time - and buy on arrival. There are heaps of shops, both new and
second-hand, where you can do pretty respectable deals.
reverse is also true.
If you want to convert now, given that current accounts pay squat in
interest anyway, buy international bank cheques or money orders in
Australian dollars so you get the current exchange rate. Check to see that
they won't be stale-dated under Australian banking rules (shouldn't be as
bank cheques).
You will basically have to open an Australian-domiciled bank account (as
opposed to a UK one denominated in AUD) on arrival in Australia.
Yes, wood quarantine is very strict. It was the only question I was asked
when bringing in an entire crate of tools last year. For my dime, unless
someone else is picking up the shipping tab, dump it in the UK - you have
lots of time - and buy on arrival. There are heaps of shops, both new and
second-hand, where you can do pretty respectable deals.
Oct 7th 2002, 12:00 am
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: oz bank account
Australia has anti money laundering laws for opening bank accounts and you
are required to present original documents in person which meet a point
scoring system. You can't open an account unless your documents add up to
100 points. For people arriving from overseas they have made it easy for
you. Within the first six weeks of your arrival your passport is all you
require for identification as it is worth 100 points. Do not wait more than
six weeks though as after six weeks it drops to 70 points and you will need
other identification to make up the 100 points.
Being an island, many insects and diseases that plague other parts of the
world do not affect Australia. Australia would like to keep it that way. So
you can't bring in any meat or dairy products to prevent mad cows disease
coming in to Australia. Termites and other insects can infest wood. A new
termite which is common elsewhere might never have been in Australia and
will have no natural enemies to kill it so wood products are carefully
screened. There is already problems in Australia with previously introduced
pests from the UK such as mice, rabbits and scotch thistle.
"karenvirginia" wrote in message
news:435075.1033929302@britishexpats-
.com...
> how can i open an australian bank account over here in the uk? is it
> the same as a currency account? i am in birmingham by the way.
> probably won't be on our way till next summer but with the rate being so
> good it seems to make sense to convert some of our pounds already, all
> advice gratefully received.
> another question with regard to shipping - i have had one conversation
> with an agent by phone who said sending anything made of wood causes
> problems with fumigation rules. what does this mean, as we want to take
> some of our furniture and its all wood! also we are buying land and
> building a house, probably live in caravan so wondered about hiring the
> crate our stuff comes over in as ot would make an ideal secure tool
> store. has anyone any experience of any of these things please?
> just sending off alan's sponsored spouse visa application. much jollity
> with the friends who have testified how much in love and PROPERLY
> married we are. been together 16 years!
> my certificate of australian nationality came a few weeks ago. huge
> excitement for all the new things we will face.
> --
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
are required to present original documents in person which meet a point
scoring system. You can't open an account unless your documents add up to
100 points. For people arriving from overseas they have made it easy for
you. Within the first six weeks of your arrival your passport is all you
require for identification as it is worth 100 points. Do not wait more than
six weeks though as after six weeks it drops to 70 points and you will need
other identification to make up the 100 points.
Being an island, many insects and diseases that plague other parts of the
world do not affect Australia. Australia would like to keep it that way. So
you can't bring in any meat or dairy products to prevent mad cows disease
coming in to Australia. Termites and other insects can infest wood. A new
termite which is common elsewhere might never have been in Australia and
will have no natural enemies to kill it so wood products are carefully
screened. There is already problems in Australia with previously introduced
pests from the UK such as mice, rabbits and scotch thistle.
"karenvirginia" wrote in message
news:435075.1033929302@britishexpats-
.com...
> how can i open an australian bank account over here in the uk? is it
> the same as a currency account? i am in birmingham by the way.
> probably won't be on our way till next summer but with the rate being so
> good it seems to make sense to convert some of our pounds already, all
> advice gratefully received.
> another question with regard to shipping - i have had one conversation
> with an agent by phone who said sending anything made of wood causes
> problems with fumigation rules. what does this mean, as we want to take
> some of our furniture and its all wood! also we are buying land and
> building a house, probably live in caravan so wondered about hiring the
> crate our stuff comes over in as ot would make an ideal secure tool
> store. has anyone any experience of any of these things please?
> just sending off alan's sponsored spouse visa application. much jollity
> with the friends who have testified how much in love and PROPERLY
> married we are. been together 16 years!
> my certificate of australian nationality came a few weeks ago. huge
> excitement for all the new things we will face.
> --
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
Oct 7th 2002, 4:17 am
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: oz bank account
karenvirginia wrote:
> how can i open an australian bank account over here in the uk? is it
> the same as a currency account? i am in birmingham by the way.
> probably won't be on our way till next summer but with the rate being so
> good it seems to make sense to convert some of our pounds already,
It doesn't seem that way to me. You're basically engaging in currency
speculation, which is risky even for people who study the market. Keeping
the money at home in an interest-bearing account is a sure thing, and seems
much more sensible.
miguel
--
Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world:
http://travel.u.nu
New mini photo-feature: Life in DC:
http://travel.u.nu/dc/
> how can i open an australian bank account over here in the uk? is it
> the same as a currency account? i am in birmingham by the way.
> probably won't be on our way till next summer but with the rate being so
> good it seems to make sense to convert some of our pounds already,
It doesn't seem that way to me. You're basically engaging in currency
speculation, which is risky even for people who study the market. Keeping
the money at home in an interest-bearing account is a sure thing, and seems
much more sensible.
miguel
--
Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world:
http://travel.u.nu
New mini photo-feature: Life in DC:
http://travel.u.nu/dc/
Oct 7th 2002, 9:23 am
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: oz bank account
Common Wealth Bank in London will enable you to open a bank account in oz.
Check out www.commbank.com.au
Kieron
"karenvirginia" wrote in message
news:435075.1033929302@britishexpats-
.com...
> how can i open an australian bank account over here in the uk? is it
> the same as a currency account? i am in birmingham by the way.
> probably won't be on our way till next summer but with the rate being so
> good it seems to make sense to convert some of our pounds already, all
> advice gratefully received.
> another question with regard to shipping - i have had one conversation
> with an agent by phone who said sending anything made of wood causes
> problems with fumigation rules. what does this mean, as we want to take
> some of our furniture and its all wood! also we are buying land and
> building a house, probably live in caravan so wondered about hiring the
> crate our stuff comes over in as ot would make an ideal secure tool
> store. has anyone any experience of any of these things please?
> just sending off alan's sponsored spouse visa application. much jollity
> with the friends who have testified how much in love and PROPERLY
> married we are. been together 16 years!
> my certificate of australian nationality came a few weeks ago. huge
> excitement for all the new things we will face.
> --
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
Check out www.commbank.com.au
Kieron
"karenvirginia" wrote in message
news:435075.1033929302@britishexpats-
.com...
> how can i open an australian bank account over here in the uk? is it
> the same as a currency account? i am in birmingham by the way.
> probably won't be on our way till next summer but with the rate being so
> good it seems to make sense to convert some of our pounds already, all
> advice gratefully received.
> another question with regard to shipping - i have had one conversation
> with an agent by phone who said sending anything made of wood causes
> problems with fumigation rules. what does this mean, as we want to take
> some of our furniture and its all wood! also we are buying land and
> building a house, probably live in caravan so wondered about hiring the
> crate our stuff comes over in as ot would make an ideal secure tool
> store. has anyone any experience of any of these things please?
> just sending off alan's sponsored spouse visa application. much jollity
> with the friends who have testified how much in love and PROPERLY
> married we are. been together 16 years!
> my certificate of australian nationality came a few weeks ago. huge
> excitement for all the new things we will face.
> --
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
Oct 7th 2002, 10:47 am
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: oz bank account
also hsbc will enable you to open a bank account in OZ. But if you don't
have a uk account with them for 2 years, you'll have major problems with
them.
Kieron
"No Spam" wrote in message
news:2oco9.12840$vg.3399-
[email protected]...
> Common Wealth Bank in London will enable you to open a bank account in oz.
> Check out www.commbank.com.au
> Kieron
> "karenvirginia" wrote in message
> news:435075.1033929302@britishexpa-
> ts.com ...
> >
> > how can i open an australian bank account over here in the uk? is it
> > the same as a currency account? i am in birmingham by the way.
> > probably won't be on our way till next summer but with the rate being so
> > good it seems to make sense to convert some of our pounds already, all
> > advice gratefully received.
> > another question with regard to shipping - i have had one conversation
> > with an agent by phone who said sending anything made of wood causes
> > problems with fumigation rules. what does this mean, as we want to take
> > some of our furniture and its all wood! also we are buying land and
> > building a house, probably live in caravan so wondered about hiring the
> > crate our stuff comes over in as ot would make an ideal secure tool
> > store. has anyone any experience of any of these things please?
> > just sending off alan's sponsored spouse visa application. much jollity
> > with the friends who have testified how much in love and PROPERLY
> > married we are. been together 16 years!
> > my certificate of australian nationality came a few weeks ago. huge
> > excitement for all the new things we will face.
> >
> > --
> > Posted via http://britishexpats.com
> >
have a uk account with them for 2 years, you'll have major problems with
them.
Kieron
"No Spam" wrote in message
news:2oco9.12840$vg.3399-
[email protected]...
> Common Wealth Bank in London will enable you to open a bank account in oz.
> Check out www.commbank.com.au
> Kieron
> "karenvirginia" wrote in message
> news:435075.1033929302@britishexpa-
> ts.com ...
> >
> > how can i open an australian bank account over here in the uk? is it
> > the same as a currency account? i am in birmingham by the way.
> > probably won't be on our way till next summer but with the rate being so
> > good it seems to make sense to convert some of our pounds already, all
> > advice gratefully received.
> > another question with regard to shipping - i have had one conversation
> > with an agent by phone who said sending anything made of wood causes
> > problems with fumigation rules. what does this mean, as we want to take
> > some of our furniture and its all wood! also we are buying land and
> > building a house, probably live in caravan so wondered about hiring the
> > crate our stuff comes over in as ot would make an ideal secure tool
> > store. has anyone any experience of any of these things please?
> > just sending off alan's sponsored spouse visa application. much jollity
> > with the friends who have testified how much in love and PROPERLY
> > married we are. been together 16 years!
> > my certificate of australian nationality came a few weeks ago. huge
> > excitement for all the new things we will face.
> >
> > --
> > Posted via http://britishexpats.com
> >
Oct 9th 2002, 9:16 am
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: oz bank account
--
Gwen Kelly
"sibbick1" wrote in message
news:[email protected]
tar.net.au...
> Australia has anti money laundering laws for opening bank accounts and you
> are required to present original documents in person which meet a point
> scoring system. You can't open an account unless your documents add up to
> 100 points. For people arriving from overseas they have made it easy for
> you. Within the first six weeks of your arrival your passport is all you
> require for identification as it is worth 100 points. Do not wait more
than
> six weeks though as after six weeks it drops to 70 points and you will
need
> other identification to make up the 100 points.
> Being an island, many insects and diseases that plague other parts of the
> world do not affect Australia. Australia would like to keep it that way.
So
> you can't bring in any meat or dairy products to prevent mad cows disease
> coming in to Australia. Termites and other insects can infest wood. A new
> termite which is common elsewhere might never have been in Australia and
> will have no natural enemies to kill it so wood products are carefully
> screened. There is already problems in Australia with previously
introduced
> pests from the UK such as mice, rabbits and scotch thistle.
> "karenvirginia" wrote in message
> news:435075.1033929302@britishexpa-
> ts.com ...
> >
> > how can i open an australian bank account over here in the uk? is it
> > the same as a currency account? i am in birmingham by the way.
> > probably won't be on our way till next summer but with the rate being so
> > good it seems to make sense to convert some of our pounds already, all
> > advice gratefully received.
> > another question with regard to shipping - i have had one conversation
> > with an agent by phone who said sending anything made of wood causes
> > problems with fumigation rules. what does this mean, as we want to take
> > some of our furniture and its all wood! also we are buying land and
> > building a house, probably live in caravan so wondered about hiring the
> > crate our stuff comes over in as ot would make an ideal secure tool
> > store. has anyone any experience of any of these things please?
> > just sending off alan's sponsored spouse visa application. much jollity
> > with the friends who have testified how much in love and PROPERLY
> > married we are. been together 16 years!
> > my certificate of australian nationality came a few weeks ago. huge
> > excitement for all the new things we will face.
> >
> > --
> > Posted via http://britishexpats.com
> >
Gwen Kelly
"sibbick1" wrote in message
news:[email protected]
tar.net.au...
> Australia has anti money laundering laws for opening bank accounts and you
> are required to present original documents in person which meet a point
> scoring system. You can't open an account unless your documents add up to
> 100 points. For people arriving from overseas they have made it easy for
> you. Within the first six weeks of your arrival your passport is all you
> require for identification as it is worth 100 points. Do not wait more
than
> six weeks though as after six weeks it drops to 70 points and you will
need
> other identification to make up the 100 points.
> Being an island, many insects and diseases that plague other parts of the
> world do not affect Australia. Australia would like to keep it that way.
So
> you can't bring in any meat or dairy products to prevent mad cows disease
> coming in to Australia. Termites and other insects can infest wood. A new
> termite which is common elsewhere might never have been in Australia and
> will have no natural enemies to kill it so wood products are carefully
> screened. There is already problems in Australia with previously
introduced
> pests from the UK such as mice, rabbits and scotch thistle.
> "karenvirginia" wrote in message
> news:435075.1033929302@britishexpa-
> ts.com ...
> >
> > how can i open an australian bank account over here in the uk? is it
> > the same as a currency account? i am in birmingham by the way.
> > probably won't be on our way till next summer but with the rate being so
> > good it seems to make sense to convert some of our pounds already, all
> > advice gratefully received.
> > another question with regard to shipping - i have had one conversation
> > with an agent by phone who said sending anything made of wood causes
> > problems with fumigation rules. what does this mean, as we want to take
> > some of our furniture and its all wood! also we are buying land and
> > building a house, probably live in caravan so wondered about hiring the
> > crate our stuff comes over in as ot would make an ideal secure tool
> > store. has anyone any experience of any of these things please?
> > just sending off alan's sponsored spouse visa application. much jollity
> > with the friends who have testified how much in love and PROPERLY
> > married we are. been together 16 years!
> > my certificate of australian nationality came a few weeks ago. huge
> > excitement for all the new things we will face.
> >
> > --
> > Posted via http://britishexpats.com
> >
Oct 9th 2002, 9:23 am
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: oz bank account
I agree with Sibick 1 . I would not bring money orders etc as money
orders or any other currency instruements can get lost.
Go to your bank and open an account in AUSTALIAN Dollars - they can do that
quite easily you just buy the Australian dollars and they keep it in your
bank account just as usual but in Aust,Dollars. Then when you arrive in
Australia go to a bank of your choice and open an account ( do not forget
the advice from Sibick re passport etc) with any amount - you do not need a
large amount to open the account even $20 will do and then go to a public
fax machine and send a fax to your English bank to forward all your funds to
the new bank account and that should get to you in just a few hours
depending on what time of day you send the fax.
I have done the reverse of this when travelling for long periods overseas
and usually get the transferred funds within three or four hours. Good
luck in our "lucky country" and welcome Gwen Kelly
--
Gwen Kelly
"sibbick1" wrote in message
news:[email protected]
tar.net.au...
> Australia has anti money laundering laws for opening bank accounts and you
> are required to present original documents in person which meet a point
> scoring system. You can't open an account unless your documents add up to
> 100 points. For people arriving from overseas they have made it easy for
> you. Within the first six weeks of your arrival your passport is all you
> require for identification as it is worth 100 points. Do not wait more
than
> six weeks though as after six weeks it drops to 70 points and you will
need
> other identification to make up the 100 points.
> Being an island, many insects and diseases that plague other parts of the
> world do not affect Australia. Australia would like to keep it that way.
So
> you can't bring in any meat or dairy products to prevent mad cows disease
> coming in to Australia. Termites and other insects can infest wood. A new
> termite which is common elsewhere might never have been in Australia and
> will have no natural enemies to kill it so wood products are carefully
> screened. There is already problems in Australia with previously
introduced
> pests from the UK such as mice, rabbits and scotch thistle.
> "karenvirginia" wrote in message
> news:435075.1033929302@britishexpa-
> ts.com ...
> >
> > how can i open an australian bank account over here in the uk? is it
> > the same as a currency account? i am in birmingham by the way.
> > probably won't be on our way till next summer but with the rate being so
> > good it seems to make sense to convert some of our pounds already, all
> > advice gratefully received.
> > another question with regard to shipping - i have had one conversation
> > with an agent by phone who said sending anything made of wood causes
> > problems with fumigation rules. what does this mean, as we want to take
> > some of our furniture and its all wood! also we are buying land and
> > building a house, probably live in caravan so wondered about hiring the
> > crate our stuff comes over in as ot would make an ideal secure tool
> > store. has anyone any experience of any of these things please?
> > just sending off alan's sponsored spouse visa application. much jollity
> > with the friends who have testified how much in love and PROPERLY
> > married we are. been together 16 years!
> > my certificate of australian nationality came a few weeks ago. huge
> > excitement for all the new things we will face.
> >
> > --
> > Posted via http://britishexpats.com
> >
orders or any other currency instruements can get lost.
Go to your bank and open an account in AUSTALIAN Dollars - they can do that
quite easily you just buy the Australian dollars and they keep it in your
bank account just as usual but in Aust,Dollars. Then when you arrive in
Australia go to a bank of your choice and open an account ( do not forget
the advice from Sibick re passport etc) with any amount - you do not need a
large amount to open the account even $20 will do and then go to a public
fax machine and send a fax to your English bank to forward all your funds to
the new bank account and that should get to you in just a few hours
depending on what time of day you send the fax.
I have done the reverse of this when travelling for long periods overseas
and usually get the transferred funds within three or four hours. Good
luck in our "lucky country" and welcome Gwen Kelly
--
Gwen Kelly
"sibbick1" wrote in message
news:[email protected]
tar.net.au...
> Australia has anti money laundering laws for opening bank accounts and you
> are required to present original documents in person which meet a point
> scoring system. You can't open an account unless your documents add up to
> 100 points. For people arriving from overseas they have made it easy for
> you. Within the first six weeks of your arrival your passport is all you
> require for identification as it is worth 100 points. Do not wait more
than
> six weeks though as after six weeks it drops to 70 points and you will
need
> other identification to make up the 100 points.
> Being an island, many insects and diseases that plague other parts of the
> world do not affect Australia. Australia would like to keep it that way.
So
> you can't bring in any meat or dairy products to prevent mad cows disease
> coming in to Australia. Termites and other insects can infest wood. A new
> termite which is common elsewhere might never have been in Australia and
> will have no natural enemies to kill it so wood products are carefully
> screened. There is already problems in Australia with previously
introduced
> pests from the UK such as mice, rabbits and scotch thistle.
> "karenvirginia" wrote in message
> news:435075.1033929302@britishexpa-
> ts.com ...
> >
> > how can i open an australian bank account over here in the uk? is it
> > the same as a currency account? i am in birmingham by the way.
> > probably won't be on our way till next summer but with the rate being so
> > good it seems to make sense to convert some of our pounds already, all
> > advice gratefully received.
> > another question with regard to shipping - i have had one conversation
> > with an agent by phone who said sending anything made of wood causes
> > problems with fumigation rules. what does this mean, as we want to take
> > some of our furniture and its all wood! also we are buying land and
> > building a house, probably live in caravan so wondered about hiring the
> > crate our stuff comes over in as ot would make an ideal secure tool
> > store. has anyone any experience of any of these things please?
> > just sending off alan's sponsored spouse visa application. much jollity
> > with the friends who have testified how much in love and PROPERLY
> > married we are. been together 16 years!
> > my certificate of australian nationality came a few weeks ago. huge
> > excitement for all the new things we will face.
> >
> > --
> > Posted via http://britishexpats.com
> >
Oct 10th 2002, 2:51 pm
#9
Dugongidae Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Location: Wimbledon, England
Posts: 441
Re: oz bank account
Would use HSBC instead of Commonwealth to avoid Ozzie bank charges another thing to get used to. If you do not want to open in Oz yet and avoid withholding taxes then just open an Oz account in London although interest rate may not be as good. Oz rates are better than UK at moment and probably going to get better shortly - AMP offer 4.8% instant access on their internet account which is very competitive here.
Oz Dollar/pound rate is historically very very good again so not really speculating particularly if Tony goes for the big Euro referendum next year as the pound will sure to drop.
Wood is a no no as they are crazy about it and employ under worked customs officers to go over it with a magnifying glass for worm holes and then charge you for the pleasure. Having said that if you really want to keep your furniture it is not a problem just expect to pay the $250 - $500 exam fees and hope your have no wood worm !!
We used a packing agent from one of the big moving firms and the stuff was so well protected we still have some things we hav'nt used wrapped up 5 years later. If it is all wrapped up then you can put it in storage for about $250 a month ready for the new house - there are loads of storage places around and usually if you use a mover they can arrange.
Oz Dollar/pound rate is historically very very good again so not really speculating particularly if Tony goes for the big Euro referendum next year as the pound will sure to drop.
Wood is a no no as they are crazy about it and employ under worked customs officers to go over it with a magnifying glass for worm holes and then charge you for the pleasure. Having said that if you really want to keep your furniture it is not a problem just expect to pay the $250 - $500 exam fees and hope your have no wood worm !!
We used a packing agent from one of the big moving firms and the stuff was so well protected we still have some things we hav'nt used wrapped up 5 years later. If it is all wrapped up then you can put it in storage for about $250 a month ready for the new house - there are loads of storage places around and usually if you use a mover they can arrange.
