Russ_Sarah

Can anyone tell me if i could open a bank account from ireland before i arrive in oz and if i can deposit any money into it before i arrive?

newjersey

It can be done, do a search, there was plenty of threads on this one, and plenty of threads on what bank is worse than the next. Here is a for-instance:
http://www.westpac.com.au/internet/p...igrant+Banking

NJ

Russ_Sarah

thanks for that..

would you recommend westpac? are they a decent outfit?

just had a look at the website and notice they charge $5/month for a current account..is this the norm out there for banks to charge??

Centurion

Basically yes. Most banks charge a monthly fee, just check to see what the other charges are and if there is anything else included.

HSBC don't charge a monthly fee but have VERY limited branches and I seem to always end up in the branch for things I need to do that can't be transacted on the phone (bankers cheques etc) so that wouldn't sit well with me.

Russ_Sarah

might anyone know which bank has the best "internet banking" facility?

22B

We opened our Westpac account from the UK and have now been using them here in Aus for over a year........... can't fault them or their internet banking.

Btw, I have never paid any charges - most of them are only incurred if you 'break the rules', e.g., a minimum balance on your current account, or use of other banks' cashpoints.

[ One other thing to be aware of - until you actually become an Aus taxpayer (which is generally the moment you cross the immigration line at the airport), the interest on your account(s) is classed as 'foreign' and is taxed at 45% - make sure you tell your bank as soon as you arrive to make sure you aren't paying too much tax. ]

louie

I don't think that's right. If you are not tax resident in Oz, you have a 10% withholding tax deducted from your interest. If you are tax resident but haven't provided the bank with your TRN they deduct 45%. If you have provided your TRN, they don't deduct anything.

tawkins1

I've read on here that citibank are a good one too!

Swerv-o

Yes, because that's such a heinous crime against the bank you're with.

Cititbank don't charge any fees for using anybody elses ATMs, or for anything else in fact. I can't recommend them more highly. They have been excellent, and I am pleased that I have moved to bank with them.


S