Bank Accounts
Jan 22nd 2008, 5:18 pm
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: Richmond
Posts: 92
Bank Accounts
Moving to Nelson in February, just waiting to transfer our funds into the bank account set up for us.
I have heard that we cannot draw funds from our bank until we have an address, I understand this but we will be staying in two different hotels in the first few weeks - the first week our emigration company set up for us as part of our deal - but the second week we want to find somewhere cheaper.
So back to the question, we also have some other money in our current account which I was going to get transferred along with our savings, but now that I won't be able to withdraw funds, I cannot do this as we obviously need to pay for our hotel, possible rental and deposit (when we find one) and we were hoping to buy a car as well as have some money to live on for a bit.
Would I be better bringing over travellers cheques and a little cash for this extra money.
How has anybody else done this, that haven't had accommodation set up.
I have heard that we cannot draw funds from our bank until we have an address, I understand this but we will be staying in two different hotels in the first few weeks - the first week our emigration company set up for us as part of our deal - but the second week we want to find somewhere cheaper.
So back to the question, we also have some other money in our current account which I was going to get transferred along with our savings, but now that I won't be able to withdraw funds, I cannot do this as we obviously need to pay for our hotel, possible rental and deposit (when we find one) and we were hoping to buy a car as well as have some money to live on for a bit.
Would I be better bringing over travellers cheques and a little cash for this extra money.
How has anybody else done this, that haven't had accommodation set up.
Jan 22nd 2008, 9:01 pm
#2
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Wellington
Posts: 1,208
Re: Bank Accounts
Moving to Nelson in February, just waiting to transfer our funds into the bank account set up for us.
I have heard that we cannot draw funds from our bank until we have an address, I understand this but we will be staying in two different hotels in the first few weeks - the first week our emigration company set up for us as part of our deal - but the second week we want to find somewhere cheaper.
So back to the question, we also have some other money in our current account which I was going to get transferred along with our savings, but now that I won't be able to withdraw funds, I cannot do this as we obviously need to pay for our hotel, possible rental and deposit (when we find one) and we were hoping to buy a car as well as have some money to live on for a bit.
Would I be better bringing over travellers cheques and a little cash for this extra money.
How has anybody else done this, that haven't had accommodation set up.
I have heard that we cannot draw funds from our bank until we have an address, I understand this but we will be staying in two different hotels in the first few weeks - the first week our emigration company set up for us as part of our deal - but the second week we want to find somewhere cheaper.
So back to the question, we also have some other money in our current account which I was going to get transferred along with our savings, but now that I won't be able to withdraw funds, I cannot do this as we obviously need to pay for our hotel, possible rental and deposit (when we find one) and we were hoping to buy a car as well as have some money to live on for a bit.
Would I be better bringing over travellers cheques and a little cash for this extra money.
How has anybody else done this, that haven't had accommodation set up.
Jan 22nd 2008, 11:09 pm
#3
`
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 38,611
Re: Bank Accounts
You should be able to access your funds. Which bank & branch have you used?
Contact them direct.
My husband only had a bunk house as a temporary address. He was able to access the funds deposited into the ASB account we had arranged from the UK.
He used his passport for ID & sorted out a cash point card by visiting the branch in person. You'll find the banks here very helpful to overseas migrants.
Contact them direct.
My husband only had a bunk house as a temporary address. He was able to access the funds deposited into the ASB account we had arranged from the UK.
He used his passport for ID & sorted out a cash point card by visiting the branch in person. You'll find the banks here very helpful to overseas migrants.
Jan 22nd 2008, 11:44 pm
#4
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Wellington
Posts: 1,208
Re: Bank Accounts
You should be able to access your funds. Which bank & branch have you used?
Contact them direct.
My husband only had a bunk house as a temporary address. He was able to access the funds deposited into the ASB account we had arranged from the UK.
He used his passport for ID & sorted out a cash point card by visiting the branch in person. You'll find the banks here very helpful to overseas migrants.
Contact them direct.
My husband only had a bunk house as a temporary address. He was able to access the funds deposited into the ASB account we had arranged from the UK.
He used his passport for ID & sorted out a cash point card by visiting the branch in person. You'll find the banks here very helpful to overseas migrants.
Jan 23rd 2008, 2:42 am
#5
Actually just Adie
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: Up the Hutt
Posts: 478
Re: Bank Accounts
Jan 23rd 2008, 2:47 am
#6
NZ ways is best ways :0)
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: Christchurch, NZ
Posts: 1,109
Re: Bank Accounts
Agree with all the above, but Westpac in our case. Gave temp address to start off, then changed it as soon as we were settled. You'll have no problems. 
Jan 23rd 2008, 4:15 am
#7
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,285
Re: Bank Accounts
This so true, it applies for National Bank as well. Our NZ bank account was opened when we arrived with a hotel as the address. They are so used to dealing with migrants, they make it easy rather than difficult for you.
Jan 23rd 2008, 6:06 pm
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Dunedin
Posts: 86
Re: Bank Accounts
Hi Julie We to are originally from Barrow. We came to Dunedin in 2003. My advice would be to actually keep a bank account/building society account open in the UK. This allows you to bring money in using your bankcard when you choose. It's great when the dollar is low against the pound, it's high at the moment.
We also find this easier for relatives to put money into our bank account for birthdays and Christmas, saves on postage which is getting dearer and dearer.
Just make sure that your bank/building society in the UK don't charge you for transactions, I know that Nationwide don't.
Hope you settle in and don't believe what they say about Dunedin. We actually like it here. Yes it does get colder in the winter but certainly not as cold as England. Anyway if I can be of any more help just let me know.
Good luck
We also find this easier for relatives to put money into our bank account for birthdays and Christmas, saves on postage which is getting dearer and dearer.
Just make sure that your bank/building society in the UK don't charge you for transactions, I know that Nationwide don't.
Hope you settle in and don't believe what they say about Dunedin. We actually like it here. Yes it does get colder in the winter but certainly not as cold as England. Anyway if I can be of any more help just let me know.
Good luck
Last edited by SLH; Jan 23rd 2008 at 6:28 pm.
Jan 24th 2008, 9:38 am
#9
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 2,389
Re: Bank Accounts
We set up a P O Box address in nz and used that when we opened an account with Westpac in uk.
Jan 25th 2008, 11:29 am
#10
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: Richmond
Posts: 92
Re: Bank Accounts
Thank you all for your comments, they have been a great help.
Thanx Julie
Thanx Julie
