MrsFychan

Got the in laws coming over next year and was wondering if it would be better to set them up a bank account here so they can start to put some money in it and then can use it whilst they are here rather than using credit cards or travellers check.

any one got any suggestions which would be the easiest to manage from abroad or are their any banks that are affiliated with a UK bank

Snap Shot

There's branches of HSBC here as well as Britain. Albeit they are a separate entity. See if Westpac, ANZ, BNZ and the like have a branch in Britain, i.e. give 'em a Google and see if there's a London branch (or any other city for that matter.) I think they do. I'm pretty certain ASB do.

AndyEvs

ASB do, we opened an NZ account before we emigrated.

Ianriv

Hi

Long time lurker first time poster!

Me and the OH (who is a Kiwi) are moving down in August but I finally have something I can help someone with!

I have set up an account with ANZ. They do it all online and will allow you to transfer money over but you can't access it until you show a Bank statement from the UK dated within 3 months. If you change your mind they will send you the money back but obviously the rate will stink! You can pick up a cash card from a nominated branch in NZ too which was helpful.

I can dig the link out if required but found it easily enough on the website to be honest.

Ian

Tom1983

HSBC is a no go, they'll only be interested if your folks are HSBC premier customers

Plus given the current exchange rates, they'd be better off using a travel credit card. We've got one where all family/friends put money on it over christmas for us to spend over here. I'll get info from the wife on the one we use, as it does not charge commission, rate charges etc on it. Think last time, 300 quid was put on giving us around $580

MrsFychan

Tom that sounds very interesting and just the job actually.

thanks everyone for their input.

AndyEvs

We have also used one of those cards (from kiwi bank) that you can load up with different currencies. Used it in the UK and a couple of other countries a couple of years ago. Very easy. Must be something similar in the UK, easier than faffing about setting up a bank account.
We have recently been sent an Air NZ Smart Card which I think is similar, not used it yet, anyone here used it?

jmh

Yeah I have a British credit card that charges no fees on overseas transactions. It's through Santander.

arthurfowler

Just got to Auckland and thinking about this too.

Oops, maybe I should have prepared. I don't think I have any bank account statements with me :/ Will they accept credit card statements or the like do you think?

Will any banks not want bank statements?

MrsFychan

we opened our bank accounts in UK and the only thing we had to show was our passports to get our cards. that was with National now ANZ

Tom1983

When opening an account, all they'll want is two foms of ID

Passport and something that shows where you live

No bank statements required. We opened our ASB account back in Blighty and then opened an ANZ account for our wee boy, and a Westpac account for ourselves here

Engel

I'm leaving for NZ in June. Opened an account with Westpac. I can get a cc from them, but I also have a Santander Zero card that is design for overseas. No charges. I just have to let them know I will be in NZ for a year so they don't think has been stolen.