NessD

Hey all,

With not long to go I'm stuck on the money stuff.
I need advice on how to move money from UK to NZ.
And which bank is best... do I join before I arrive?
Really not up on the workings of the financial world so sorry if this sounds naive.

Would appriciate any help on this.
Thank you
Ness

Lejamez

Hi,

We opened an account with ANZ bank when we were at an Expo- nothing in it yet but we've been getting statements showing an empty account for the past 6 months . What we were told was that we could put money in it any time but it would not be fully activated until we turn up in a branch with our passports and visa information. - We only chose them as they happened to be at the ezpo and were really nice. When we move we'll look into different account and banks and just see whats best for what we want to do.

My OH is looking at just moving the money ourselves but will be contacting a Financial advisor who specialises in pensions to get that stuff sorted. There are people who specialise in moving money between countries but I'm cheap hehe and don't like paying for stuff if I don't have to - it might mean the rate we get is not the best but for only a couple of points different I'm not that bothered.

Good luck with everything
Laura

Genesis

We opened a bank account with ASB before we came. We simply got a UK cheque and had it converted at a rate we were happy with on the day and job done. Alas as you probably know now is the worst time in the history of the kiwi $ to change any large amount up. If it has to be done you are going to have to take a caning on the value of your forex deal. If not open an NZ account, deposit what you need and leave your UK pounds in a bank account with internet access and wait. Do NOT give up your UK account. Once you have left the UK you cannot re open a UK account unless you come back to the UK to live. Surprising but true. UK bank accounts are soooooooooooooo handy, well they are if there is any cash in them!!

lisamct

I think most of the banks will let you open accounts form the UK, then when you arrive you just need to turn up with ID and they'll sort out getting you cards/cheque books etc on the day. I opened mine with Kiwi Bank and it as all easy and straight forward.
I transferred some money into my account from the UK so it was available form the day I arrived and verified the account. I used www.hifxonline.co.uk who seemed good and efficient but I'm sure there's plenty out there to choose from.

NessD

Thank you all of you.
A bank account here and I'll get on to opening an account there!
Ness

concretepump

hi you only need to open with one bank ABS has a branch in london you can pay into here then transfer as much as you want into ABS in new zealand,
its a free transfer on a certain amount , normally its only £35 to transfer any way

NessD

Thank you! Will look into that!