Ok. I think I know what bank I'm going with, but just to be sure I'm posting this little bank popularity contest.

we are going to open an account with the hsbc, we already bank with first direct so transfering should be strightforward as they are an arm of hsbc.

who were you thinking of?

Ditto hsbc. I'm told there are no banking charges, whilst the others want to rip you off.

this is the reason we are going to use hsbc, it is also convenient that you can open the account here before you leave, one less thing to do once there.

HSBC Fees & Charges

Thanks for that Mega. I'll have a read through.

That apart, have you got an opinion on this subject, you being a bean-counter and all?

We opened an on-line savings account with hsbc following advice from this forum and it was very easy. Filled form in on-line, printed off ID verification form took it along with ID to local hsbc (we dont have UK accounts with them) form signed sent off, all done! Havnt received cards etc yet but allowing a bit extra time due to xmas post, we sent it off 16th December.

Okay, back to the top...I need a few more votes on this yet.

looks like the hsbc is over the winning line to me.

whoever voted for others did not specify either.....don't you just hate that.

I'll specify my "other" - I'm with the Heritage, which is actually a Building Society, and I think they are only in Queensland. Seems to be a better deal though as I get more free withdrawals than with most of the banks, and as its classed as a Savings account I don't need a minimum amount in it in order to avoid charges. Can do internet banking with it as well.
You have to be here to open the account though.

sounds ok polly, could you post a link?

Try -

http://secure.heritageonline.com.au/index.html

I've got a Simply Access account (which seems as good as any UK current account) , and we've also got a Target Bonus account for savings.

cheers for that link polly we will have a proper look later.

Hooked up with HSBC having been a First Direct customer for years.

Be warned though. Although both countries are part of the same group they operate totally independantly so any useful history you have with the UK doesn't count for a bean in Oz. They were a bit slack when I was trying to set up the account in th UK but once here everything was straight forward.

bump