Banking, Finance and Currency Convertor

Bank accounts are relatively easy to open in Australia. You will require proof of identification such as a passport or driving licence, proof of an address in Australia and as a precaution, a reference from your bank in your home country. You will have a choice between a statement-based account accessed via a transaction card, or passbook account accessed over the counter.

Most banks and ATMs (cash machines) will allow you to withdraw from international bank accounts, provided your bankcard has an international symbol on it, such as Cirrus. Once you have your Australian Tax File Number it is important to provide this to your bank so that any interest paid to you is not taxed before you receive it.

Many travellers find that setting up an Internet bank account makes managing bank accounts between countries much easier. If you are looking to transfer money between countries you will find the best rates on the net. A good site to look at for this is http://www.tranzfers.com/.

The leading banks in Australia include Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank, ANZ and St George. Some banks allow you open a bank account prior to arriving n Australia.

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Opening a Bank Account in Australia:

Commonwealth Bank:
http://www.commbank.com.au/movingtoaustralia/
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Phone: (+612) 9762 0920
Email: ics@cba.com.au

Westpac Bank:
Westpac Banking Corporation
International Customer Services
Phone: +61 2 8254 1546
Email: migrantbank@westpac.com.au