Can I open an Australian bank account before I arrive?

It is now possible to open an Australian bank account before leaving your country so that is one thing you don’t need to be concerned with on your arrival as you will have funds available.

 

1. There are numerous banks but ones listed below are able to assist.

Westpac Bank : Open an account from overseas and have your funds waiting for you when you arrive in Australia.

Commonwealth Bank. They have a Migrant Banking Services section dedicated to helping migrants to set up their banking requirements in Australia, the London branch of the Commonwealth Bank contact details are: (telephone number 020 7710 3990).

 
It is wise to ask your own bank if they have any existing relationship with an Australian Bank also.

 

Note: You will not be able to make withdrawals from your account until you arrive in Australia and have been fully identified. This precaution ensures the security of your money and complies with Australian law.

If you choose to open a bank account upon arrival in Australia, this is normally straightforward. You will need to satisfy the 100 points identification system they use, a passport and Australian driving licence are enough evidence to meet this requirement. 
 
You will also have to provide a tax file number once you get one, this will ensure that any interest paid to you is not taxed before you receive it