Banking Tips

Living > Banking Tips

Your finances are important to you, and so always ensure you do your research and get your money properly managed before moving down under

There are a myriad of things that you need to organise when you are planning a move to Australia, such as making business or employment arrangements, considering where you are going to live and which school to send your children to. While many of these will need to wait until you arrive in Australia, your UK bank can assist you with financial questions before you move.

Some banking tips

Perhaps the best way to carry most of your money is in the form of a plastic card, especially if that's the way you do so at home. Australia is well and truly a card-carrying society - it's becoming unusual to line up at a supermarket checkout, petrol station or department store in cities and see someone actually paying with cash these days.

Credit cards

Major credit cards - Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Bankcard, and Diners Club - are widely accepted throughout Australia. They are also pretty much compulsory if you're going to rent a car. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) with 24/7 access are available in convenient locations like banks, along main shopping streets and in malls, and Down Under these accept all credit and Cirrus cards. Australians love convenience, so debit cards are widely used here. You can draw money directly from your home bank account using ATMs, banks or Electronic fund transfer machines (EFTPOS) located around the country. Any card connected to the international banking network - such as Cirrus, Maestro, Plus - should work, provided you know your PIN. Fees for using your card at a foreign bank or ATM vary depending on your home bank, so ask before your leave.

Traveller's cheques

Travellers cheques generally enjoy a better rate of exchange than foreign cash in Australia, plus they have the added bonus of being easily replaced if they are lost or stolen. You'll have no problems changing foreign currencies or cash at any bank or exchange bureau, but you will need to present your passport for identification when cashing them.

Currency conversion

If you're in the process of emigrating, getting the best exchange rate and therefore the most for your money is crucial to your new life. Shop around for the best rates and make sure you are aware of special deals that allow such things as free transfer of currency and zero commission. Currencies Direct, for example, offers all clients free transfers (over £5,000), no commission and no lifting/receiving fees on foreign currency transfers.

Make sure your currency conversion is tailored to your circumstances. Your specialist foreign exchange brokers should be are able to offer a number of product choices for foreign exchange including spot deals (immediate purchase of foreign exchange at the current price) and forward contracts (fixing the foreign exchange price now for use in the future). Which one is right for you will depend on your circumstances, foreign currency needs and timing.

If you have to make regular international payments for example for mortgages, pensions or insurance, your specialist foreign exchange brokers should offer a regular transfer plan with free transfer and low exchange rates.

Insurance Policies

This may sound obvious, but many people don't really know what policies they've got in the UK. They might have life cover, but don't know how much it's for, when it will pay out or how much the pay out could be worth. The same is true for pensions, not everyone knows what type of pension they've got. Contact your insurance provider and request details of all your policies before leaving the UK. Your insurance company will also provide you proof of no claims if relevant.

Medical Records

You may choose to purchase private medical insurance in Australia. In the same way that your 'proof of no claims' will affect your car insurance premiums, medical records are needed to help insurance companies calculate your premium.

Personal Documentation

In general it's recommended that you take personal documents with you. Having these on hand will mean you can secure preferential rates on banking and financial products and also make your relocation easier. You'll need documents for each family member travelling to Australia, including children. All documents should be originals bit keep copies. Make sure you take the following documents Down Under with you:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Academic qualifications
• Employment references
• Curriculum vitae
• Credit references
• Driver license or permit
• Medical records

Mortgages in Australia

Applying for a mortgage in Australia is a straightforward process. Applications are approved on a case-by-case basis, taking into account your whole financial situation. As a rule you will need to satisfy the bank that you can meet all your financial commitments including the proposed mortgage repayments. The UK credit history rating is not transferable to Australia so it is advisable to bring your last six months bank and mortgage statements with you.