OPENING A BANK ACOUNT

Opening a bank account in Australia is relatively straightforward. You will need to provide documentation that confirms your identity and current residential address. Generally banks require more than one document and will accept a combination of the following:

• Current driver's license
• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Official mail with your name and address, such as a utility bill

Once your address and identity have been confirmed and the appropriate forms completed, most banks will issue you with an account on the spot.

Most banks enable you to link several accounts, such as cheque, savings and credit and issue you with a single card and PIN (Personal Identification Number) for all accounts.

The majority of banks will allow you to open an Australian bank account from another country, however this can be time consuming and it is generally better to wait until you arrive in Australia.