Going Australia opening bank account

[Daddy Ireland]

Hi,

My daughter is heading to Australia for 1 year study abroad. I would like to open a bank account in Australia online and deposit money in advance of arrival there. I was hoping all she has to do is go into a bank branch there and pick up her debit card. Anyone have experience of opening an ordinary deposit account with an Australian bank like this ?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Steven Barrett]

Tried to do that in 2001 and wasn't able to. Would expect it's harder now with AML requirements. She will have to present herself in a bank and give them her documents to satisfy AML. Your best bet would be a bank like HSBC but you won't be able to open an account in someone else's name. I know your intentions are good but there are plenty of people who would like to do something similar to launder/ stash money.


Steven
http://www.bluewaterfp.ie (www.bluewaterfp.ie)

 

[Daddy Ireland]

Thanks. Actually managed to open an account in Australia quite easily. My daughter just has to present I D on arriving at any branch and she will get issued with a debit card within 5 to 7 working days. Opened with Westpac.