[Ozobssesed]

Hi
can anyone help,
i am leaving to oz in set/oct on a one year working visa, i really want to open a bank accout online, so i can transfere my money over there.
1) really worried about the saftey of doing it online (i will be sending every penny i own!!)almost
2) which is the best bank: in terms of : little charge for withdrawal/deposits, widely known (i will travel all over)
hope you can help me

[Tim Uden]

You can read more about Australian bank accounts here: http://www.bugaustralia.com/essentials/money.html

Although I find the smaller banks give better service and have lower fees (I bank with Bendigo Bank), I would recommend to stick with a bigger bank that has branches and ATMs everywhere to avoid paying higher fees to use another bank's ATM. The four biggest banks -- ANZ, Commonwealth, National and Westpac -- are probably best.

I would wait until you arrive before opening your account. In your first couple of days, take your passport (as ID) to a bank and open an account, then you can transfer your money into the account.