Hi
also, has anyone used STA to set up an Austrailian Bank account, if so, is it worth it?
I don't know what they do for you, but regardless, no, it's not worth it. Setting up a bank account is supremely easy when you're in Australia. Just walk into any branch of your chosen bank (they all overcharge you for the privilege of withdrawing your money; some offer accounts where it's free if you withdraw a maximum of 5 times a month, so you might choose one of those, but otherwise they're indistinguishable for backpacker purposes) within two weeks of arriving in Australia, carrying your passport and $50 AUD (the passport is for identification; after the first couple of weeks from arriving you need more identification, which is why you should do this soon after arriving - and the money is for your initial deposit). They'll set up the account with you, and 15 minutes later you're out again. (Give them your hostel's address to send your debit card to (takes a week), and tell them not to send you any bank statements, or to set the frequency of that to once a year if they still don't offer the option not to send them at all.)
Once the account has been set up, you can have someone at home tranfer your money from your regular account (or do this yourself using internet banking if you have a laptop with you).
No idea what a cashcard is. Obviously I did without, and that worked just fine.
[ 18-Sep-2010, at 01:36 by Sander ]
Cashcards are good if you're not planning on using them long-term. They're safer than taking cash, have the same security as travellers cheques for loss/theft. But they don't have the hassle of cashing them in like with travellers cheques. You can also re-load them over the internet whilst abroad.
But most charge you a couple of quid for each withdrawl (have not used the STA one myself, but have used the Thomas Cook one several times, its really easy to walk in and get one from any branch). So you could get one for when you initially arrive in Oz before you sort out your bank account. I know the STA card account allows you to get your wages paid into it, but i'd check out the fees for withdrawls etc compared to the Oz banks
I was thinking of getting one but then opted to open a credit card. I used Santanders zero credit card which doesn't charge to use abroad and like not even 1% for withdrawls at a ATM. I did some research and this was the best option! Also im gonna open an account when i get to Australia.
If you can get a credit card do it, it is so much easier. If u can't get accepted, get your parents to open one and get you put as a registered card holder, thats what i did as my income wasn't high enough... Poor graduate and alll
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