Banking, Money Exchange & Cash Back

[Bex & Nick]

Some (probably silly) money questions:

If we open our bank account now we will have to deposit some funds in it within 60 days, what happens if something goes belly up and we can't make it to Australia? Can we access our money?

If we use HIFX (or similar) to exchange some money can they hold onto the $ until we're ready to go or do they need an Australian Bank account to transfer the money to straight-way?

Can you get cash back when paying for shopping at a supermarket etc by EFTPOS?

Cheers! Bex

[dglamoore]

Hi Bex

No questions are silly when it comes to migrating - -I have asked them all and more at some point too :D

We set up a forward contract with HIFX last year to become available 1st March this year as we knew this would be when we would be going over roughly - if you give them a call they will explain all your options to you in plain english :D They told us that if we were not ready to go 1st March we could postpone the date until we were ready.

We also opened an account from the uk with Westpac and asked what would happen to our funds if we did not get the visa and they will send them back to you (minus a small charge no doubt).

Can't answer the last one but sure someone in oz can when they come on :lol:

Lisa

[Tyke]

Some (probably silly) money questions:


Can you get cash back when paying for shopping at a supermarket etc by EFTPOS?[/list]

Cheers! Bex

Yup - you are asked "credit or savings" - if you say saving you can withdraw cash along with your purchase :-)

Debit cards seem to be coming in here as well :-)

[Bex & Nick]

Great, thanks both for your answers - we've also decided to use Westpac, and I'm glad to see that cashback is possible!

Bex