When I get to Oz, how can I open a bank account?

You can apply for an Australian bank account online before you leave. See Westpac, ANZ, or Commonwealth. You nominate a branch in the city of arrival, and you complete the process in person on arrival. A hostel address will suffice. You need a savings account with an Access card attached (for ATM and cashless transactions), and it's also a good idea ot have a credit or debit card (VISA, MasterCard) for booking and online transactions. Similarly, you need to acquire a Tax File Number (TFN) if you plan to work - you can also apply online (www.ato.gov.au) and again, your first Australian "address" will be sufficient. Good luck.

i'm an american planning on traveling through oz for about 4 months and have heard many people asking about getting a bank account there. can someone tell me the benefits of setting up a bank account there while i travel?

There aren't for you hozomeen.

The people who are asking are generally coming on Workign Holiday Visas for 12 months or more (not available to Americans) and need a bank account in order to have their pay paid into it.

ah, i see. much thanks ryb

The only benefit would be if the cost of accessing your funds here via an American bank imposed onerous fees. If it's better to dump a lot of cash into an Australian account for your time here, it might be worth it, but probably not a lot in it for four months - would need to do the sums, and see what your home financial institution is likely to charge you for cash withdrawals (international transfer plus conversion costs) at an Australian ATM (in addition to the Australian ATM fee). Bringing a stack of travellers cheques, or a no-fee / low-fee ATM card might be better.

If you apply for an Aus account within 2 weeks of arrival the only ID you need is your passport. After that you'll need your passport, driving licence and a credit card at least. Your hostel address will be fine...I'm with ANZ and have an internet account with them so I don't have to worry about statements getting to me.

Note that some banks require you to put a set amount into the account in order to open it (i.e $200). ANZ didn't have a minimum amount...I put $30 in the access account and $20 in the savings account.

If you are coming from the UK it might be wise to set up a Nationwide account. You don't get charged for withdrawing money from ATMs, unlike every other UK bank and if you need to beg for some extra dosh from family and friends all they have to do is deposit it in your Nationwide account with no charge for either of you.

Thanks for the replies guys - that really helps. It's funny because I was asking at Nationwide about it (I have a savings account with them) and the woman said they can't do that. I'll look at all the options you have given me - thanks!!