Banking matters

As the year winds down and we get closer to the move, more and more things keep popping up that need to be seen to.

One of the first issues that we've tackled is banking. After some research, we settled on National Australia Bank. For those that are interested, here's the link to the NAB Migrant Banking website.

It basically allows you to fill in an application (as pictured below - yes, it's a very long application)

Anyway, take note of the yellow highlighted section that, to apply for this account, you must be;
1) due to enter Australia to  migrate, study or work.
2) Plan to arrive in Australia within the next 12 months.
3) You have been in Australia for less than 6 weeks.

NAB's response time has been great. Within a day or two of the application, we had already received an email from them letting us know that our application was being processed and that they aimed to have the application completed within 5 business days.

True to their word, 2 days after the initial contact, we received instructions on what to do once we arrived in Australia. We could start transferring funds to the account but would be unable to make any withdrawals until we went over and passed the necessary identification requirements.

Documents needed?
1) Passport (original)
2) Printed copy of the PDF attached in the email
3) Details of new Australian address (temporary or permanent)
4) Australian mobile number
5) If using an ePassport, must bring along a printed copy of the visa grant letter and a copy of the boarding pass.

Lastly was a reminder to meet the designated banker within 6 week of arriving in Australia - where ATM cards and PINs would be given if needed.

2 days after that, we received further contact to setup Internet Banking. Included in the email was a unique NAB identification number that'll be needed complete the application.

5 days later, the 4th and last email so far arrived, letting us know which branch we had been assigned to. We did get to pick which suburb we were going to settle in and they then assigned their nearest branch office. Along came a reminder to complete the 100 points of identification before the cards and accounts could be activated.

And that is it. Bank account settled.
Now to figure out the best way of transferring money into the account.