Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 13

Thread: Can I open a bank account in NZ? (not PR)

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Posts
    6

    Default Can I open a bank account in NZ? (not PR)

    Hi all. This is our situation:

    We are planning to move to NZ in a couple of years. We're going on a recce trip in November. We'd like to open a bank account now, but I'm not sure if we can.

    We have friends in NZ, so we have a mailing address. However, we can't provide proof of residence. We'd like to have a bank account to use while we're visiting. Also we'd like to transfer money to take advantage of the exchange rate (like right now).

    Any suggestions?

    TIA,

    Angel

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    44N to 43S; Oregon to ChCh
    Posts
    1,698

    Default

    Yes you can. Just contact the migrant banking section of whichever bank you like to set up an account.
    You can transfer money in even if just on a visitors visa (or before you arrive).

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Gulf Harbour
    Posts
    112

    Default

    Yes, we opened an account with ASB while on holiday last year. We didn't have to put any money into it at the time and we didn't need an address in NZ.I think we just used our passports and UK driving licences.
    We have just transferred some money ready for our holiday next month.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    at the bottom of the top bit
    Posts
    3,405

    Default

    watch the small print as on the westpac migrant bank account, you have to arrive within 6 months of opening although its unclear whether thats as a migrant or visitor. also, you can make only 2 tfr's before you reside.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Posts
    6

    Default

    Thank you all for the replies. So looks like Westpac is out, but ASB is looking good.

    Angel

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    christchurch (formerly essex)
    Posts
    2,749

    Default

    westpac not out if you don't feel the need to do it before you get there, in my opinion be better to take some travellers checks and do the rounds of the banks once you are here. most of the backpackers that come to our hostel do this so they can chose the bank that is best for them.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    at the bottom of the top bit
    Posts
    3,405

    Default

    i was told the other day that NZ traveller cheques had stopped being issued?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    christchurch (formerly essex)
    Posts
    2,749

    Default

    wouldn't have aclue about that, think that might be worth phoning a few banks about, otherwise use uk sterling ones and get them changed there,

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Wellington, NZ from US
    Posts
    1,927

    Default

    If you will be depositing $ into the NZ acct to gain interest while waiting to move I would suggest getting an IRD number to reduce your tax on interest. You used to be able to apply overseas but I heard (on here) that they stopped doing that. maybe you could find time during your visit to apply?
    www.ird.govt.nz

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Cornwall-WLG NZ-Cornwall-Auckl
    Posts
    943

    Default

    IRD good in theroy but you need a NZ address and can not do that from out of the country it has been stopped!

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •