[Gerardv]

Having read quite a few of the posts here (what a great forum this is :clap) I think I will go with ASB. As I understand it, it should be possible to open an account from Ireland, transfer money (using something like XEtrade) to the account and on arrival in NZ go to a local branch, activate the account and withdraw money from it.

- is the above more or less correct? When we arrive in NZ we will be staying in a hotel and won't have a fixed address. Will we still be able to withdraw money and get an eftpos card?
- In a post from Marcia, she writes that the account got activated when she arrived in NZ, i.e. no interest on the deposit while it was "inactive"?
- anybody with negative experiences with ASB. Any reasons not to go with ASB?
- I assume ASB is one of major banks in NZ and has branches just about everywhere?

On another note (just a little moan): why didn't I exchange my euros on Thursday? I have been following the NZ xchange rates for the last 8 months and the last two weeks have been incredible. Talk about volatile!

Thanks!
Ger

[sfordjasiri]

I am not sure what you mean by "activate" your account. I have a Bank of New Zealand account that I opened from the US. I have not set foot in New Zealand since I opened the account but I have been getting interest for the past 2 years anyway.

I can't see why you would need a fixed address in New Zealand to withdraw money. I assume if you walk into a branch office of the bank and show them your passport they will hand you some cash out of your account.

[marcia]

We only moved the money we needed from the uk to NZ about a week before we were coming, the account it was held in the ASB London was earning interest, and once we got here we sorted out the two types of account which were best for us. We use the online banking using Fastsaver and a streamline account which is like a current account, no interest and no bank charges as long as you don't have statements sent in the post, and do all your transactions online. If you do need cheques or over the counter facilities you have to pay the appropriate fees.

The account activation is really just you going in and provong who you are to be able to use the account, setting up your eftpos facilities etc, and checking that you have the right the account for your needs, very easy and straight forward.

ASB do have branches all over the place, and I have been very impressed with them personally. I love the way every transaction shows up immediately, Kev can't sneak out and spend any money without me knowing straight away!!

The easiest way we found to sort out the transfers was to open the 'holding' account in london with ASB, transfer your money from your other bank account via CHAPS or BACS, they will keep the money there till you decide you like the exchange rate and then you just ring up, give them the password and tell them how much you want to tranSfer to NZ, as long as you move over £30000 at a time there are no extra fees involved. The money hits your account in NZ within 3 working days.

We were in a motel when we activated our account, but had given Kev's work address for any correspondence until we got our rental. If you have a P O Box sorted out I'm sure they would accept that, or even a trustworthy friend just until you get somewhere sorted.

HTH! :)

[andreamatt]

Hi there

Can agree with everything Marcia says: ASB have been great, both whilst transferring funds from UK bank accounts to their "holding account", and then during our first 7 weeks in NZ (Wellington). We walked into a Wellington city branch on our first morning in NZ and within 30 minutes we both had eftpos cards, etc and were up and running - great personal service. Would really recommend,

Andrea

[Gerardv]

That's great you all. A good confidence booster. I will start setting it up today :).

[Gerardv]

All setup. My experience: No hassle whatsoever. ASB guys are super efficient and very friendly/helpful.

Now also have my account with XE done :)

Again, thanks for all the info/help/advice.

[AlexUK]

There are plenty of UK banks that have NZ counterparts, this means you can use your UK card over in NZ without any charges on atm and epos.