[Bergita]

We're planning to go to NZ on a visitor's visa, then get a job and go the skilled migrant route to get PR. Can we get a bank account in NZ now? (plummeting SA currency) And, if we can and do, will that jeopardize our move in any way, when we arrive claiming to be visitors with a bank account already set up?

Anybody know?

[zardell]

Can't see that opening a bank account should be a problem.

Some friends of ours did exactly that.

They opened a bank account and transferred money (I don't know how much) into it before their arrival in New Zealand, however they were only on 3 months holiday and with no intention of applying to work or stay.

I'm sure that someone will come along soon and answer your question much better than I.

Good luck.

Julie

xx

[Pimmar]

Should be no problem opening a nz bankaccount, even if you have the intention not to live there;

i opened a bankaccount with ASB bank in nz by fax and
made my bankaccount ''active'' when i arrived in nz for a holiday/visit;
i visited a branch-office and obtained my bankpass, very easy to do,
i even applied at that moment for internet banking and that was sorted too :)

[steviec]

Hi Bergita. We are going on a visitors visa as soon as our house is sold and we have opened a hifx acc and NZ bank acc in advance while we are still in the UK. We have a wonderful financial adviser who has helped us sort out the financial side of things. Good luck. Its very easy when you get your head round it. Tracy.