I've mentioned in an earlier post that I had opened a bank account in New Zealand via the ANZ Migrant Services. In this post I will point out some of the things I have found out about banking in NZ.
I searches Wises Directory (http://www.wises.co.nz/) for banks in the town I am going to. I think having a local branch is important as I will not have free time, or the transport initially, to travel long distances to do some banking. I discovered that there are two banks in the town, one I had heard of and had seen at the migrant fair and one I have only ever seen through shirt sponsorship of NZ Rugby clubs. Both were much of a muchness but once I get over I will ask the locals which bank they think is the better for service etc.
With the banks I have looked at, those that have branches in the town I will be living and working in, there is a monthly charge for having the account, normally NZ$5. This doesn't start until you are actually in country and using the account as you have to take the letter stating that you have a holding account along to the branch to activate the account.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Through my experiences I have found National Bank to be a fantastic bank. My partner (a Kiwi) has been with them since he was about 14 years old and had his first bank account (he's now 28). I find their service is personal (they always remember me and my partner by name) and they support their customers and their community through providing sponsorship, charity support and more, including free educational seminars for everyone about handling personal finances/taxes through to running a business successfully.
After some hideous experiences with HSBC in the UK and Natwest, Kiwi-run banks are a breath of fresh air.
Post a Comment