Banking and moving money when you move to Australia

Opening an Australian bank account before you arrive, declaring cash, moving large amounts, and finding a registered tax agent.

In short

You will need an Australian bank account soon after you land, for pay, rent and bills. Some banks let you open one before you arrive.

Sort out how you will pay for your first weeks, and get the right help for tax questions about money from overseas.

What you need to know

Commonwealth Bank, for example, says you can open an account online up to 14 days before you arrive (not on visitor visas 600, 601 or 651). You then show your passport at a branch within 20 days, and cannot withdraw money until you do. Other banks have their own rules
Cash of AUD 10,000 or more must be declared at the border. Money sent through a bank or remittance service does not need declaring
Moving large amounts, such as savings, sale proceeds or a pension? A recent arrival's tip: keep paperwork showing where the money came from, and tell your bank before big transfers
Tax questions about money or income from overseas: use a registered tax agent. Check them on the Tax Practitioners Board register, and make sure they are a tax agent, not only a BAS agent

This site does not give tax or financial advice and does not recommend any bank.