Moving to Australia from New Zealand?
Get all information you need to make a successful and stress-free move across the ditch.
Every year, over 330,000 people and 2,000 businesses trust us to make global payments, send funds to families, pay international businesses, and buy foreign real estate. At XE, we’re not just passionate about saving you money, we’re proud of our exceptional service as we connect the world through currency exchange.
XE is the world’s most trusted FX company!
Register free here and find out how much money XE can save/make you!
Most people are unaware of the high margins and fees that are often applied by banks for international transfers. The difference in exchange rates can often mean savings of thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars (depending on volumes being sent).
If you are sending money to or from NZ or Australia, XE can help (register for free here).
XE uses an independent company to check all the main New Zealand banks to ensure their overall price (including bank charges, exchange rates and other fees) is better. They save you money in two ways:
**This comparison was made on 21.08.17, by speaking to the foreign exchange teams at 3 of the leading banks.
See how much you could save… Join now!
XE Money Transfer is a quick, easy, and secure way to transfer money around the globe. With competitive exchange rates, you can book international payments 24/7.
Why not take advantage of the free, no-obligation registration process – see how much you can save?
Enjoy FREE transfers with XE! Save time and money.
Simply sign up today for fee-free transfers AND great exchange rates.
The below posts might interest you:
If you’ve read the above content and the answer to your question isn’t there, please write a comment below, and I’ll research the answer for you.
If you need advice on moving to Australia from New Zealand, I’ve created a helpful little questionnaire to point you in the right direction. It takes less than 30 seconds, so give it a go!
Hi… I’m JJ Smith.
I’m the creator and editor of Moving to Australia and have been for 15 years! I know everything there is to know about New Zealanders moving their families and life to Australia. Either from first hand experiences and research or through the questions from visitors to this website… and I’m here to help!
I love helping people via Moving to Australia.
Providing the answers to questions we all ask when deciding whether to make the move from New Zealand to Australia. Even giving individual specific advice where needed.
I have learned a lot over the last 15 years from personal experience and through interacting with visitors. This is my job, making sure the information here is comprehensive and up to date.
If you would like to help me, you can use one of my referral partners.
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Sophie
January 17, 2024 at 12:03 amHiya, love your blog it is so helpful!
I have set up an account with CommBank, and have my account details. I just have to go to the branch when I arrive in order to verify my account.
I am looking at transferring my money to this account through XE so when I pick up my card, I can use that money. Can I transfer it to my bank account now without my account being verified? Or do I need to wait until I’ve gone in to be able to transfer money into this account.
Another question, I looked at transferring money on XE and the only free option was by paying through bank transfer. When I go to do this it says: “Arrange your transfer, After confirming your order, go to your bank’s online portal or branch to set up a transfer to Xe.” So do I have to physically do a transfer to XE? Or do you suggest doing it through debit card or credit card and paying that fee?
Thanks in advance for your help!
JJ Smith
February 2, 2024 at 6:42 pmHi Sophie,
I’m so sorry about not replying sooner.
You didn’t mention when you were moving. Do you still need my help?
In short, you setup both accounts. Transfer your money to XE through online banking/direct transfer. When you have verified your CommBank account, immediately log into your XE app and confirm for the money to be deposited in your Australian bank account. If this happens early enough in the day, the money will arrive in your acc the same day.
Please let me know if you need any further explanation or help.
Haylee
September 30, 2022 at 9:52 pmHi JJ,
So let’s say I’ve arrived into Australia and just received my Debit Card from Commbank, so now my bank accounts with Commbank are activated .. Is the next step then that I transfer my money (while physically in Australia) from my NZ ANZ account through XE App, sending to my newly activated Commbank Account with an amount of just under $30,000NZD and it should come through either the same day (depending what time I do it) or the following day?
I think I’m just a bit nervous on the waiting part for so much money being transferred from one account to another through XE. Contemplating on going to Australia with physical cash on me, but understand that there are declarations I need to submit before my arrival in Australia. Had a look at using Wise, but don’t trust it after reading countless 1 star reviews on Wise. So XE is my best option but with a big amount of just under $30,000NZD I’m just worried it may not all come through etc ..
Thanks,
JJ Smith
October 2, 2022 at 3:01 pmHi Haylee,
Thanks for your comment.
Feeling a bit nervous about using an online transfer company for the first time is understandable.
There are two things I would recommend to help put your mind at ease:
– Start with a small transfer – when you first get to Australia transfer over $100. After it’s arrived you will understand the process better and trust XE like thousands of others.
– Contact XE – if you have any concerns contact XE’s amazing customer service team. They are always there to help. After you have set up an account you can contact them here: https://help.xe.com/hc/en-gb#xemoneytransfer.
In saying the above, the reason I promote XE is because they are trustworthy. Having a 4.4 independent review score says it all.
If you haven’t registered with XE already, you should. Then you can download their app, get to understand the process first hand and have their customer service team at your fingertips.
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Hope the above helps. Good luck with your move.
Haylee
October 13, 2022 at 8:59 amHey JJ
Hope you are well,
I am just emailing to ask for clarification or advice on this. I see on your site that we are able to open an Australian bank account 3 months prior to our arrival in Australia. But then I have also read that we should apply for an Australian Bank Account 2 weeks before we leave NZ. But would like your personal view on which is best.
Which would you recommend? Open an account 3 months prior to the move, or 2 weeks prior.
PS. Your site is amazing! So informative, and I am definitely a regular reader on your site.
Thank you so much!
JJ Smith
October 13, 2022 at 12:17 pmHi Haylee,
Thanks for pointing out the miss leading information. I will find it and correct it.
When I first set up the website it was recommended by CommBank to set up an account 3 months out, but it has changed recently to 2 weeks.
Honestly, I would do what is best for you. It’s always nice ticking something off your to-do list. Personally, I would register between 2-4 weeks.
I’m really glad my site is helping you.
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move.
Terence Gay
November 4, 2019 at 1:55 amHow much money can be transferred per annum from NZ to Australia
JJ Smith
November 6, 2019 at 11:32 pmHi Terence,
Thanks for your comment.
No there is no maximum you can transfer to Australia from New Zealand.
However, you need to consider your tax obligations. Here is a post you should read – do you have to pay tax on money transferred from overseas: https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/do-you-have-to-pay-tax-on-money-transferred-from-overseas/.
Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have.
Good luck with your move.
Terence
November 7, 2019 at 12:43 amThankyou for your efforts on my behalf JJ.
My measly contribution will not cause ripples in the financial markets.
Thanks