As a scholar, one of the first things you have to do when you arrive is open a bank account. Otherwise, you won't get your stipend. The University of Auckland has two banks in campus, ANZ and ASB. Most of us chose ANZ since the branch is in Kate Edger Information Commons, which is at the center of campus.
Normally, it'll cost NZ$10 to open a checking (or cheque) account, but since we are students, it is free. ANZ calls it a Freedom Account. To open it, you have to prepare the following:
- Photocopy of passport
- A residential address in Auckland, and
- Proof that you are a student (i.e. letter of acceptance)
That's it. The bank officer will open your checking account and give you your account number. You just have to wait for the university to deposit your stipend, and then you can start using it.
Most banking transactions are done on-line here. I know we already have on-line banking in the Philippines, but I did not make use of it as much as I did in New Zealand. Probably because may bayad ang over-the-counter transactions dito. You read that right, the bank charges you a fee every time you withdraw or pay at the branch. So banks actually encourage you to withdraw and pay on-line. Don't worry, the user interface is very friendly. It's easy to transfer money from one account to another, and to pay a person or a bill. You just need the bank account number of the payee.
After a few days, you'll eventually receive your debit card (more commonly known as an EFTPOS card--short for electronic funds transfer at point of sale card) in the mail. Then you can start using it to pay for almost anything in New Zealand. Just don't forget your PIN code.
Happy banking in NZ!
No comments:
Post a Comment