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Banking and money transfers
An everyday account is where wages and rent should land. MoneySmart explains fees and overseas transfers without selling you a product, and a transfer firm should be on the AUSTRAC register before you send a large amount. Messages about a stuck visa, a parcel, or a safe account are a common way new arrivals lose money.
Everyday money
How do you open an everyday account?
MoneySmart's guide explains opening an everyday account, getting paid, and keeping money in your own name. Banks are businesses, and this page does not recommend one.
Money transfers
How do you send money overseas?
MoneySmart explains how to compare exchange rates and fees, and why the transfer firm should be registered with AUSTRAC. Search the AUSTRAC remittance register before you use a money-transfer business.
- MoneySmartChecked 24 Oct 2026Sending money overseasHow to compare exchange rates and fees, and why the transfer firm should be registered with AUSTRAC. (opens in a new tab)
- AUSTRACChecked 24 Oct 2026AUSTRAC remittance registerSearch the public register of remittance providers before you use a money-transfer business. (opens in a new tab)
Scams
What should you do with a message about a stuck visa or a safe account?
Hang up, then open the official site yourself. MoneySmart describes banking scams, and Scamwatch is where you report a scam, including visa and parcel texts.
- MoneySmartChecked 24 Oct 2026Banking scamsHow bank-impersonation scams work, and what a real bank will not ask you to do on the phone. (opens in a new tab)
- ScamwatchChecked 24 Oct 2026ScamwatchThe National Anti-Scam Centre’s public site. Report a scam here, including visa and parcel texts. (opens in a new tab)
Sources
The answers above use these official pages. If a page and Life in Australia disagree, follow the official page.
- Money and working in Australia (opens in a new tab) — MoneySmart
- Sending money overseas (opens in a new tab) — MoneySmart
- AUSTRAC remittance register (opens in a new tab) — AUSTRAC
- Banking scams (opens in a new tab) — MoneySmart
- Scamwatch (opens in a new tab) — Scamwatch