[Glenda]

Hi Vee,

It is hard to give concrete advice on what route to take when one has only experienced the one route. ?:) ?

If you read the info given in the link I gave you will be able to download application forms. ?The Commonwealth Bank of Australia/ASB route does the same thing as Hifx (and similar exchange rates) but quicker if there are several amounts to be exchanged at different times, or you have an income coming in from the UK which can be cleared there and be in your NZ account within three days. ?Both this and Hifx will want a certified copy of your passport, amongst other usual documents.

You will be given an account in London and an ASB one in NZ. ?They will ask you to activate the ASB one by going into their main office in Auckland - you don't have to go to this office and can activate in Whakatane as long as you let them know.

I am a little unsure whether they will be able to process in time for your move. ?They say five working days in their FAQs, but I would give them a ring to make sure.

I am pretty sure quite a few NZ banks have accounts which can be opened via the internet, and activated when you get there. ?Since there is really not that much difference between all of them (maybe a percentage rate difference) I think you will be OK with whatever you chose.

:) ?

? ?