Originally Posted by newtoOZ

There have been a couple of different posts about bringing money over, how to transfer money cheaply, and what to bring.

I came over, opened an account and wired money.

I was just told that I could have opened an account before I arrived, transferred money, and had it waiting for me. I could have had a bank card delivered to me before I left home. Even long term-tourists can do this so that they cut down on fees when using foreign bank cards.

There still would have been conversion fees, but that sounds a lot easier to me. Apparently you can do this all on line. HSBC has been recommended for low fees, no monthly fees on accounts, and a general international sensitivity.

Now, I haven't checked this out, because I'm already here and it's a bit too late, but I thought some of the people who are planning to immigrate might want to look into it. It might be especially easy if you use an international bank with a branch in your home country.