TravelToWork - Do i need to transfer money to an Aussie account to gain entry to OZ?

Gings

Hi Folks,
Hoping someone can help me out. I'm heading travelling in October and have applied for my visa through Visafirst. They provide a OZ SIM, setup for OZ bank account and a TaxSaver pack.

My question is around the need for a statement of funds to gain access to the country. I know that you need €3,330 to gain access,

VisaFirst use another company called traveltowork who say you need to Open an OZ bank account, then transfer money to the Oz account before you leave.

The "Traveltowork" company are requesting that I transfer the money directly into their account "TraveltoWork LTD" they supply an account number and sort code. They then will transfer the money to your OZ account on the same day(charge €15). This seems a bit suss to me, not sure I trust it.

Do i need to have money in an OZ account to gain access? Would a statement of funds from my Irish bank not suffice?

Has anyone used this traveltowork method before? Is it legit

Thanks
Denis

bringitdown

Jaysus no. Unless regulations have changed.

You do need to provide proof of funds - i.e. a recent bank statement showing you have enough to get setup but I was never asked for this.

When you are over there you can open an bank account in person with one of the majors (shop around as fee structures can differ).

Transfer money in by a) loading your credit card with Euros so it is in the black (debit) b) use your credit card to widthdraw money in Oz c) lodge it in your new bank account.

If you do that it will cost you nothing but a little time.

lady_j

why not just go with the australian government website. you can apply online and dont need to move funds..

Personally I wouldnt transfer that much money unless I knew for definate where it was going

forgot the link http://www.immi.gov.au/

davmi

Im going out in November n have signed up for same deal, havn't sent away the bank account form but yet but you definately wont have to transfer any money, bank statement or travellers cheques. Had the same requirment going to Canada last summer and no one asked for proof of funds anyway.
Also you bought the sim card? think ur being ripped off there, was told its 30euro, think ul get one there for about $25!!

BuffyBot

Sorry folks - pending advice to the contrary from the Admins, Visafirst threads are non-gratia round these parts. Locked