[On-screen text Suguru, International student]

Suguru: Opening an Australian bank account is your key to earning and managing money while you're living here as international student. As Australia is largely cash-free, meaning people will use their debit or credit cards to make purchases rather than physical currency.

You will want to have easy access to funds without the fee or wait periods that can be associated with international transfers from your bank back home.

Setting up a bank account is very easy. You can set up a bank account before you arrive in Australia or after you get here. Your university, college, or school may also be able to help you set up an account. There is a big range of Australian banks to choose from, but also the option of opening accounts with digital banks, meaning those without physical branches you can visit, credit unions, or foreign banks with branches here in Australia.

Research the banks ahead of your arrival to see what they offer, or once you're here, visit a branch in person. Let them know you're an international student interested in opening an account, and they can explain the process and what they require for you to do so.

But, in general, when opening an account, you will require your letter of offer or Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) from the university, college or school you are enrolled in, as well as your passport and other forms of identification. You will also need your Australian Tax File Number (TFN), which is easy to apply for online through the Australian Taxation Office.

Once you are set up, you will receive access to a  day-to-day account and an online savings account. You will also be provided with a physical debit card and, if applicable, instructions for adding a digital card to your phone. With that, you're ready to start saving and spending easily.

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