Finance
Sorting out the finances is just another item on the list when moving to Perth. You'll need to open a bank account here, transfer money into it, get your bank cards, possibly arrange a mortgage, and perhaps examine your insurance and retirement provisions.
Electronic banking is commonplace here - you can happily live without a chequebook (we do) as all common household bills can be paid over the internet - or at the main supermarkets using a special machine (there's a bar code on each bill that you scan - and then pay using your bank card).
Wherever you make a purchase in a shop, supermarket, restaurant or petrol station, you hand over your bank card and will be asked "Cheque, Savings or Credit" (the three different types of bank account). If you choose Cheque or Savings, to will then have to enter your PIN number to complete the transaction. If you choose Credit then you will have to sign for the purchases. Our Australian Bank Accounts page will explain the different types of accounts in more detail.
