Bank Accounts/Accessing moneys while in Oz

[forzani]

Can anyone help ... I'm coming out to Oz at the end of December for 4 months, I'll be traveling a bit and then hoping to work (I have a Working Holiday Visa). My query is regarding bank accounts, I will be saving money here before I travel and wondered if anyone had any advice about how best to access my money while in Oz. Is it best to keep my money in my bank account here (I currently bank with Santander) or is it best to open an Ozzy account? Or alternatively does anyone advise opening a different account here before I leave and putting my money in that if the rates/charges for money withdrawals are cheaper/better?
Any advice would be greatly received.
Cheers
Jess

[The Pom Queen]

Personally I would open an Oz account, if you get paid above board (not cash in hand) they will require an Aussie account, plus it would save you getting stung with huge fees each time and a rubbish exchange. Take a look here http://www.pomsinoz.com/index.php?page=migrant-banking

[forzani]

Thanks for your advice - I'll definitely look into the Oz account.

[Delaneym]

I have a westpac account now that I have a regular saving amount goes into this through hifx each month ( since december) so by the time I go i will have a reasonable amount for the first few months.. I went to australia last year and used my santander account it was a bit of a nightmare! despite telling them they kept putting a block on the account and i spent more than a couple of times having to ring at a ridiculous hour to unblock the account! This is just my experience tho and am sure others may have had a better experience!