This is a quick warning to people going to Australia on a working holiday visa.

Before you leave you can open a 'traveller' account with citibank. The interest rates on particularly good and the charges are fairly steep but it's convenient and you don't have to do it when you get there.

BUT

I recently lost my cash card, unlike other banks where you can go in and get money out over the counter. Citibank told me I couldn't do that. They initially said they could arrange and emergency cash out for me provided I cancel my card. However after cancelling it they then changed their mind and said I would have to wait for my new card.

This they said would take seven-ten working days!! ie I would be without cash for two weeks.

I asked if I could not arrange a phone or internet transfer of funds into a friends account, to which they said no, not without a new card.

After pointing out that it was completely unreasonable to expect someone to go without cash for two weeks they said they would arrange for an emergency dispatch of a new card and that it would be with me in two days. Five days later I still don't have my new card.

Plus we're talking about thousands of dollars here not a couple of hundred.

Cheques also take at least 5 days to clear with citibank, everywhere else it's three.

I ended up opening a new account with St George, who immediately gave me a new card and gave me instant access to cash. I luckily am paid by cheque, by one of my employers and am also in possession of an Ozzie driving license as well as my passport. It s very difficult for backpackers to open bank accounts after they've been in the country for six weeks, as the id required is largely Australian issue only, ie overseas bank cards and driving licences wont work.

So please be advised do not open an account with citibank, go with one of the more traditional banks.

St George are probably the best bank service-wise. Commonwealth are supposed to be good for tourists/work visa people also. National Australia Bank are terrible though, I´ve used them for years and I will change very soon.

heres an idea, don't use banks- give me your money. you won't need an atm card, pin, password, no fees and a rubber chicken.