Banks in singapore-Loyalty program, transfer to/from Aus etc

[ozroadrunner]

THis is slightly similar to 'brah''s post.. but didn't want to hijack his post..

I will be moving shortly to Singapore and wondering what the best option is in regards to banking. Specific questions I've got our :
1. I will need to transfer money to/from Australia - Is there is a local bank that charges cheap/no fee for this?
2. What is the best credit card/bank for frequenty flyer programs - I am currently on the Qantas FF program and would like to continue it, but I'd guess there aren't many local banks supporting that?
3.Can I open an account and possibly apply for a credit card before moving to Singapore? (using my Australian income/savings etc?).

Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks.

[Brah]

no problem to add to my thread or have a separate one, much of what you're looking for is the same as me

no real responses yet on my thread......

maybe I should have been more specific about credit cards rather than the sponsoring bank

[aster]

2. What is the best credit card/bank for frequenty flyer programs - I am currently on the Qantas FF program and would like to continue it, but I'd guess there aren't many local banks supporting that?

I don't know of any that will credit Qantas FF miles. The closest you will get is having them credited to Cathay's FFP.

You might want to consider switching to Star Alliance unless you hold high status with One World and will continue to fly Qantas most of the time.

[Splatted]

apply for a citibank account before you leave oz., a 'citibank plus' transaction account. get a readycredit account while you're at it.

when you arrive in sg, create another citibank account

with the citibank account, you can send money internationally from Australia to other (participating) citibank accounts for free.

You're also supposed to be able to send money from Sg to Australia for free according to the Australian citibank website, though the helpline from Singapore citibank insist that sending money from Singapore to Australia costs $10 per transfer. (so they claim)

So far, I haven't been charged for sending money from Sg to Australia. Nor have I been charged sending money Sg to Germany.

The aussie readycredit account is useful in that you can withdraw money internationally for free from participating PLUS atms. You can also top up the readycredit account with your own money (ie spend your own cash), and therefore avoid any interest.

I used my readycredit card for all my ATM withdrawing when I went on my Japan holiday. (which worked only at post offices and airport in this particular country). This worked out much more convenient than carrying travellers cheques or foreign currency.

[Splatted]

2. What is the best credit card/bank for frequenty flyer programs - I am currently on the Qantas FF program and would like to continue it, but I'd guess there aren't many local banks supporting that?

Qantas ff program isn't very good for flights.

The classic program gives good point conversions for flight seats, but you can never find the seat you want.

If you choose to redeem using the new program, it gives horrible conversions. You end up having to spend 3x as much on your card to earn the points for a flight you should have been able to redeem on the classic.

I cashed in all my remaining points for Coles vouchers, and ditched using it.

There's another thread floating about on good credit cards for earning miles.

keep in mind, however, Singapore credit cards offer you piss-poor protection if your card is lost or stolen.

[aster]

keep in mind, however, Singapore credit cards offer you piss-poor protection if your card is lost or stolen.

Things have changed in recent times, and if there was no negligence on your part then you shouldn't be worried.

[vozzie]

I just use my AMEX card ( from Australia) and it provides points for QF F/F.

I can tell you that DBS charges a truck load to send money back to OZ

[Brah]

True. But sometimes too much so.

I've had legitimate overseas payments stopped, on the same charge and after informing DBS Visa that the charge was coming.

It's been a good bank but from the last experience, well, it's time to pull out and try another, unless they right the wrong.

keep in mind, however, Singapore credit cards offer you piss-poor protection if your card is lost or stolen.

Things have changed in recent times, and if there was no negligence on your part then you shouldn't be worried.

[Splatted]

I just use my AMEX card ( from Australia) and it provides points for QF F/F.

Yes, but you're being slugged a commission on currency conversion. Not worth it, when you add up the extra amount you paid to accumulate enough points for an airline ticket redemption.

[aster]

Good point. CCs are generally worth using in the base currency only.

That's why some cards issued by some banks, like Maybank, entice you with double miles for overseas purchases. That might make it worth it...