... it is international standard to handle it like that. I have been working in a bank for three years and it does not matter whether it is the same bank (HSBC) as long as it is in another country. They'll charge for it.
One workaround would be is that if you really, really, really, really, trust someone you could send them the money via Moneygram or Western Union and have him put it on your Aussie account. (Of course that isn't free, but it might be cheaper than what the bank charges... it sure is ten times faster than all other means of money transfer. Normally the money can be collected within one hour internationally.)
Another one, but rather tedious workaround would be to put it onto your Qatar account and to withdraw money when you get back home to Australia using ATM's and the Qatari Bank Card / Credit Card. Usually the credit card companies charge 3-4 % of the amount withdrawn. Be sure to have the limit raised on your card if you need to withdraw larger sums in other countries. It can really be a hassle if you have to go to the ATM 5 days in a row to get i.e. 2000 Euros. AND it raises the charge, since there normally is a fixum too... (Please keep in mind that on the other hand this raises the risk that you have in case these cards are stolen!)
Be sure to compare the Qatari banks concerning conditions (foreign withdrawal charges with the ATM Card, Remittance charges to Australia, monthly or quarter yearly fees, etc.), it is very well possible that they vary greatly on the charges they take. Don't be afraid to ask directly for what you need. It is your good right. Most likely they will be more helpful and lower or even waive the commissions if you get some other products from them i.e. insurance, savings accounts, share depots. That kind of stuff. Manus manum lavat. (One hand washes the other.)
Please don't hesitate to ask if you need any further information. (Of course I can talk only from the 3 years experience I had with European banks, but it should at least be comparable.)
... it is international standard to handle it like that. I have been working in a bank for three years and it does not matter whether it is the same bank (HSBC) as long as it is in another country. They'll charge for it.
One workaround would be is that if you really, really, really, really, trust someone you could send them the money via Moneygram or Western Union and have him put it on your Aussie account. (Of course that isn't free, but it might be cheaper than what the bank charges... it sure is ten times faster than all other means of money transfer. Normally the money can be collected within one hour internationally.)
Another one, but rather tedious workaround would be to put it onto your Qatar account and to withdraw money when you get back home to Australia using ATM's and the Qatari Bank Card / Credit Card. Usually the credit card companies charge 3-4 % of the amount withdrawn. Be sure to have the limit raised on your card if you need to withdraw larger sums in other countries. It can really be a hassle if you have to go to the ATM 5 days in a row to get i.e. 2000 Euros. AND it raises the charge, since there normally is a fixum too... (Please keep in mind that on the other hand this raises the risk that you have in case these cards are stolen!)
Be sure to compare the Qatari banks concerning conditions (foreign withdrawal charges with the ATM Card, Remittance charges to Australia, monthly or quarter yearly fees, etc.), it is very well possible that they vary greatly on the charges they take. Don't be afraid to ask directly for what you need. It is your good right. Most likely they will be more helpful and lower or even waive the commissions if you get some other products from them i.e. insurance, savings accounts, share depots. That kind of stuff. Manus manum lavat. (One hand washes the other.)
Please don't hesitate to ask if you need any further information. (Of course I can talk only from the 3 years experience I had with European banks, but it should at least be comparable.)
Greets,
Rene
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think different.