How to Transfer Money from France to Australia
France to Australia Guide
Summary
France, as part of the European Union (EU), is involved in a number of trade arrangements with Australia, and in 2015 began discussions with Australia to establish a free-trade agreement between the two countries. Currently, the two countries have a number of reciprocal agreements in place for trade, investments and educational opportunities, and there are no restrictions on the ability to transfer money from France to Australia at this time.
Visas, work permits and residency
If visiting Australia, French citizens must first apply for Australia’s travel visa, the ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) visa, before entering the country. The ETA is an online application and visa that can be accessed through Australia’s official immigration site, and is applicable for tourism or business stays of up to three months. If planning to work in Australia for longer than three months, French citizens must obtain a Visitor Visa, which allows for stays of up to three, six, or 12 months. A permanent resident visa must be applied for if planning to live permanently in Australia.
Buying property in Australia
Due to Australia’s strict regulations over the purchase of real estate or land for non-citizens, it’s a good idea to find a local real estate expert to advise you before sending money from France to Australia for a property purchase. The Australian government’s regulations often make it difficult for foreigners to purchase property without first getting the approval of the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). It’s important to familiarize yourself with Australia’s real estate guidelines, or to work with a licensed real estate expert who is familiar, as failure to meet these guidelines or to obtain FIRB approval can lead to prosecution. In some extreme cases, it can even be used as a reason to deny an individual entry into Australia.
At this time, purchasing a property that has already been established as used for a primary residence, purchasing a new residential property, or purchasing a single block of vacant residential land does not require FIRB approval.
Taxation
French citizens living abroad must report any income earned worldwide, and are required to file tax forms with the French government declaring their earnings. They must pay taxes on this income, although they will receive credit via a foreign income tax offset for any taxes paid in Australia, due to the existing tax treaty between Australia and France. This treaty helps citizens of both countries to avoid double taxation.
Voting
French citizens and residents are eligible to vote in local municipal elections and European parliamentary elections. French residents living in Australia, however, are not permitted to vote in Australian national elections. Only Australian nationals are allowed to vote in Australian elections. For French citizens who wish to vote remotely in parliamentary elections, they must first register with the local French consulate where they are living before they can vote from abroad.
French students studying in Australia
The Australian elementary and high school system is well regarded, and all government-run public schools are free of charge to Australian residents. There are also a number of international schools available to non-residents. For French citizens who wish to pursue higher education in Australia at the university level, there are a number of educational opportunities, exchanges, and scholarship opportunities between Australian and EU-based schools.
Australia offers foreign students OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover), a type of health insurance coverage for international students, which can help pay for medical or hospital costs incurred while studying in Australia.
Healthcare
There is currently no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and France. French citizens who plan to visit Australia on a temporary basis for work or travel are strongly advised to take out travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical costs. To take part in Australia’s government-funded healthcare, Medicare, a French citizen must have obtained, or applied for, a permanent Australian resident visa. The Medicare services include the medical consultation fees, and any tests or examinations needed for treating diseases, most surgical procedures, even including many cosmetic procedures. It will also cover the cost for chronic disease management supplies.
However, it is recommended by the Australian government that temporary visitors purchase private medical coverage as an additional supplement and backup, as the Australian Medicare system is not comprehensive and is not designed to cover all medical expenses, such as ambulance fees, routine dental care, or physiotherapy. These types of expenses are not covered under Medicare, and would have to be paid for out-of-pocket.
Importing from France to Australia
International trade and investment account for a significant portion of the money transfers from France to Australia. The two countries have a close economic and political relationship, as evidenced by the details outlined in the bilateral Joint Statement of Strategic Partnership, signed by both countries in January 2012. Both are members of the United Nations and work closely together in global organizations such as the G20. Two-way trade between the countries amounted to AUD $6 billion in 2014, making France Australia’s 16th largest merchandise trading partner. In 2014, Australia exported approximately AUD $780 million worth of goods and services to France. Total French investment in Australia in 2014 was valued at nearly AUD $22 billion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the money transfer companies shown above safe to use?
Yes, all the companies are safe and fully-regulated money transfer services.
Each are authorised and regulated by the relevant authority such as the Financial
Conduct Authority(FCA) in the UK, FinCEN in the US, FinTRAC in Canada or ASIC in Australia.
How long does an international money transfer take?
The speed of delivery will depend on where the money is being from and to and how
you are sending and receiving the money. Transfers sent using bank to bank transfers
can depend take anywhere from minutes to days and you should check the time estimates
from the relevant provider. Debit and credit card payments sometimes allow for faster
transfers for smaller amounts.
How do I use FXcompared?
First review the comparison results (such as for a table above) for a given amount
of money sending from France to Australia. Then select a provider based on
factors such as price, speed, their rating and click the green button to be taken to
their website. From there, you can register and sign up for an account. Once you have
done that and the provider has verified your identity to ensure the money can be send
safely, you will be ready to transfer money.
What payments methods can I use to send money overseas?
The results shown above are typically for bank to bank transfers. It is possible
via some providers to pay in your funds for the transfer via cash, debit or credit
cards as well but this is usually reserved for smaller amounts. Some providers also
give you different options for how the money will be received - to a bank account
(most common), to a debit card, to cash or to a digital or mobile wallet.
What if the price shown above isn’t exactly what I am offered when I try to transfer money?
There can be a number of reasons why the final price you are offered may be different
to that shown in the table above. Exchange rates between two currencies change all
the time and is the most common reason. Additionally, some providers offer different
pricing depending what method you are using to send funds or how the funds will be
received. Others may offer you a premium service for faster payments. In some cases
FXcompared has a special rate with a provider and this is reserved for first time
customers who sign up to the provider starting from FXcompared’s website.
As prices do change often, be sure to confirm the total cost with the provider
before transferring money.
Your Feedback
We welcome all suggestions for improvements. Send us an email at support@fxcompared.com.
Latest Money Transfer News Articles for Europe