USA bank account?

I'm going to the USA on study exchange and I'm wondering if it's better or even possible to set up an account over there. I'm an aussie and I'll be expecting regular funds and I'm hoping theres a way around not using my aus account and being slapped with large fees cause i'm overseas. Thanks guys :)

You need 2 forms of ID-- Passport is one most banks will accept and a credit card or a debt card will probably work too. Sometimes you need to have some sort of Social Security Number or they may be able to use your Visa entry number in the place of it. I worked at Bank of America and it usually was not a problem for international students to open an account. Plus student accounts are free!

you should be able to... try Washington Mutual... they seem to have the best plans and stuff out here.

have fun.... if you're coming to Cali, it's hot!!!!

Well, I would check with your local bank to see if they work with any US banks. Do you have Barclays bank where your from? If so, Barclays correlates with Bank of America in the US, so you can use your card at a Bank of America ATM and not get any fees. (I'm stuying in Enland this semester and am from the States- this has worked out very well for me). If Barclays is not an option, then just ask any of your other local banks.

I would only look into setting up an account if you're going to be there for longer than a semester...

Yay for you- it's much cheaper in the States!

I think u do'nt need to open a account in usa u did not say
for how long u r going either u can use those kind of pre paid
visa or master card or just use credit cards.
But if u r going for over 6 months u might wanna open account
but u do'nt have to and welcome to america.