International and travel - frequently asked questions

A Telegraphic Transfer is an international money transfer that allows you to send money to an overseas bank account in over 130 currencies. Funds are deposited directly into the payee’s bank account to be accessed easily by the payee. You could use an International Money Transfer to transfer money internationally to a family member or friend living overseas, buy overseas property from Australia or send wages or salaries to employees overseas.

Major currencies may take 3-4 business days. Minor/exotic currencies may take up to 10 business days. Please note these are only indicative timeframes. Transfers may be held up if the required information is not provided, or if Convera requires more information about the payment. 

There are different reasons why your payment may not have been received, including that it's still being processed, or you have entered incorrect details, such as IBAN, Account Number or Beneficiary details. Incorrect details may result in the payment being rejected by the overseas bank or deposited into an unintended person's account that matches the details. If you believe that the payment has been sent incorrectly, please contact People First Bank on 13 11 82. 

The details must be clearly communicated and 100% accurate. Any errors may increase the time taken for your payee to receive funds. In some situations, People First Bank or Convera may require additional information to complete your transfer. 

Please provide: 

• Beneficiary’s full name (the person overseas that you are sending money to and may also be referred to as the Payee) 
• Beneficiary’s full residential address 
• Beneficiary bank full name  
• Beneficiary bank full address 
• Account number 
• Purpose (Reference) 

You will also need to provide some additional information when sending a Telegraphic Transfer to the following countries: 

• Europe – International Bank Account number (IBAN) - the IBAN incorporates the bank, sort code and account number
• United Kingdom – IBAN
• New Zealand – Bank code
• Malaysia – National ID number or Company number
• USA – ABA or routing code

An IBAN is used by some countries to identify a customer’s bank account. The IBAN consists of an alphabetical country code, followed by two digits, and then up to thirty-five characters for the bank account number. For payments being to an IBAN mandatory country, an IBAN must be included.

A Purpose of Payment explains the reason for the transfer, i.e. Tax Invoice, Goods or Services, Gift etc. This is a legal obligation. 

Step 1 

Contact People First Bank to ensure your account has adequate and up-to-date identification is recorded for you to receive an Inward Telegraphic Transfer. 

Step 2 

Go to the Convera website and complete our online form. 

Step 3 

Choose the country you are receiving funds from. 

Step 4 

Complete the relevant information in the online form.

Please ensure that you double check that the BSB and account numbers are correct. Convera and People First Bank do not cross check the account number with the account name submitted. We rely on the account number as your instructions to transfer money to that bank account. It may not be possible to recover funds from an unintended recipient if you provide the incorrect bank account details.

Step 5 

Once you are satisfied the information you have entered is correct select submit. You will then be presented with the PDF deposit instructions. Please save it for your reference and email it to the sender/ follow payment instructions. 

Step 6 

Ask the sender to:

• present these instructions to their bank when sending the payment to you
• deposit the amount into the dedicated Convera account as stated in the instructions in local currency and not in AUD
• instruct bank teller to include the “Payment Notes” in the bank’s reference field as specified in the PDF deposit instructions. 

The remitter should send the funds in their own currency, and Convera will convert them into Australian Dollars before forwarding to People First Bank for credit to your account. Funds can be received in a range of currencies and a list is on the Inward Telegraphic Transfer form.

Please note that People First Bank and Convera do not apply a fee. However, in some instances intermediary banks may levy a fee. 

We may be able to negotiate a rate for you. Please enquire about a negotiated rate by calling 13 11 82. 

The time it takes to receive the money into your account with an Inward Telegraphic Transfer depends on what country it is coming from. 

As a guide, your money will generally be available in three working days, however this cannot be guaranteed. 

Some countries impose restrictions on the import/export of local and foreign currencies. You should seek advice from an official government website for the country you may be visiting. 

If you travel outside Australia, you may still have access to our People First Bank App service. You should check with your telephone communications provider whether your mobile phone will be able to use relevant networks in those countries in which you are traveling. You might have extra charges for having your mobile on international roaming from your telephone communications provider.

If you are travelling overseas, please notify us before you travel by: 
 
i. Sending us a Message via Online Banking, or 
ii. Calling us on 13 11 82, or 
iii. Visiting a branch. 
 
This is important for your security and your access to your accounts.