Thinking of doing the same what does anyone think about opening a sterling account in a branch of ulster bank in ROI ? I know Ulster Bank are covered by the British goverments bank gauruntee
This issues are already covered extensively in AAM. Do a Google search with AAM in title and you'll find them. If you have more questions after reading them ask away!
I see no reason why they wouldn't. This would be a routine transfer into sterling/AUD$. Depending on the amount, you might need to wait a day or so until they get enough sterling/AUD $ in. You will of course pay FX costs and run the risk that either sterling or $ fall against the Euro. And you will pay to transfer it back into Euro. FX speculation is far from risk free, and can be very costly. Are you sure you want to do this and why are you considering it? If you have safety concerns, you might want to consider spreading your money around, including having some in FX abroad in a foreign account.