I live in Australia but receive US checks, usually US$30 - $70 for
internet sales, despite requesting that they use PayPal.  To bank them
here costs Australian $10 per check.  My bank want megabucks to open a
US dollar account here. How can I open an account in the US without a
large US dollar opening balance, or maybe someone has a better idea.

Why not set up a Credit Card facility as well?

Not everybody uses PayPal, yet.

Then make it clear to your customers that you can only accept US$
checks provided they pay a surcharge of $10.

Hi tornado,

I also have to deal with this problem occasionally; the best bank I've
found for cashing the cheques in Australia is St George, who charge $3
for any number of separate cheques.  You can save up a few months'
worth, and bank them for one fee.  I don't know if other banks will do
this.  The sooner the US get out the chequing habit, the better for
all of us!

Cheers,
A.

i did not think anyone used cheques anymore anywhere