Year Abroad Bank Accounts

Shtiv

Howdy! Long time reader, first time poster here with what might be a bit of a toughie.

I am heading abroad on the 13th January with my other half to start a year in Canada. I have saved a fair bit of money for this adventure, but unfortunately I have no idea where to put it!

There are so many options out there and I am struggling to understand them all. Naturally, my priority is to get the best value for money, but when you start hearing exchange rates, transfer rates, set up fees and THEN the option to get some UK credit cards and just use them for the year then I must confess it all gets quite overwhelming.

Does anyone have any ideas? An absolute "You should do this!" answer would be amazing, but to be honest I'd be grateful if anyone could tell me what my first step should be as at present I feel completely lost. I have a Nationwide account at present and am eligible for their basic credit card.

Thanks in advance!

Lokolo

Have you thought about asking here?

http://www.canadian-expats.com/forums/

See what is required to open a canadian bank account. If you are there for a year, it would be cheaper than xchange fees etc. I imagine.