Moving abroad to work for 6 months, any tips?

Dannii0703

First of all, let me apologise if this isn't in the right part of the forum, but I've got a few questions and was hoping someone round here might be able to help, or put me in the right direction...

So here's the scenario; I've got a job as a Chalet Host, living and working in France for 6 months, starting in November. The pay isn't great, but as most seasoniares will tell you, I'm doing it for the chance to ski loads as well as the work. Accommodation, food, ski hire, lift pass etc are all included. However, as I'm being employed by an English company, I will be paid in GBP into my English bank account. As the pay isn't a huge amount, I will obviously be looking for any tips anyone can give me on saving money whilst I am abroad.

First of all, withdrawing money:
I have a Barclay's account which isn't actually too bad for taking out money, but I was wondering if there is anything better? I know some credit cards are better, but I don't know if I'd have a good enough credit report for one (I'm a recent graduate with next to no credit history) and I don't know how easy it would be to pay off each month whilst I'm abroad. Are pre-loaded cards (sorry I don't know the technical name for them) any better? And are they easy enough to use and top up whilst abroad?

Another thing, mobile phones:
I know there has recently been a great reduction using mobile phones abroad, but they're still not the cheapest thing to be thinking about, and I can't risk being stung on a low income! I'm on Tesco mobile as it is such a cheap contract while I'm in the UK, but I wondering if anyone knows of any bolt-ons they may have for using it abroad? Also, does anyone know how the French mobile phone system works? Would it be possible for me to buy a cheap handset to use purely for use in France? I do have skype so will be using that as much as possible for contacting people back home (it may take some time to teach the older generation though...)

Finally, if anyone has done a ski season/knows anyone who has and has some useful tips on having a great season without spending too much, all input would be greatly appreciated!

Sorry for the essay, and thanks in advance! :beer:

benjus

Open a bank account with Metro Bank if you can get to the London area or Norwich & Peterborough Gold Classic/Light to receive your salary. Both are totally free to use from abroad and you get the wholesale exchange rate when converting from Pounds to Euros.

If you have trouble opening one of these accounts due to your lack of credit history, the cheapest prepaid cards are TravelEx Cash Passport Globe (1.49% loading on the wholesale exchange rate) and Kalixa (wholesale exchange rate, flat charge for cash withdrawals).

Take an unlocked phone from the UK (either your normal phone or a cheap additional one) and get a French PAYG SIM card to use in it. Click here for a list of French mobile networks.

angelil

I've lived in France since 2008 so hope some of the below helps.

To be honest I would just stick with using your normal debit card. Fees are not that high and I reckon anything else (including the options you suggest) would be too much hassle. I've tried using UK-based credit cards from here and it's a pain. Be grateful you're with Barclays, though, as they have branches in France. I changed to HSBC from a French bank for the precise reason that they also have branches in the UK.

Are you locked into your current mobile phone contract? To be honest I would ditch it/not use it and get a cheap handset and SIM for use within France instead. Alternatively, speak to your mobile provider and see what they say; I'm not going to pretend to be an expert on the subject. I do however switch my French phone off when I'm in the UK and have a cheap UK handset and SIM for use there whenever I'm visiting, and think this is easier.

I can also put you in touch, if you like, with a friend of mine who has done ski seasons in France (PM me).

The only other piece of advice that springs to mind right now is regarding medical stuff. Basic painkillers, cold remedies etc are VERY expensive in France and require consultation with a pharmacist (usually in French, although your resort may have contact with English-speaking medical staff)...so stock up on these before you go. In the event that you do have to see a doctor while in France, keep ALL paperwork that they give you, INCLUDING the boxes/packets for any medication you are given, as you will need this for reimbursement.

Hope this helps a bit

Bob_the_Saver

Take any medicines you may need with you. (OTC type things)
Open a Metro Bank account before you go.
For Low moderate use get a free Lycamobile Sim card when you are there.
Get a free EHIC card before you go and always carry it.
Get suitable insurance.
If you're driving, drive on the wrong side of the road.
Enjoy yourself.

Gironde_Gal

Hi, I have live in France for 9 years and would second the info on medicines. I always stock up when I pop home for every type of thing for minor ailments such as paracetamol, cold relief, immodium, even plasters. Go and see your GP to stock up on prescription items you might need to see you through. French doctors are usually very friendly but the beaurocracy is at least 3 times worse than you can imagine!

Either get your phone unblocked or pick up a cheap PAYG in the UK or buy one here. My kids are on Simyo which is really cheap for French domestic calls/texts but expensive for overseas (minimum usage 10€ per quarter), me and the DH are on Zero Forfait which is still reasonable for domestic stuff and excellent for overseas (minimum use 15€ per quarter). Please PM me if you want more info on tariffs, how to apply etc.

HTH

benjus

angelil wrote: »

To be honest I would just stick with using your normal debit card. Fees are not that high and I reckon anything else (including the options you suggest) would be too much hassle.

I don't agree with this. Opening one of the accounts I mentioned is not much of a hassle, and should save about 3% compared to an average UK current account. If you withdraw £10,000 from France over a number of months, that means that you'd save £300 in overseas usage fees...

angelil

Depends what your bank charges etc as this will presumably vary from bank to bank.

I have never set up a card for such a limited time period so won't pretend to be an expert on the subject, and to me it would seem like one extra hassle, but if it's easy to set up and would genuinely save money, then of course I would advocate doing it.

kowloonboy

I worked as an Expat before and my advice is to eat as much British food while you can. Because when you are abroad you will miss it so much.

nomoneytoday

kowloonboy wrote: »

I worked as an Expat before and my advice is to eat as much British food while you can. Because when you are abroad you will miss it so much.

It's only France, not the other side of the world

Most foods are available, as are better french alternatives, in the Hypermarkets.

mikey72

benjus wrote: »

I don't agree with this. Opening one of the accounts I mentioned is not much of a hassle, and should save about 3% compared to an average UK current account. If you withdraw £10,000 from France over a number of months, that means that you'd save £300 in overseas usage fees...

The job has everything included.
So for the op it's probably better just to withdraw a suitable amount of cash, pay one handling fee, and then spend the money.
Get a mobile with wifi, and use the free wifi in the resort if you can. Sykpe to landlines is cheap enough that way as well.

Dannii0703

Thanks everyone, great to have a few different opinions. I live in the north, so the London bank accounts would definitely just be more hassle than it's really worth I think.

I am locked into my phone contract, but I'll give them a ring and see if there's anything they can do, and most likely also get a cheap unlocked phone for a French sim card as well. Don't worry I will be making the most of Skype!

Also, massive thanks for the info about medicines, I will take this into account. I already have an EHIC (I won't travel to Europe without one) and my insurance is sorted out through my employer too so this isn't a worry.