Going USA for 5 weeks

billco

Will try and keep this brief;

Read you can get a US bank account, is it still possible?

If it is, which bank is the best, Common wealth in oz was good for the number of cash point locations.

Good cheap simcard to get?(good data plan)

Good car rental agency?



I will be travelling over several states, haven't bought tickets yet so can't say which state i will be landing in.

Thanks.

agrinnall

You won't get a US bank account, and I can't see why you would need one for a 5 week holiday. You would be better advised to get the most suitable UK cards and use those.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money?_ga=1.256362955.1706339514.1392649330

billco

agrinnall wrote: »

You won't get a US bank account, and I can't see why you would need one for a 5 week holiday. You would be better advised to get the most suitable UK cards and use those.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money?_ga=1.256362955.1706339514.1392649330

http://money.stackexchange.com/questions/7666/can-foreigners-holding-us-tourist-visa-create-a-bank-account-in-usa

this link says otherwise. Have you ever been to America?

tomtontom

billco wrote: »

http://money.stackexchange.com/questions/7666/can-foreigners-holding-us-tourist-visa-create-a-bank-account-in-usa

this link says otherwise. Have you ever been to America?

Setting up a US bank account for a five week trip is ridiculous - and yes, I have been to the US many times.

MasterPoo

OP is there a particular reason you want to open a US bank account?

MasterPoo

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-car-hire?_ga=1.25634554.678887817.1424348207

billco

MasterPoo wrote: »

OP is there a particular reason you want to open a US bank account?

I did it in oz, just made it easier. I buy the money at a good rate here then store it in a bank there. In oz i used the commonwealth which was so convenient. I like to go clubs and bars needed cash for entrance. With america i might be using rentals so need cash for petrol and other stuff and just don't like carrying too much on me.

In oz it took approx 5 days to get a debit card in the post and it took just one visit to get setup.

littlereddevil

You don't need cash for petrol, cards are fine

visidigi

littlereddevil wrote: »

You don't need cash for petrol, cards are fine

True, but you have to pre-pay as the self serve pumps require a US zip code.

Get a prepay credit card and load that with currency, you can with draw cash from an ATM for a few of a couple of bucks.

Rental cars wise, look at https://www.usrentacar.co.uk - just used them again and if going through Dollar sign up to Express with Dollar (free) and you can be in the car within 2 minutes of arriving at the rental lot.

pollypenny

Why on earth would you want a bank account for such a short time?

Many people visit the USA for longer periods, staying with family, as we do.

Just use a good card, Saga for us, and online banking.

agrinnall

billco wrote: »

http://money.stackexchange.com/questions/7666/can-foreigners-holding-us-tourist-visa-create-a-bank-account-in-usa

this link says otherwise. Have you ever been to America?

Yes I have. And as you seem to know all the answers anyway there's no point in anyone trying to tell you anything different.