Bank Accounts for world travellers

King_Slim

In around six months I am going away for an extended period of travel lasting up-to 4 years, travelling by bicycle but have wanted to change my bank account from HSBC for a long time to something more ethical, does anyone have recommendations or advice about the ramifications of travel when switching my accounts?

I have savings which I hope will cover a large part of my journey but costs will be minimal, food, occasional accommodation, bike repairs.

Perhaps an ISA would make sense for part of these so long as it is easily accessed from abroad through the new account.

Any other advice for dealing with money and money security and emergencies while abroad would be welcomed.

D.

TarkaDal

Halifax Clarity tends to be the best for using abroad. However, you can run into difficulties as Mastercard isn't always accepted in some areas. I had to work off my Visa for the entire time that I was in Ethiopia.

It was a bit frustrating as my Visa charged me to make a withdrawal.

I think Norwich and Peterborough do a card that doesn't charge for use abroad so it would be a good idea to setup an account with them and with Halifax.

CLAPTON

King_Slim wrote: »

In around six months I am going away for an extended period of travel lasting up-to 4 years, travelling by bicycle but have wanted to change my bank account from HSBC for a long time to something more ethical, does anyone have recommendations or advice about the ramifications of travel when switching my accounts?

I have savings which I hope will cover a large part of my journey but costs will be minimal, food, occasional accommodation, bike repairs.

Perhaps an ISA would make sense for part of these so long as it is easily accessed from abroad through the new account.

Any other advice for dealing with money and money security and emergencies while abroad would be welcomed.

D.

i would suggest you have at least two different bank accounts and two different debit cards and at least two different credit cards (one VISA and one mastercard)

obviously ones that don't charge foreign transaction fees.

c-m

The UK banking system, like most things in the UK isn't set up for long term travel.

Firstly you need a permanent UK address otherwise they hold/terminate your account. Without proof an address you can't open an account.

I almost had on of my accounts closed when a letter was accidentally returned to the bank whilst I was away on holiday.