Moving to the UK

LilElvis

helcat26 wrote: »

I do not think there would be a problem setting up a bank account as a foreign national but the system here is that you only have one main bank account that your wages go into.
Here a page from Barclays (not recommending that bank this is just for info.
http://www.barclays.co.uk/Helpsupport/ComingtoworkintheUK/P1242601780771


You could however maybe set up a savings account with a building society where you pay cash in and that would give you a cash card and the helpful things associated with plastic. You can probably use your credit cards here but make sure you do not get a currency fee.


I guess you need the usual identity doc- passport, birth cert, evidence of wages.


At the doctors we do not pay, but at the dentist you pay after each visit.


By the way if you are coming to the UK you had better bring an umbrella!

You can have accounts at every UK bank if you wish, certainly not just one.

Barclays are very good though. In my old job I used to relocate overseas nationals and they do have options especially tailored to those who are relocating and are in higher paid positions giving automatic access to credit as well as debit cards.

Having lived abroad myself the hardest part is gaining credit when you have no credit history and the easiest way was always to have an account which could be transferred. American Express was the easiest way for me as it is was one of the few which will recognise a credit history across countries.

As you work for an airline they should be able to help you as they will have dealt with relocation issues for staff.

I hope you enjoy your move to the UK!

JessieEarl

My work have said they will help but I'd like to do a lot myself I hate relying on other people. From the information they have given they did suggest HSBC and Barclays.

ABN Amro suggested they are apart of the RBS group so I could potentially get an account there.

I have an American Express card already, I didn't know I could move it over. I will give them a call.

So I am allowed more than one account? Because I generally like a work account as well to make expenses easier for those things I wouldn't put on a credit card. I guess most accounts would charge me for worldwide use?

seven-day-weekend

JessieEarl wrote: »

My work have said they will help but I'd like to do a lot myself I hate relying on other people. From the information they have given they did suggest HSBC and Barclays.

ABN Amro suggested they are apart of the RBS group so I could potentially get an account there.

I have an American Express card already, I didn't know I could move it over. I will give them a call.

So I am allowed more than one account? Because I generally like a work account as well to make expenses easier for those things I wouldn't put on a credit card. I guess most accounts would charge me for worldwide use?

You can have as many bank accounts as you like. I have four current accounts and several savings accounts.