Moving to Ireland: expat account best?

ShonaB

Does anyone have experience of setting up everyday banking as a UK citizen moving to Ireland?

In particular:
1. Is it worthwhile using an 'Ex pat' set up, to help manage money between UK and Ireland- and to use Offshore savings products? If so which bank is best? I had a recommendation of HSBC - any competitive others?

2. I cant find any savings products in Ireland that look at all attractive - am I missing something - or is it best to keep savings in the UK, if possible? (are there many/any UK savings products that are accessible to non UK residents)

3. More generally, which Bank in Ireland is best for everyday current account activites?

xylophone

Have you checked with your UK bank(s) concerning keeping your UK bank account(s)?

http://relocatingtoireland.com/irish-essentials/banking-in-ireland/

https://www.bankofireland.com/help-centre/faq/open-non-resident-account/

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-ireland

https://transferwise.com/gb/blog/moving-to-ireland-guide

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving_country/moving_to_ireland/

Check on taxation of savings when you relocate to Eire.

Rich2808

I opened up an Irish account as a UK resident a few years ago in respect of an inheritance.

Still have it. Its quite useful to have a euro account as well and it makes life easier in terms of paying bills/direct debits.

Bank of Ireland and AIB are the market leaders - Ulster bank also operates current accounts and is part of the RBS Natwest group. KBC, Permanent TSB and I think ESB (the largest building society) also operate current accounts. Will depend in part whether you want access to a large branch network as AIB/BoI have branches everywhere whereas the others are limited to Dublin/Cork/Limerick City.

eDicky

ShonaB wrote: »

1. Is it worthwhile using an 'Ex pat' set up, to help manage money between UK and Ireland- and to use Offshore savings products? If so which bank is best? I had a recommendation of HSBC - any competitive others?

No - they will stiff you on exchange rates every time you need to convert, there will be high minimum balance to avoid fees and worthwhile savings predicts are unlikely.

Keep your pounds in a UK account and your euros in an Irish account, using Revolut or TransferWise etc for any conversion/transfers.

mjdh1957

I have kept my Halifax bank account in the UK and opened an Irish bank account online with KBC before I moved.

No need for any special 'expat' account. Not that I'm an expat anyway. I think it's a horrible expression.