Is it a good idea to apply for a credit card, before I move abroad?

John2000_2

Hi Everybody,
I need some advice about Credit cards. I am going to be moving to Italy in 3 weeks time, and I have enough money to live on. I don't have any debts at all, but I just want to ask if it's a good idea if I should apply for a credit card, just for emergencies? In my heart, I want to stay in Italy for the rest of my life. 
Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you, John.

JGB1955

Why not wait until you get to Italy, open your Italian bank account, then apply for an Italian credit card. A sterling credit card isn't going to be much use to you if you're living abroad permanently.

John2000_2

Thank you for your comment. I think I will do that. 

jonesMUFCforever

If you do apply they will ask something like - any change of circumstances in next 6 months which could affect your application?
You reply truthfully - you get declined.
You tell porkies - its a fraudulent application.

Malkytheheed

JGB1955 said:

Why not wait until you get to Italy, open your Italian bank account, then apply for an Italian credit card. A sterling credit card isn't going to be much use to you if you're living abroad permanently.

Except , just like the countless posts we get from people who have moved here recently...
The OP will arrive in Italy with absolutely no credit history, no address history, no nothing and will surely be declined for an italian credit card. 

OP, yes I would apply for a 0% foreign transaction fee card before I went if I didn't have one. Make sense. 

eDicky

Credit cards are not widely used in Italy and I doubt that there's any particular need to have one, a bank debit card is sufficient for any purpose.

Assuming that the OP is aware of the documentary requirements for residing in Italy, beginning with the Italian tax ID (codice fiscale), It's not difficult to open bank accounts, an address is required but proof of it is not strictly necessary.

born_again

Malkytheheed said:

OP, yes I would apply for a 0% foreign transaction fee card before I went if I didn't have one. Make sense. 

And the OP may well find when giving a change of address to Italy that they withdraw the card. Given they have only just applied. 

J_B

Not enough info really, but you have "enough money" - where is this money?

If it's in UK cash, maybe (?) you could use your UK (decent rate) credit card and/or debit card to pay for most things till you can get sorted.

Will you have someone who can help you to maintain your UK address? Otherwise, you may get booted off as said above.

We know many who have emigrated to Cyprus, but after 5/10 years, the novelty wears off and they come back to good old blighty!

Socajam

Personally, I would apply for the credit card - if asked I would say that the opportunity came up and you wanted to see if there is a future for you.
Just make sure that you have a UK address to use for your statements etc, or just choose "paperless" meaning no statements will be sent to you.
Regarding your bank account, keep that as well - UK address also needed.
Apply for online banking and "paperless" statements - you can then pay your CC online from your UK bank account
You have no idea what Italy holds for you or whether you will like.  It's best to still have a foothold in the UK