Living abroad tips and hints for money savers

donny-gal

I really like the Nationwide, they have been fine with us, and I now just draw money out of the UK account as I need it out here either for spending or topping us my Spanish account, as there are no charges in Europe and I get a better rate than anywhere else, both on cash via debit car or via credit card.
DG

seven-day-weekend

donny-gal wrote: »

I really like the Nationwide, they have been fine with us, and I now just draw money out of the UK account as I need it out here either for spending or topping us my Spanish account, as there are no charges in Europe and I get a better rate than anywhere else, both on cash via debit car or via credit card.
DG

That is the main reason when, after I had become a Nationwide customer due to my ISA being taken over, I very quickly opened a current account.

I will have my State Pension (first payment due 1st February:beer:) paid into it and then I can just draw any money out at the cashpoint, either in Spain or the UK.

gfplux

You should try HSBC.
During our annual visit to London last November 2008 I opened an account at the Kensington branch of HSBC.
I had with me a recent statement from my NatWest account, my passport and a statement (in French) from the Luxembourg tax office with my Luxembourg tax number on. I think the first two would have done the job.
I have since used on line banking and I am very satisfied with their service. I have also set up a regular saver.
Also during this year my wife has managed to open an account with them by posting documents to them.
I intend to take my daughter in next month (if I can get her away from the shops) to open an account.
I will let you know how I get on.

droopsnout

Thanks, gfp.

Any charges involved in this account? Is it a standard UK current account?

droopsnout

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

(Just had a thought - if all else fails maybe you could get round it by opening a joint account with a UK resident, using their address, and then later they could get themselves taken off).

S-d-w, look out of your window into the street. CAREFULLY, now!!!

You see that bloke wearing a mac? He's MI6. Keep your eyes and ears open!

gfplux

No charges. It is just a normal UK current account.
The current account pays no interest but I also have a regular saver at 4% and have put some money on 12 month deposit, they call it "High Interest deposit Bond" that at the moment is paying 3.25% before tax.
These are not the VERY BEST rates but they are OK for me at the moment.
The on-line banking is very easy and at the moment I am happy with them.

droopsnout

Thanks again. Will look into this.

hartcjhart

all of you that have a Spanish pay as you go phone please read this

http://costaalmeria.com/costa-almeria-forums/topic.html?id=4236&p=2#p39873

not sure if you can do it online

donny-gal

That's the frustration, mine had been registered, and around 19€ on it, but because I hadn't topped up for 6 months it has been decativated (the sim not the phone) and I now am looking for one that stays alive whether you use it or top it up or not?
DG

seven-day-weekend

Oh dear, donny-gal. I think by the time we get back it will be six months since mine is topped up, I hope it isn't de-activated. I have registered it.

Hope yours gets sorted soon!