Opening a bank account

Europe
Topic Type: Help

Travelling Europe and working in the UK. Who's the best to bank with?

Stacey Hatton
Post Count: 245

Msg: #1 24 weeks ago, July 17th 2009

I'm an Aussie who's soon going to be backpacking Europe with a 3 month or so stay in the UK to work. I want to have a Debit card (preferably Visa) so I have the freedom of using it anywhere without the temptation to spend money which isn't mine (as in a credit card). In order to get paid while working in the UK I will need an overseas bank account anyway (and my Aussie bank charges ridiculous fees if I try to use my card overseas). I've seen other topics in the forums about this but all of the suggested banks were US banks. I would very much like info on what banks are spread throughout the UK AND Europe and have fairly low fees, which would allow me to open an account from Australia.

Any advice is appreciated.

Rat on the Road

Kris and Kate
Post Count: 449

Msg: #2 24 weeks ago, July 17th 2009

Hi Stacey

I can't comment on which banks will allow you to open an account from Australia. I would think you would have to actually be in the bank in the UK, as they need to see various forms of ID, which will, of course, be with you in Oz.

However, I would suggest you try the websites. The big banks in the UK are:

Lloyds TSB, Barclays, HSBC, Nationwide, HBOS.....

Off the top of my head.

Kate

Rat on the Road

Kris and Kate
Post Count: 449

Msg: #3 24 weeks ago, July 19th 2009

There's a discussion on this very topic about half way down the board.

Snap Shot Stacey

Stacey Hatton
Post Count: 245

Msg: #4 24 weeks ago, July 19th 2009

Thanks Kris and Kate. I did have a look at that discussion but it seemed to be all America related.