Hi, ljnw, If you are looking to transfer some sterling into french francs (or as it is about to become - euros) you don't have to have a bank account 'over there'. The pound is doing pretty well against the franc at the moment (about 10.75) and to take advantage of the changes it is well worth opening a french currency account in this country. Ours at Natwest carries no charges and we make almost instant exchanges without delays and at the commercial rate between our current and currency accounts. We can then arrange to make international transfers at our leisure without the risk of short term or unexpected fluctuations in rate. By the time you have researched and arranged a foreign account the pound could have dropped significantly - especially if you are talking house-purchasing sums. Peter.