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Hi Im buy a property in the Alps, the seller who is English is asking me to pay him in sterling by cheque at the Notaires office on the day of completion. I dont mind doing this as it will save me changing up £75000 into euros and loosing out on the exchange. But is this possible to do it this way ? Personally I dont think we can as im buying it in France. In the UK as you all know , you pay the solicitor who then pays the seller.   Anyone else done it this way ?   Thanks all

Top Man   Thanks

Does anyone know the address of CA in calais please.   Thanks  

Im in the process of buying a holiday flat in the Alps near to Evian .   Question is I want the easiest way to open a bank account . Which of these will be the best way to do it. Go to Calais on a day trip and open it there.Try to fill out the forms of the Britline acount.Try to fill out the Barclays forms.Or any other suggestions.   The forms seem so in depth , as I only need an account . I dont need a mortgage . If I open an account in Calais will it cause a problem as i'll use the account in Evian ? The info I have says that I need to keep a min of 2300 euros in the account - is that correct ? What Bank would you reccommend ?   Thanks      

Opening a French bank account This article assumes that you are interested in opening a French bank account because you are intending to buy or have bought a second-home or permanent home in France. You can open either a non-resident account or resident account. Non-resident accounts (compte non-résident) may be slightly more restrictive than resident accounts in the amounts you can transfer and the fact that you cannot obtain an overdraft – check with your bank for the specific restrictions. Although it is usually easier to open a French bank account in person while in France, for many people this is not practical. Fortunately there are various options available to set up Euro accounts assuming you are still in the UK. As with any bank or savings account there are a number of important variables to consider which can make a noticeable difference to the cost and ease of running the account. You should take into account these factors when selecting an account provider: * Interest – What rate can you obtain on your savings? (No interest is payable on French current accounts) * Is it paid gross or net? * Monthly or annual payment of interest? * Withdrawals & Transfers – what are the rules regarding the number of withdrawals? * What are the charges for transfers to Euro and non-Euro accounts? * Access – does it have online or telephone banking facilities? Current vs Deposit Accounts You will almost certainly need to set up a cheque account for paying bills and everyday French expenses and a separate deposit account (not necessarily with the same bank) for holding larger sums on deposit. First you will need to obtain the forms from your selected bank in order to open a new account, either during a visit or by correspondence from abroad. If you are unsure which bank to choose try to get a recommendation from other people in similar situations who have opened and run French bank accounts. If you don't speak much French you will want to choose a bank that is used to running resident expat or non-resident accounts, but bear in mind that just because you are able to talk to helpful English speaking staff in the HQ does not mean there will be any in the local branch where you intend to conduct your banking. If you are visiting the area in which you are buying a house why not try and visit the branch for a quick meeting to see what familiarity they have with non-French speaking customers. Alternatively choose a service like Britline, operated by Credit Agricole, which provides a telephone banking service staffed by English speakers. See our List of French Banks in the Directory. In addition to completing the application form you will need to provide additional information as follows: • Reference from current bank • Copy of your passport • Signature witnessed by a solicitor (non-residents) • Evidence of residency status (utility bill or copy of house purchase agreement, e.g. Compromis de Vente, if your purchase has not gone through). You will also need to deposit some funds to open the account. Note that if you wish to open a joint bank account, you have the option of the account being held as M. et MME. SMITH or M. ou MME. SMITH. In the former case both partners must sign and in the event of one partner dying the account is frozen until the will has been proven. If you wish to have a joint account where either partner can sign and draw on the account then you must have the second option.

Q: What do I need to open an account? A: This varies, but documents required depend largely on your circumstances. If resident in France, you will require a valid piece of identity, such as a passport or carte de séjour as well as a proof of address (such as an EDF/GDF or France Telecom bill in your name) that is no more than three months old. If a non-resident in France, as well as the above, you will need a recent credit card statement not more than three months old, (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc) showing your address, or a bank statement from a reputable bank showing your address, or a recent gas, electricity or telephone bill at your home address, not more than three months old will also be required. Here at Barclays we also request that you provide an introductory or reference letter from a major UK bank confirming your home address. If you have already used a bank statement for this purpose, this letter must be issued by another bank. In addition, if you are opening an account from overseas and are not present in the country in person, then you will need to provide copies of two pieces of identity (passport and photo driver's licence for example), and two proofs of address, all certified by your bank and the letter of recommendation.

Thanks Baz    

Ive just recieved an info pack from Barclays France and I cant believe how much info and documents they require from me . They also charge a minimum of 9 euros a month and you have to keep a min of 2300 euros in the account. Is there not a way to open a spanish euro account so that it could be used in france ?   Phil

Try Ebay France.

I'll be travelling from Calais to Evian in the summer in my LPG Jeep. Does anyone know of a web site that i'll be able to locate French filling stations with LPG.   Thanks Phil

Thanks Will -- great advice.  Thanks   Your the only one who actually answered the question asked..   Phil  

How easy is it to open a French bank account from England and what one would you recommend ? Also what would be the best way to transfer money from a uk sterling account to Euro's.?

There's no estate agent involved. What are the taxes to pay , ie stamp duty as in UK. Are there any thresholds for this like in UK its £120000.   ??

Just wondered what the actual costs would be -- anyone got an answer ?

Im buying a 2 bedroom flat in the Alps for 107,000 Euros. Could anyone tell me how much the costs + taxes will be for purchasing the flat. Ive been told that if I pay a cash sum the the seller, He can reduce the asking price of the flat by that amount so that I pay less tax -- How much tax would I save if I paid him 15,000 euros in cash ? How easy is it to open a French bank account from England and what one would you recommend ? Also what would be the best way to transfer money from a uk sterling account to Euro's.?   Thanks Phil