I am starting a job on a camp-site in the Loire valley in March. This will last for just over 6 months and I will be employed on a French employment contract. My wife and all the household bills will remain in the UK. I have been looking at various websites regarding health care, tax and banking in particular and am now completely bemused by the whole thing. Can anyone help me with some basic information. For instance, am I better opening a French bank account and then using an exchange broker to transfer regular funds back to my UK bank account? Or should I get my money paid into my UK bank account (Abbey) and then use my debit card to make cash withdrawals as and when I need to? I understand deductions will be made from my salary for social contributions. Does this also include health care? Do I still need the EHIC health card or is this just for holiday cover? When do I pay the tax man? Any information to clarify this and any other help would be gratefully received. [8-)]