Diana Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 Last Friday we went to the Renault dealer in St Lo and bought a six month old vehicle. We had expected to view the vehicle and then go back to our French bank to arrange for the funds to be transfered or to get a bankers cheque which would guarentee payment. However none of this was nessecary as the garage accepted a personal Credit Agricole cheque, they did not even phone our bank to check that the money was there. Us Brits must look a whole lot more honest than I would have thought.Diana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexis Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 Not really. Over here it is an offence to write a cheque for money not in your bank account.An offence rewarded by ten years interdit banquier. (sp) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard-R Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 We have purchased 2 new cars in France, both with a personal cheque. Its the norm, but some dealers may want a cert cheque for a deposit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baz Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 I find the methods, services and costs generally applied by the French banks poor when compared with the UK banks. However, the one thing they have definitely got right is making it offence to write a cheque for money not in your bank account. I only wish this rule was applied in the UK.Baz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punch Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 A cheque is as good as cash in France. Cheques can only be cancelled if lost, stolen or faudeulently obtained. In fact when I first moved to France I took cash to an auction to buy a van, the amount of which was not acceptable under French law. I had to return the following week with a cheque!! Bizarre but one of the big differences between UK and here.Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plato comes homePlato Posted March 2, 2005 Share Posted March 2, 2005 If you write a cheque which is dishonoured (a wooden cheque or 'cheque du bois') and if the bank decides to allow you thirty days to make good..they will have paid it....you will be barred from holding ANY french cheque account for at least three years. This affects a lot of other matters.One disadvantage of the system is that you cannot cancel a cheque...even for dishonest trading by the beneficiary so as to protect yourself....If you are not absolutely sure, don't issue a cheque. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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