Couple of tips about keeping a UK bank account

[Richard and Alex]

Thought it might be helpful to mention a couple of points we have discovered about keeping a UK bank account when living in France.

Our UK bank debit card recently expired and on checking with the bank we discovered they had sent the new card to the branch that held our account.  Apparently although they were well aware that we lived in France, they sat on the card waiting for us to come in and pick it up!  When we didn't they cancelled it!!  Tip one - tell the bank you want all new cards to be sent to your french address.

We also occasionally need to move sterling to other accounts.  Be aware there is a daily limit on internet transactions and for anything particularly large they need written confirmation (not fax or email) so you can experience quite a delay.  Again, although they never told us, you can avoid this by agreeing a system with your bank before you leave the UK.

Not all banks are the same but hopefully this might help others avoid these problems