Bank account?

[Majestic58]

Ok, so as y'all probably know from my past posts I'm a Canadian female getting ready to spend an undetermined amount of time wandering aimlessly around Europe and the UK next year (probably starting in June...) I am most likely going to get my working holiday visa before I go just to make sure that if I DO run low on money or decide to start working that I have all kinds of options open... Anyway.. now that I've made a very short question incredably long... Is it possible for me to get a UK bank account? would that make more sense economically?

[xanthuos]

Some important information...

First off, you can only get a working holidaymaker visa ONCE from the UK. Once you burn that bridge, you can never cross it again. Are you SURE you want to use the one opportunity to get the visa if you don't even know if you're going to work while over in Europe? Perhaps under the table work might be more beneficial if you're only thinking of working a week here, a week there.

Furthermore, you are eligible to stay in the UK for up to 2 years on the visa, but only allowed to work 12 months or less of that time.

Now...with all that said, I believe since you'd be a documented temporary immigrant, you'll have everything you need to open a bank account since they are sure to issue you a SIN since you'll be paying taxes if working legally.

[Majestic58]

I know I can only get it once, but as far as I can tell you're only eligable until you're 30 and I'll be 28 when I leave for my trip... and the likelyhood of my being able to take another trip like this in the following 2 years is pretty slim... So I figure better safe than sorry and I would really hate to get over there, decided I love Ireland (for example) and that I want to stay for an extended time and not have a legal work option available... plus, if it allows me to get a bank account over there, that would have me a whole heap of money, wouldnt it?

[xanthuos]

Originally posted by Majestic58@Jul 27 2006, 03:33 AM
I know I can only get it once, but as far as I can tell you're only eligable until you're 30 and I'll be 28 when I leave for my trip... and the likelyhood of my being able to take another trip like this in the following 2 years is pretty slim... So I figure better safe than sorry and I would really hate to get over there, decided I love Ireland (for example) and that I want to stay for an extended time and not have a legal work option available... plus, if it allows me to get a bank account over there, that would have me a whole heap of money, wouldnt it?

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An Irish working holidaymaker visa is different from the UK...so investigate that. As for how much it will save you, I'm guessing it will help - if you bank with Royal Canada as I do, they charge a RIDICULOUS $5 fee for foreign ATM withdrawals.

[Majestic58]

I use CanadaTrust/TD and they charge me 3$ for a withdrawl in the US... Which is better than 5$... but not by much.. (only by 2$ in fact. Anyway... No, I DIDN'T know the visa was different... does that mean I could do 2 years in ireland then 2 years somewhere ELSE too?!??! :D

[zylah]

HSBC is the most well known of the british banks and has branches all over the world.
I set up an account with them in OZ before heading over, as u need to give an address and you can't rent a place in the UK with out a bank account (its a circle)
also it takes about 6 weeks for the account to be activated.

for a branch in canada follow:
http://www2.hsbc.ca/HICServlet?cmd_GetCAMa...-language=en-ca

I have heard some ppl say that some banks have made it easier for forigners to open accts once in the UK, but i found it nice to know that my account was already set up and waiting.

although i must say HSBC gives pretty crap service and i really should change

[PLUSCREW]

a big mistake often made is NOT opening a bank account before you get there. if you do decide to work, and pounds do go a lot further than dollars an account is very helpful.
open before you go and even if you never use it you have an alternative account if you ever need it.

its better to have it and not need it , than not have it and need it.

[BelfastFlyer]

the best bank for your needs in the uk is nationwide

www.nationwide.co.uk

they are great for travellers - put your money in and they will give you free withdrawls all over the world.

The only problem will be you getting the documentation once in the uk. but once you have a place to live it'll be easy

[MissChick]

Hey I'm with TD/ Canada Trust and they charge $5 overseas....which does add up

[BelfastFlyer]

I dont know if its any help but I've noticed a lot here in oz that travelex open UK bank accounts for australians going there. It's all done in one of their branches. Anyone else noticed this?