Job Discussion Forums

BrazilianGuy · Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 17 Location: Chicago, IL

I was thinking about opening an account here in the US at Citybank so that I could use the ATMs over there to withdraw money (at least at the beggining - hopefully I will be making money after a while and will not need to use it as much). Is this a good idea or not? Should I just open an account at another bank? How "popular" is Citybank over there? They have a lot of ATMs in Brazil which is good because I do not like to pay for those $2 fees to withdraw money. (I am sure no one likes it). I have heard it's pretty dificult to open a bank account over there. I apprecite any advice. Thanks

Rebate · Joined: 13 Feb 2005 Posts: 30

Don't know anything about CitiBank or Citybank but I opened a checking account here without any problems. We were only able to find one branch that would let us do it with only a US passport and a little to deposit (I only put in 60EU to open). All the other branches and banks ask for a police clearance report or something like that which can be a real hassle to get.

The bank is Caja Espana, on Calle Orense between the #16 and 20 blocks. They have been doing construction so if it looks closed up, ask around. They close for the day at 2pm. Bring your passport and be ready to sign a bunch of documents in Spanish.

Good luck,
R

BrazilianGuy · Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 17 Location: Chicago, IL

Thanks Rebate for the info and for the address. I definetely do not have an American passport so I am not sure if I qualify. Great! That's pretty much what I need: leave the US to go to a country that does not allow me to open a bank account because I am not an American. Humm...lol

justin andersen · Joined: 10 Oct 2004 Posts: 17

Hi!

I bank with Caja Madrid. They have branches all over so it is so convenient to withdraw money from the ATMs. When I did my TEFL certificate with EBC, they told us about the different banks around the school. I chose Caja Madrid and they helped me open my account. Ask them at the administration desk, during my course there was a British guy who was very helpful, he 's a long time resident of Madrid so he could help me with the Spanish and my bank account was done in a flash. Caja Espa�a is also a good option. About not having a US passport, it doesn�t matter, to the banks we are foreigners who might need extra checks vs maybe the European Union residents.

On Calle Orense, there are lots of smaller banks as well (cajas), they might be more lenient with all these documents.

justin

BrazilianGuy · Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 17 Location: Chicago, IL

Thank you Justin. I appreciate your advice. Take care.