Job Discussion Forums

Mrguay84 · Joined: 03 Dec 2009 Posts: 125

Hi, i'm going to be crossing over to 'real Europe' from the UK this summer, and as everyone knows here in the UK we are stuck in the past with our stupid ugly pound obsession.

Needless to say I'll need to open a bank account when I'm over there as I don't fancy having to stash what little Euro money I'll earn into my underwear, under mattresses etc.

So how easy is it to open a bank account (with 'debit' card) in Europe and what kind of id etc. do I need? Also if anyone has any recommendations that would be good.

Secondly, what about credit cards? I might need one for 'emergencies' and of course don't fancy using my U credit card with it's extra charges for using it abroad etc.

Gracias.

Mike_2007 · Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Posts: 349 Location: Bucharest, Romania

Hi there,

I don't know about other EU countries but here in Romania it was very simple to open an account in Euro (and in Lei, the local currency). All I needed was my passport as ID. I have a debit card for the Lei account but not for the Euro account, but I could have got one but only use it for savings so didn't see the point. Both accounts are linked and so using online banking I can transfer between them freely and for free.

Can't help you with credit cards; I'm fortunate enough not to need credit Very Happy

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Over the Danube in Bulgaria you need a passport. That is it. You can even open an account with a zero balance.

In contrast if you try to open an account in a UK bank you need all sort of ridiculous documents.

MsDooLittle · Joined: 25 Jan 2009 Posts: 63 Location: somewhere else

Well I guess it depends on which country you are thinking of opening the account.

Here in Slovakia (Eurozone) you only need a passport + permanent address. But bank fees are a couple of euros a month so you can't leave it empty. You should research charges quite carefully as some banks charge a lot more than others...

Have you noticed how much trouble the euro is in? At least the Bank of England can default if necessary to repay the national debt... not a choice for the Greeks (etc) who need to be bailed out by the other countries in the Eurozone.... there be trouble ahead...

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Capitalism is in trouble !

Mrguay84 · Joined: 03 Dec 2009 Posts: 125

So, are cash in hand jobs preferable? Razz

(ps - It's looking like Spain so far)

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

So, are cash in hand jobs preferable?

Embarassed

Could you clarify the question using different language?
Cash to open an account?
Cash versus credit?

Dedicated · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 972 Location: UK

Mrguay84 said

Mrguay84 · Joined: 03 Dec 2009 Posts: 125

Sashadroogie · Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2010 8:52 pm Post subject:

The euro has weathered other crises before. It will weather this one too. Up until recently, it was extremely strong and the dollar was predicted to be on its last legs. Leading economists? Leading us all up the garden path....