Best UK Bank Account for use in Canada
Replies: 12 - Last Post: Feb 4, 2013 2:43 AM Last Post By: Tommohawk
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Best UK Bank Account for use in Canada
HiI got my Nationwide account about 10 years ago specifically for the fact that it was free to use abroad. It was perfect
Not so long ago this all changed and there are charges applied to cash withdrawals and card purchases whilst abroad.
Can anyone suggest another bank offering a direct debit card with no fee (less fees) whilst abroad.. specifically Canada.
If Not - is it best to open a Canadian account and transfer a load of cash in to it? Has anyone tried this recently?
I don't use credit cards. But I guess I may have to consider that option.
Any ideas?
1
Tommohawk,Tell us how long you intend staying in Canada ?
To open a Canadian bank acct you'll need proof
of residing and a tax number for starters
What say you ?
2
tommohawk, we were thinking about this and used the moneysavingexpert site, the travel section. in the end, we got a halifax clarity credit card--i must tell them we're travelling now or we won't be able to use the dang thing. there were some other cards that were slightly better, but we wanted to open a joint account as well.some were pre-loaded cash cards, they offered good rates without the fear of having someone steal it and run up a huge debt while you aren't looking.
4
I'm still trying to work this out. To be honest I think 'm out of time.I fly on the 7th.
I might have to stick with my flex account (nationwide) and deal with the charges. Criminal!
I'll be in Canada for a anywhere between a few months and a year. I'll be working. So I will end up getting a Canadian account.
5
haha... we got back to the uk on 2nd, got a bank appt on the 5th, and flew on the 12th. everything was done except, annoyingly, the PIN for the credit cards, which arrived the monday. our tenant fowarded those to us. had we been only arranging a card, that could have been done on the phone.i really really must call the bank and tell them where we are so we can start using the blinkin' things.
i was thinking, with your visa surely you'll get a SIN and be able to open an account. may be basic, and the bank charges may make you cry. but i think canadian internet banking is better than the uk version, and depositing money/cheques out of hours is easier.
6
also... (while i'm trying to justify procrastination)xe.com is a 'free' foreign exchange service for sending money between countries. i've been using them for about 6 yrs, and the rate i get is always better than if i had sent a wire transfer or postal order, or even the service my bank offers now. it takes 3 days to go through; they make their money on the waiting period. occassionally mine have gone through in less than 48 hours.
7
sprite - cheers - I'll bear in mind xe.com when the time comes.I've decided to deal with the nationwide 2% charge on purchases. ATM withdrawels are 2% plus £1. So I'll have to take out chunks at a time.
Most currency exchange places seem to charge about 4% in the UK so 2% is OK for now.
Who are these international criminals who can make money for nothing by changing the colour of my notes at no cost to themselves? Mental bloody world we live in
11
Open an account in UK at Barclays. In Canada withdraw from Scotiabank. They are partners in an alliance that charges no fees to each other.http://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/0,,316,00.html
