Welcome back to Week Twelve of my vlog series! This week, I'm diving into the often perplexing world of French banking. Whether you're considering moving to France, planning an extended stay, or just curious about how banking works here, this video is for you. Plus, I've got a special sneak peek of a secret location that I absolutely fell in love with-stay tuned for that!
📌 Sneak Peek: A Hidden Paradise At the beginning of this vlog, I share a few glimpses of a truly secret and special location that I've discovered. It's a hidden paradise, off all the charts and radars. I'm saving the full tour for my next full-length video series, but I couldn't resist giving you a sneak peek!
💶 10 Things That Shocked Me About My French Bank Account France's banking system can be quite a surprise for those used to the U.S. system. Here are ten things that caught me off guard:
1. Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Spending Limits: Exceptions can be requested but aren't often permanent and can take a while to process.
2. Low Weekly ATM Limits: Withdrawals are limited, so plan accordingly.
3. Franchise-like Branches: Each branch operates somewhat independently, even if it's part of a nationwide bank.
4. Joint Accounts: Accounts need to be in both names with 'OR' not 'AND'.
5. Credit Cards: Practically non-existent here.
6. Purchase Approvals: Almost every online purchase requires approval within the banking app.
7. Maximum Online Transfers: There are limits on the amount you can transfer online.
8. Bank Representative Control: Your bank representative has significant control over your account.
9. International Transfer Limits: NEW: The maximum amount you can transfer into France is $8K at a time.
10. Account Closure: The bank can close your account at any time, with a minimum of two months' notice, and doesn't have to justify their decision.
🔍 Bonus Tip: Closing an Account To close an account, you need to send a registered letter and return all debit cards and unused checks. The bank can take up to thirty days to process your request.
💡 Why You Might Need a French Bank Account:
* Buying a house or car
* Renting (landlords may require funds in a French account)
* Checkbook usage
* Operating a business
* Making local payments
* Paying taxes or utility bills
* Registering your Carte Vitale
🔧 My Four Solutions and Workarounds:
1. Use Checks: Whenever possible, use checks to pay artisans.
2. Keep Cash on Hand: Always have some cash available.
3. US-Based Credit Card: Maintain a credit card based in the United States.
4. Wise Accounts: Consider a Wise debit card. Some people also use N26 or Revolut, but be mindful of exchange rates, which are often not favorable.
📅 Stay Tuned! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights and updates. Your support means the world to me, and I love hearing your thoughts and experiences.
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6 июн 2024