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Costa Rica Money Laundering

If you come to live in France or buying a vacation home here, we need to open a French bank account. If you speak a little French is the local branch of a French bank will be more than happy to help you if you have the right paperwork. If you do not speak French, not so easy, but there are several French banks have now speak English assistance by e-mail, telephone and in person.

Do you really need a bank in France, however? card could not handle all payments with credit card or debit?

There are many things you could do it that way, but not really practical. Any French utility company will buy euros of course – which is not a problem – But France Telecom, for example, insist that you pay your phone bill by direct debit from a French bank account. The same SAUR thing with the body water. Gas and electricity suppliers also prefer. There are also other aspects such as housing tax and tax return Foncia ¨ – their annual local rate.

Even if it's just a holiday home, open a French bank account is the only option reasonable.

It is not difficult to do. You need your passport and proof of residence in France – The French electricity or gas is perfect. If you're in the process of buying a house in France, then your sale agreement (a legal document that declares its intention to purchase) is usually sufficient. If you rent then a copy of your lease or are generally very good.

Everything is very good and easy if you 're just popping to your local branch. However, in most of France, it is unlikely that you will not find anyone to help you if you speak English only!

There are two solutions. First, find a branch with English speaking staff (there are banks in Brittany and Provence ad this.) For many, however, is clearly not practical. Second, set up your account by mail, a service that at least one French bank provides – Although, in the fight against drug traffickers and money laundering is a lot of paperwork to be processed. It takes some time, and can be frustrating, but you can do without having to be in France and once in operation, you can manage your account online whenever you want, with access from anywhere where in the world.

For a list of French banks who understand your language, plus links to many other English speaking businesses in France visit: English Speaking France.

Is the drug war lost?

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