Short answer
Bank accounts, transfers, currency, pensions and credit history for people whose finances do not fit one country. The answer to “What documents do I need to open an account abroad?” depends on a few factors below. Arthur can work through them for your situation and turn them into your Global Citizen Guide.
What it depends on
- Exchange rates and fees. How close the exchange rate is to the mid-market rate, and which fees apply to transfers and card use.
- Licence and deposit protection. Whether the provider holds a full banking licence with deposit guarantee, or is an e-money institution that safeguards funds.
- Opening from abroad. Whether you can open the account remotely, and which proof of address and residence is accepted.
- Cards and cash. Card acceptance, free ATM withdrawals and limits when travelling.
- Transfers and local rails. Speed and cost of SEPA, SWIFT and local payment networks, plus local account details.
Warning signs
- “No fee” transfers where the cost sits in the exchange rate
- Accounts that can be closed when you change your country of residence
- Unclear difference between a bank deposit and safeguarded e-money
Your situation, answered by Arthur
Tell Arthur where you are moving from and to. He covers:
- Which account type fits your situation
- What opening from abroad requires
- How fees compare for your transfer volume
