Bank accounts

[philoldsmobile]

my parents own a property in torrevieja, and are moving to the area in a couple of years..

as i may be moving with them, i thought it would be prudent to set up a spanish bank account. I am visiting torrevieja in 4 weeks, so may do this when i'm over.

What documentation do i need to open a bank account? i'm guessing bankinter may be my best bet..

[Wendy Nesbeth]

I suggest that if you have a Halifax acount in England open up a Halifax acount here in Spain.

I think the website is: www.halifax.es

I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong.

Documention you will need is your passport.


Good luck,

Wendy x

[barry allaway]

Probably just your passport and some money to put into it, but it may be prudent to take along a UK bank statement. We are with Bankinter and use the telephone banking opertions as its all in English.

One thing to be aware of, free banking does not exist in spain (well I don't think it does) so you will be charged for bank cards, cheques written, payments received. Best do do most things via Direct Debit as this seems to be free.

We use HFIX to transfer money from the UK as you get a much better rate than via the bank or the tourist rate you get from you holiday spending money.

Barry

[Wendy Nesbeth]

Re the Halifax in Spain, I forgot to say that if you open an account with the Halifax you will need a minimum of 600 Euros to be able to transfer money free of charge, when you have residencia the minimum is 300 Euros.

Wendy x

[JeansSis]

http://www.halifax.es/halifaxing/hal...sp?sec=halifax

I ALSO meant to add that I heard we don't have to pay the non residents charge at Halifax (though I haven't had first hand knowledge of it as yet) but with Cambank, which we are in process of moving from, we paid about 17 odd euros per two years for each person named on a/c. ( Something to ask about.) You get free direct debits with Halifax by the way.

[Lizzy]

halifax hispania

I have jsut opened an account with the above and was very painless.
be aware that there are 2 current accounts - 1 called "current account" and 1 called "extra" - the only difference between the 2 is that the latter cost e25 per annum becuase you are a member of a club which gives you access to emergency phone numbers for say plumbers etc.
money can be transferred from certain halifax accounts in the UK.
you need e600 to open the account.
application forms available from the number on the website. you will need to take completed form into local halifax branch along with your passport and driving license which they will photocopy and stamp for you to send with your application form.
then, provided you have done the money transfer you will start to get security PINs and your cards - all in all for us took about 2 weeks.
good so far.

Liz

[JeansSis]

Hi Liz,

Did Halifax Hispania mention the non residents payment or was it not an issue in your case (Are you a resident )

Janice

[charlie]

We opened a Halifax Hispana bank account by post. Phone International Helpdest on 0870 8500856. They will send you the forms in the post and if you bank with Halifax here your local branch will verify your documents so that you only have to send copies with the application form.

I think there is a new branch of Halifax opened at Playa Flamenca.

[JeansSis]

Taken from Halifax Hispania website

Torrevieja Orihuela 71-Urb. Botanical garden, Bloq. 4 A
03180 Torrevieja (Alicante) torrevieja@halifax.es

Guardamar It was of the Magdaleneta, s/n, (esq. Painter A. Lopez, 2)
03140 Guardamar (Alicante) guardamar@halifax.es

Flamenco beach C.C. The Fly
03189 Orihuela Costa (Alicante) pflamenca@halifax.es


CURRENT ACCOUNT * OPENING AN ACCOUNT If you prefer to open an account before coming to Spain, contact our Distance Banking Service on + 34 902 310 100 or the European Operations Dep. in the UK 0845 600 3603, where you will be informed of the steps to follow.
If you require further information or have any comments or suggestions contact us:

- By calling the Distance Banking Service on 902 310 100 or by e-mail at distance@halifax.es (if you are in Spain).


Opening hours

From May 23rd to September 30th Monday to Friday 8.00 am - 3.00 pm
Cash facility 8.30 am - 2.30 pm

From October 1st to May 22nd Monday to Thursday 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
Cash facility 9.30 am - 5.30 pm

Friday 8.00 am - 3.00 pm
Cash facility 8.30 am - 2.30 pm


European Operations Dept. in the UK (0845) 600 3603

[philoldsmobile]

thanks for the info everyone... i guess halifax is the way to go..

i'll let you know how i get on..