Banks in TRNC for uk citizens

leethemille



Joined: 16/01/2009
Posts: 296

Message Posted:
15/06/2009 20:44

Ok I live in uk and just about to complete on a holiday home / rental property in TRNC. Firstly do we need a bank account over there for bills etc and secondly if so where is the best place to have one.



Lee

halffull


Joined: 26/01/2009
Posts: 571

Message Posted:
15/06/2009 22:15

I found credit west really helpful and was able to set up an account and have money paid in without leaving my front room in UK. Here is a good email to try. nesrin.argun@creditwestbank.com

TimothyCadman


Joined: 13/12/2007
Posts: 1040

Message Posted:
16/06/2009 00:06

No you don't need a bank account to pay bills. The TRNC is still very a much a cash society.

All the banks are of equal merits. One close to your home is probably the best rule of thumb. All the banks have an English speaker in them to help you through the paperwork.

Wiser


Joined: 30/07/2008
Posts: 796

Message Posted:
16/06/2009 11:54

You can always leave extra money on your electric and water (be in credit) and your bills we be deducted automatically each month.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
16/06/2009 13:17

If you bank with HSBC or FirstDirect in the UK you might want to use their Girne Branch - talk to Dawn there (she has been there for a long time and has a great reputation for helping as well as knowing the UK banking systems - which can help) if you want an email address I will hapily email it to you privately (not my address so I would not publish openly without her OK).



Tom

info@flightholiday.co.uk

Stewart


Joined: 19/07/2008
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
16/06/2009 13:35

Hi I use HSBC girne branch....I have set this up for internet use.



By opening a HSBC ac in the uk as well, you can transfer money between accounts very cheaply and within a few hours.



It is easy to pay someone / bills from the uk via your NC ac....plus you can get some good exchange rates.



I have not tried other banks as I find the HSBC ideal for my use.



Please allow for up to 2 hours to set up the account in branch ( ie in Girne )....best time is about 8.15am

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
16/06/2009 13:44

Stewart - yes to Msg 6 Some other banks may give a little better interest rate but as HSBC Kyrenia is part of HSBC Turkey I feel my money is fairly safe there.



I prefer to make an appointment with Dawn so there is little hanging about.

AndyR



Joined: 23/04/2009
Posts: 317

Message Posted:
16/06/2009 14:02

A variation on the same subject, are there plenty ATM's that'll accept UK bank cards etc?

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
16/06/2009 14:16

Yes - these days but not always working

mamachina


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 730

Message Posted:
17/06/2009 14:21

The only ATM that takes a Barclaycard is the one outside HSBC- ironic really!! -but my HSBC card seems to work everywhere (when theres money in it!!)

booitsme


Joined: 04/02/2009
Posts: 667

Message Posted:
17/06/2009 17:28

Andy R message 8, If you have a HBOS card you may experience some problems getting money out of ATM or using your card in shops. We both have HBOS visa debit cards and had some difficulties when we first got here but if you "shop around" trying different banks you'll be sure to find one that will take your card. They do sometimes change though! No-one could give us an explanation as to why it is only HBOS. Hope this is helpful

AndyR



Joined: 23/04/2009
Posts: 317

Message Posted:
17/06/2009 17:46

I have a Lloyds TSB Debit card and a FairFX Mastercard, am hoping that both will work, but it would be nice to know in advance!

tinker


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 156

Message Posted:
17/06/2009 17:55

Is it possible to open a HSBC account in the UK from TRNC .. Tried to open one last time in England, not having a UK address thus no utility bills .. No chance .. Have HSBC accounts in TRNC ..

tinker


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 156

Message Posted:
18/06/2009 16:40

Can anyone answer if a UK account can be opened from the TRNC .. HSBC of course ..

wanderer


Joined: 05/02/2009
Posts: 1653

Message Posted:
18/06/2009 16:52

I think you need to have a UK address to open an account with a UK bank .Proofs of address anti money laundering etc prevents them from assisting.You could set up a drawing facility if your TRNC bank has a partner bank in the UK

All debit cards should be able to be used in the TRNC as long as they carry the mastercard or visa logo

Best card to use is Nationwide or Abbey Zero as there is no currency charge

As to machines not working there is one at the airport that will not take Nationwide but there's another six to choose from the same goes for the high streets of TRNC no issues apart from one or two run out of cash just like in the UK

dwr6rtr


Joined: 15/12/2008
Posts: 95

Message Posted:
18/06/2009 17:03

nationwide debit card have changed th e rules .....you will pay now on NON sterling withdrawals.

Stewart


Joined: 19/07/2008
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
18/06/2009 17:05

Hi.....Have a relative / freiend, in the Uk open a HSBC account in the uk.



Once it is open..who ever has opened it..can give you the internet banking details, allowing you to transfer your money with no problem....once in the uk, you can transfer it again ( at no charge ) to any other uk account ( this time, in your name )



This uk HSBC ac then is only an account to transfer money.



problem sorted

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
18/06/2009 17:22

Stewart Msg 17 - problem sorted, yes

But a thought - if the UK or any other border agency catches on they might consider it to be some sort of money laundering and not only take the money but could be suing the person who has set up the account etc.

sienna


Joined: 09/01/2009
Posts: 1627

Message Posted:
18/06/2009 17:28

mesage 16 I think you are incorrect



http://www.nationwide.co.uk/search/DisplayArticle.aspx?article=1259

Stewart


Joined: 19/07/2008
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
18/06/2009 17:54

No, not really...they monitor the amount...anything less than 9k does not need any authorisation...above 10k does. ( as a lump sum )



anyway....if you are not laundering...why worry?



If you are simply transferring your winnings at the casino..why worry?



If you are simply using the account to transfer YOUR money..why worry?