1. Home
  2. UK Finance Discussions
  3. Could I go to Switzerland on Saturday (day trip) to open a bank account

Could I go to Switzerland on Saturday (day trip) to open a bank account

Hypothetically speaking..

I live in central London. Could I get a flight to Switzerland (around

9am). Open a bank account, make a small(ish) initial deposit, then get a flight home

a couple of thoughts

- if you book in advance you can get some very good deals on flights (on British Airways etc)

- what would my 'address' be for the bank account? (for uk bank accounts I need to give my uk address). I mean I could give my uk address for the swiss one, but I am renting and may change it.

also some questions

- direct debits - i'm sure this is a UK thing - i very much doubt I could do these

- standing orders

Can I manage my swiss bank account on the internet? Is there a charge to make payments?

I live near the 'City' of London? Could I just to go a branch of UBS and open a bank account or do I have to go overseas?

NB - ofcourse it goes (without saying) that I will pay tax on any savings etc .I have. Infact, every month I send a cheque to the Inland Revenue. (I often tip them a few extra % coz I love the government)

Reply to
henryl
Loading thread data ...

Why not call UBS or pop around there this lunch time and check. Are the banks open in CH on Saturday's for new account business? - you might like to check that with them or give a branch there a call.

Then report back here.

Reply to
Richard Oliver

£37 each way - chepeast on BA .com inclusive of taxes

Avoid offshore banks with UK branches (they tell the men in black trench coats & sunglasses everything)

Good point - may be best to go on a weekday (rather than saturday)

What language do the Swiss speak? I did school level french & german. Hated french but liked German. But I'm sure they can speaking English.

I've always wanted a bank account for my laundered drug money (kidding)

Reply to
henryl

Many in professional positions will speak good English in addition to one or more from German, French, Italian or Romansch. I guess some will speak all five.

Reply to
Richard Oliver

what type of interest do the swiss banks pay ? who has the better deals and will they accept british pounds , imagine they will do , but will they do a excellent exchange rate ?

Reply to
Andy Peteman

Dude, if you want a simple savings account stick with the UK, there are loads. Check out Martin Lewis's Wesbite moneysavingexpert.com for advice

With offshore swiss accounts, it means that rather than tax being automatically deduceted from your interest, you have to do it yourself & send the money to HM Government. (this can be a real pain sometimes)

Also, the Swiss have strict regulations with regards to secrecy and bank accounts. They won't leave your bank details in bin liners on the high street like UK banks

And yes, I think the Swiss are familiar with the UK Pound Sterling.

Reply to
henryl

"Andy Peteman" wrote in news:ERi4h.19327$ snipped-for-privacy@newsfe6-gui.ntli.net:

I think you will find that they charge you for the service of running your account. In the UK we are a bit spoiled by the banks, compared to other parts of the world, where the norm is to charge the customer for everything: Statements, transactions, standing service charges, cheque book, cheque clearance, new ATM card... even getting interest paid!

Of course if anyone cares to tell of a Euro zone country that actually pays the customer to have his account there (as the UK does) I will be gladly corrected!

Stick with Nationwide or similar - its a lot easier!

Reply to
Johndigits

For swiss franc accounts, pretty much nothing. You may well get more for GBP accounts.

Reply to
Jonathan Bryce

BeanSmart website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.