The process of opening a bank account

The process of opening a bank account in France is fairly simple, and you will simply need to bring the following papers with you:

- A proof of identity, such as a passport or a national ID card

tutorial A proof of your address, such as water and electricity bills, or your housing agreement

Once your account has been opened, you will find yourself given a debit card usually called "carte bancaire" or "carte bleue" in addition to a chequebook.

Your first French carte bleue will cost you about 30. In France, cards work with the chip and PIN method, and your PIN code will always be called for payments and withdrawals. Also, it has to be noted that some shops demand a minimum amount, usually around 8, for card payments. It does not work quite the same as in the UK: the amounts of money spent can be deducted from the account immediately or at the end of the particular month, depending on what you have decided with all your bank. A signature will always be necessary for payments over 1, 500. Typically the "carte bleue" will be your best asset when living abroad as you can apply it to pay for almost everything. A huge majority of outlets, restaurants, bars, cinemas, motorways, online stores etc accept card payment.

Check rachat credit payments are widespread in Italy. However shop owners may question you for a proof of identity. It will require a few days between the day you actually indication the cheque and when the amount can be debited from your account. It is very important to notice that in France, it is illegitimate to try to pay by using a cheque with an insufficient account balance. That is why some retailers systematically refuse any cheque payment. If you do write a rubber cheque, you might face an "interdiction bancaire", which in turn prevents you from writing a check and using your credit card until the problem has been sorted out. This is why it is wise to make sure you can cover your cheques.

When opening a bank account in France, it is also important to choose what sort of account will suit you best.

A new "compte courant", French for current account, is a very active account which allows instant cash withdrawal at anytime, and is useful for common operations between the bank and its client.

A "compte sur livret" or "Livret A" is the most applied savings account in France. It is not used for day-to-day operations, but to yield hobbies.