Spanish Bank Account

[Tommy Hallam]

Dear All,

I am moving to Spain for a year at the end of September as part of my degree as a foreign language student. I have received information from the British Council telling me that I need to open up a Spanish Bank Account in order for me to get paid my monthly salary. Does anyone know of any good banks I could open an account with? Some friends have told me Santander is pretty good...Also, how do I go about opening a bank account in Spain?

Many thanks.

[Buenchico]

Santander signs will soon be seen across the UK, when Abbey (which they own) is rebranded to the name of their parent company. So it might make sense to look for a familiar name.

There's plenty of relevant information here:
http://www.spainexpat.com/spain/information/ba nking_options_for_expats_in_spain/
and here:
http://www.expatfocus.com/expatriate-spain-ban king

Chris

[nep490]

I've just finished my year in Spain with the British Council and was Erasmus before then so I've done the Spanish bank thing a couple of times now.
First, you must go to the police station and get a NIE, this is your foreigner identity number, you need this to be able to open a bank account.
Problem with Spanish banks is that their cards only work in certain machines otherwise u get charged. I know Santander cards are 4B cash machines but some other banks are Eurocard. So. my advice would be choose the bank nearest to you so you can get money out without being charged all the time. Other than that, a bank's a bank and it's only for a year anyway.
Hope that helps.

[Sqad]

Tommy......so many Banks.

Just pick one, go in and ask to open an account.