Non-resident accounts are less flexible in the amounts you can transfer and no overdraft facility is available with them, so check the small print for whichever banks you are considering before making your final decision.

Bank opening hours as a rule are 0900-1730 Monday to Friday, some also open on Saturdays 0900-1600.

It is always best to open your bank account in person, but this is not always practical, so there are options if you are still in the UK. Think about the following when choosing an account provider:

- Access to your account- does your chosen bank offer online and/or telephone banking facilities?

- No interest is payable on current accounts in France - what type of account should you choose and what rates of interest apply to them?

- Is interest accrued paid monthly or yearly?

- Are there restrictions on the number of withdrawals you may make?

- What are the charges for transfers to Euro/non-Euro accounts?