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As a UK passport holder, I believe I can enter Spain on a tourist visa (for 6 months?) Is it possible to open a bank account remotely or must I bring a wad of cash? I live in Thailand so have both a Uk & Thai bank account from which I can transfer funds via (Transfer)Wise.
This is my 1st post so treat me kindly if I have missed a glaringly obvious reply.
You cannot stay for 6 months, as a UK citizen the maximum stay is 90 days in any 6 month period.
Posted: Sat Jun 5, 2021 8:52am
Legendary helpful member
Hi Mike and welcome to the forum!
Do you want to open a Spanish bank account because you have longer term plans? If not, I wouldn't do it - account fees in Spain for non-residents are typically €40 per quarter. As you already have a Transferwise account (do you have their bank card?) and you can only travel to Spain for 3 months, personally I don't think it's worth it.
Kind regards,
Kim
Posted: Sat Jun 5, 2021 10:42am
Paolo51 wrote on Sat Jun 5, 2021 8:08am:
You cannot stay for 6 months, as a UK citizen the maximum stay is 90 days in any 6 month period.
Thanks for that - I was unsure. Looking at the Covid rules for entry to Spain, it doesn't look promising for this year.
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Posted: Sat Jun 5, 2021 10:47am
Kimmy11 wrote on Sat Jun 5, 2021 8:52am:
Hi Mike and welcome to the forum!
Do you want to open a Spanish bank account because you have longer term plans? If not, I wouldn't do it - account fees in Spain for non-residents are typically €40 per quarter. As you already have a Transferwise account (do you have their bank card?) and you can only travel to Spain...
Read more...
... for 3 months, personally I don't think it's worth it.
Kind regards,
Kim
Thank you Kim. My original plan was a 3 month fact-finding holiday before either a permanent move or 3 months Spain/UK/Thailand. I like your Transferwise plan & will make first tentative steps. Looking at the Covid restrictions, it doesn't look like the move will happen this year.
Posted: Sat Jun 5, 2021 10:52am
Super helpful member
It's well worth getting a Wise bank card. I use it all the time for contactless payments, which avoids charges at the ATM!
Cheers
Steve
Posted: Sat Jun 5, 2021 10:59am
Stevec2x wrote on Sat Jun 5, 2021 10:52am:
It's well worth getting a Wise bank card. I use it all the time for contactless payments, which avoids charges at the ATM!
Cheers
Read more...
Steve
thank you, Steve. Kim, above, also recommended this; guess what - they don't do cards for Thailand! Just been on their site. I can get round it by sending it to my UK address.
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