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Keep your UK account open and open an account here in VN, I use HD bank, a small more modern type bank compared to most of the local banks.

Tediuki wrote:

There is a branch of the Commonwealth Bank, (which is the largest bank in Australia) at 65 Nguyen Du Street, District 1 in HCM, (Saigon). They all speak English there. You can have a VND or a $US account or both. They may do a pound or euro account. I wouldn't know. The manager is an impeccably efficient Japanese lady. She sits under the electronic board showing all the moving currency rates etc. They will open an account on a tourist visa. Their website is commbank.com.vn. The girl that looks after me, er... strictly on a financial basis, I must add! Is Van Nguyen. Email: Van.Nguyen2@commbank.com.vn. If there is a minimum balance then it's around 500 pounds, but ask them anyway. Sending money by electronic transfer gives you the best exchange rate but send it from your bank IN POUNDS! They do the currency conversion automatically when it is received giving you their exchange rate which will be better than anywhere outside of Vietnam, except maybe the money changer outside the central market in Phnom Penh. IF YOU BRING IN OVER $US10K ; as long as you leave your money with them then you can transfer it back out of the country within 3 years. If you move the money to another bank then you can't take the money out of Vietnam. They do internet banking with a global electronic tag. They have cash machines both in VND or $US. They operate a number tag system in the foyer so that everyone is seen by the correct person in the correct order. Only take a motorbike taxi if you are late and always take a Mai Linh taxi or a Vina Sun Taxi. I always walk to the bank as it's in a one way street. DO NOT EVER TAKE A CYCLO! Do not have your money in $US if Clinton gets in!

Thanks, that sounds like exactly what I'm after.  Did they ask many questions when opening the account?

Just wondering who said if you move your money to another bank that it can't be returned to your home country. This is the first time I have ever heard such a thing. The rule was and should still be, if you keep documentation to show what you bought in,you can take it back out.

Do not have your money in $US if Clinton gets in!

Why do you say that .?  Surely a Trump win would be a disaster for the USA ...

I suggest having financial redundancy in your home country. 2 checking accounts with ATM cards, both with internet banking setup. Plus 2 credit cards with 2 banks, and online banking. You never know when your card will be damaged, or become blocked due to 'suspicious activity'. And likewise, make sure the cards will not expire while you are overseas. We have heard unconfirmed reports of plastic not reaching expats in Vietnam through the mail.

Having online banking setup allows you to transfer money around and set travel notices when you travel. I have to update my travel notice every 30 or 60 days, depending on bank.

Jim.s867 wrote:

Do not have your money in $US if Clinton gets in!

Why do you say that .?  Surely a Trump win would be a disaster for the USA ...

Oh yeah, like the pound is guaranteed to keep its value