Expat Advice: Financial Issues in Lyon, France

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Lyon

Which banks do you use? If you have a local account, which bank do you use? How do you like it? Do you also have an account in your home country? Which bank? Do they charge for ATM withdrawals? Do they charge a lot for international wire transfers? How has it been working with them from abroad? Do you use a special international wire transfer service? Do you use an online bank? If so, tell us about them.

To be quite honest I never even opened up a French Bank Account until I was forced to when we purchased our house. This is because I'm still paid in US dollars into my bank account in the U.S. I used my ATM card for everything. In fact I still do but my French bank (Credit Agricole) has a international mobility section. My experience has been great with them -- services, English speaking loan officers and knowledge of property purchases in the U.S. and the differences.

French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
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We are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!

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French Riviera House Hunting - FRH

We are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What advice would you offer others about banking as an expat in your country? What do you wish you had known about banking when you first arrived?

None of the French banks that I've worked with in my business are worth anything. No service level at all. Bureaucratic, no interest bearing accounts, ect...

What sort of challenges or frustrations have you encountered as an investor living overseas? Please describe.

French property law

Do you do your own taxes, use a local firm, an expat-oriented firm or does your employer handle this for you (i.e. via an corporate tax firm)?

My taxes are done by our legal firm.

What advice could you offer others about doing your taxes as an expat?

Make sure your employer will adopt an equalization policy in your package.