French Bank Accounts

Reading the available information online reveals some people have got it in for the general administration of things in France. It seems getting bank accounts, phones, mobiles and all the rest of the rigmarole needed to uproot to another country requires a level of stamina worthy of a marathon runner.

For my part, I'd like to do my bit and fly that French flag that little bit higher. I e-mailed a lady at BNP Paribas (in French no less), and she replied immediately (in French - I was touched), telling me that all I needed to do was to send her 3 documents by fax. Not only that, but she actually complimented me on my French. 24 hours after doing so, my account was all set up. All I need to do is swing by the branch at some point and pick up my card.

In fact, the cynic in me can't resist pointing out that it takes less time to open a bank account in the socialist dreamland that is the Republique than it does to move money between two bank accounts within what has to remain a nameless fringe member of the EU.