Opening a Bank Account UK

kahlua50 · Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Posts: 1

Ok so there is probably a post somewhere on here about opening a UK bank account but I cant find one..

Anyway can someone please tell me if it is easier to open a uk bank account from your home country (being New Zealand) or wait until you get there. I've had mixed advice and i've heard that is quite hard to open one when you get there, but is it REALLY? I dont want to go through an agency either. Can you only apply for a local account once your in the country?

Also who is best to bank with, HSBC, Lloyds etc.?

If anyone could shed some light on this that'd be great!
Thanks

kiwipete · Joined: 12 Jun 2009 Posts: 1

Yep do it there if you can.
They need proof of address (tenancy agreement or utility bill in your name) and maybe something more before they'll open an account if you're here.
My girlfriend did ours so I don't know who she did it through but we paid something like $90 for them to do it.
The account is with hsbc which has been good (ish) no real problems anyway.
good luck