Whether you’re moving to Paris, Beijing or Sydney, there are some steps you can take to get set up before you land.
You may be able to set up a bank account before you arrive. This can be either:
Having an account set up means you can transfer money across straight away, so it’s ready when you arrive.
You can get more handy tips from our checklist for moving outside the UK.
The best way for you to move your money may depend on how much and how often you'll need to transfer.
An international account will give you access to money in different currencies whenever you need.
With HSBC, you can make international money transfers 24/7. You can send money online or on the app, so you can use the service wherever you are. You can either:
There’s a charge of £5 for sending:
If sending euro to euro in the EEA there’s no charge. This applies to transfers made online, in a branch or over the phone.
You may also be able to link your global accounts with some international banks. For example, with HSBC Global View and Global Transfers, you can send money without a fee and also see your international accounts in one place.
HSBC also has a Global Money Account which allows you to hold and convert money in multiple currencies. You can then manage, spend and send foreign currencies globally with no HSBC fees. Other non-HSBC fees may apply.
You'll need the HSBC UK Mobile Banking app to open a Global Money Account. You must also have an eligible sole or joint HSBC UK current account in your own name. Some accounts may be excluded, such as the Basic Bank Account, Appointee Bank Account, and MyAccount.
Explore: Sending money to the UK
Before you leave, are there changes you want to make to your finances? Perhaps there's a credit card or bank account you don’t need.
Once you arrive, think about what you’ll need in your new home. Remember, not all financial products will work the same in different countries and regions. Before signing up to anything make sure you’ve done your research.
Two of the bigger things to think about will be your pension and tax. You must tell HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) if you’re either going to be:
If you're going to work outside the UK, you may have to make contributions towards a pension. How do you want this to work with the pension you currently have? This is likely to be something that depends on your longer-term plans. It doesn’t have to be sorted out straight away, but it’s worth being aware of. Make sure you update your UK pension and investment providers with your new address. This includes any former workplace pension schemes.
