This will be a very short post just to continue with the inevitable formalities upon arrival in a new country.

The opening of a bank account was not really complicated for me, despite my “name problems”. I went to my in-laws bank because they are happy with it, they told me that many transactions were free while most other banks take a fee, and it is a credit union, indicating low interest rates if I am later interested in a loan.

All that was needed for the opening of a checking account and a savings account (the opening of the second was automatic with the first) was:

• valid identification (passport)
• visa or green card
• social security number
• proof of residence (in my case I used the immigration paper I mentioned in my post about the P.O. Box, and my stepfather vouched for me as he already is a member).
• a minimum deposit of $ 5 + $ 5 fee (to be seen depending on the bank)

I went there for information before and I had to wait for my social security number, which only took a week in my case but may take longer, so you should still plan a way to withdraw money and/or pay less fees in the meantime.

I was also asked who should benefit my money if something happened to me, and I wanted to put Alan but hard to know how he could access it. They said that in the case of the spouse, they send a letter to my address and that if he is there he only has to deal with it … but it is impossible to predict when I will die and if Alan has a chance to live with me at this time (which, in addition, remains rather unlikely). So to simplify things I put my mother-in-law, because I know she will give him the money, but I still have to research more on the subject.

Small difference with France, you are asked to choose the pin code of your debit card and you leave with it right away!

Until now, things seem much simpler here 🙂