who's best to bak with over here? bearing in mind I'll be sending cash home every month to my english account,

cheers all.

From my experience, Barclays are crap. Mortgage dept was great, but banking were f'kin useless.

HSBC have been a lot better when we have dealt with them. They are far more convenient (more locations and ATMs) and they also have t'internet banking.

NBD and RAK Banks have good reputations.

Mashreq is awful and will be closing my account there. Have new account with NBAD due to salary transfer and can't say its that good.

I've just opened up a HSBC Status account. Was very easy and v easy to transfer money back to the uk. Also they give you 2 credit cards. I decided to say no to these and get the Etihad credit card that HSBC do. You get 1 mile for every dirham you spend and also access to all the lounges etc.

HSBC here charges for everything even if you need to amend a standing order, transfer etc..etc...

We bank with them, and they have been great, however, I've heard Lloyds/TSB are better where you can get free transfer to UK bank accounts and there are no penalties when paying off loans early.

We're thinking of switching ASAP.

I use HSBC and they are okay- been with them for about 5 years and haven't had any problems. Transfers to HSBC in the UK via the internet happen in hours (sometimes minutes) rather than days. However, I've also heard good things about Lloyds TSB. Haven't heard anything good about any of the other banks out here.

IMO - HSBC are great if you have Premier accounts (i.e. have plenty of money in accounts) both onshore & offshore, whereas Lloyds TSB is best for those who don't keep much money in the account.

to transfer money, take it out of the bank in cash and send it via western union or thomas cook al rostamani etc. they are far cheaper and we find that the money is always in the account within a few hours at most.

Agree..... even their exchange rates are better...

I've been advised that Lloyds TSB is the best. I'm with Barclays but will open a Lloyds account before I head out to the ME.

Lloyds TSB by a mile (kilometre)!

just gone to HSBC as company bank there, so no minimum in bank required, 1 free transfer a month, free credit card for 1st year, free 5k overdraft, and usually 70dhs month but waved for 1st year

AND they will go and take money out of your account without informing you also....

bargain...

So whats your recommendation then?

HSBC International