1aws

I'm in UK until Mid Aug when I start working in Bahrain for a few years. What is the best method of transferring money to my UK account?
I've been told open a UK HSBC account as there is a HSBC in Bahrain, is this best for speed and cost of transfer?

mikewot

Try a search of this forum for money transfer and you'll find loads of hits. Saves answering same old questions.

Backinthesand

Correct HSBC are in Bahrain - Internet banking works well though HSBC Bahrain is a franchise and transfers between HSBC Jersey or UK and Bahrain take a few days rather than instant as is the case between Jersey and UK.

You need to have a CPR before you can open an account in Bahrain.

Tockalosh

If you have HSBC Premier you can do immediate transfers. Try and open one in the UK as the requirements are lower than in Bahrain. Once you have a Premier in the UK they will open a Premier in Bahrain regardless of having less cash in the bank than is required in Bahrain
You also get a shaded car parking space rather than the rif raf's cars burning under the sun

However if you love credit cards then try Standard Chartered as they offered 3 times my annual salary when the rep came into the office to open accounts for the new starters.

As I am not a huge fan of using credit cards so I went with HSBC plus standard chartered main branch is right in the Middle of Manama and you have to go there to collect your cards and pins etc regardless of you opening the account in the local Buddaiya branch.