jayman99

HI, I will be moving to Dubai in Jan 08 and was wondering should I make arrangements to open bank accounts from the UK or is it advisable to wait upon arrival?

Also, can anyone recommend sites for short term lets/sublets? We're planning on a short term rental followed my purchasing if all goes well.

Lastly, any recommendations on short term car lease?

Any advice and information will be greatly appreciated.

Sorry, lots of q's!!

J

Meow

Get yourself an offshore bank account before you leave. or possibly two - one in Sterling, the other in US Dollars as that is linked to the UAE Dirham. open them under your UK address and once you move, you can change the address and complete the paperwork to have any interest paid gross.

You have limited options in bank accounts in Dubai if you don't have a residency visa (I can't remember which one allow, but someone else will), but accounts can be opened quite quickly.

For property look at www.dubizzle.com & Gulf news classified. I believe that sublets are illegal. Do not rush into buying in Dubai.

jayman99

Thanks Meow, I will open an account here then. I have been speaking with HSBC and Lloyds and will sort it asap.

Didn't realise sublets were illegal, thanks for the heads up.

I have been checking dubizzle.com.

This is a very far fetched questions but any do's and dont's as to where we should be looking at renting?

We'll have a month to look anyway as the first month my employer will be incurring the cost for apartment and car.

Autonomy

www.me.ae you don't need residence visa to open an account with them...

They're fine for simple cash ATM type things...

...and Meow - longtime no see! I need to pick your brain a little about AD and what is available....

jayman99

Thanks, I will probably arrange all accounts from here.

Meow

Hi darling.

I'm in the UK until Friday (brrrr!), but I was thinking about inviting you & Mrs Auto for dinner soon. S is going to Slovenia for a stag do on 29th (), so when he gets back?

x

Autonomy

Slovenia - has he seen Hostel?

All sounds very cool - Dec 9th onwards gets very busy with audits and all sorts of cr*p - before then would be fabulous...

Take care in cold ol' blighty. Catch you soon.

OP - Sorry for the thread hijack