I'm in the process of selling my house in France and moving to Almeria. I need to put the money somewhere whilst I find/purchase a new house in Almeria. Any Spanish bank recommendations would be appreciated.

Check ING Direct they give one of the best rates at the moment.

We used BBVA and Bancaja when we lived there, helpful and always someone who spoke English there. however that was some 7 years ago, so things might have changed.

In your mattress?

Put it in my bank account. I'll keep it safe for you.
Honestly.

"Check ING Direct"

...and have you read the terrible reviews?

I'm with Fred!!

Fred is definitely right..............
Today I learnt that when you want to take money out of a Spanish investment (as against a normal bank account) 20% is automatically withheld to cover the tax on the profit. This is not accounted for until the next declaracion de renta (tax return) when a refund (or maybe demand if the investment was exceptionally profitable hahaha) is given or offset against tax owed.
So today I am left with a shortfall of money in the return of my investment so I will have to take a mortgage (with its associated costs) whilst the government enjoys my money interest-free until next June.
Rip off or what?

That's why he should use a bank account.

Which bank do you use in France?
Do they have branches in Spain?

I never keep more than a few hundred quid in my Spanish bank , seriously, if you have a large lump of cash get it into a UK or Gibraltar account ....quickly , NEVER Spain.

Why? UK banks have problems, rip people off and need bail outs so why so much faith?

You have recourse in the UK plus a reliable guarantee , good luck with that in Spain!


Are your savings protected: How to keep your money safe

OK fine - this from Blevins Franks:
EU banks

'Under an EU directive, each EU country provides a bank deposit guarantee of €100,000. In the event a bank fails, your national deposit guarantee will refund your savings, up to the limit of €100,000. '

Mmm Blevins Franks and the EU , I`ll be sticking with the UK every time thank you , it allows me to sleep soundly