Originally Posted by Llanthony (Post 12360552)

Can I as a US citizen open a US bank account while living abroad? If I need a local address can I use a family members address as my own? I have kept no ties to the US while I have been gone, but I have filed income tax returns.

Originally Posted by Llanthony (Post 12360552)

We have a lot of stuff we are moving back with us, not all furniture but business equipment we have gathered while learning our trade. As well as furniture and books, which are coming with, it would cost me more to replace them and some of it can not be replaced anyway. Do I need to have a moving company pack for me due to immigration of the household goods? Is it best to just hire a large company? Is there a way to pack it all myself without being at the port when it arrives?

Originally Posted by Llanthony (Post 12360552)

Can I just walk into a car dealer ship in the US and buy a car? Will I be able to insure it? Do I need a US license in order to get insurance? Do I need a bill in my name to get a license? Will a bank statement do if I can get an account?

Originally Posted by Llanthony (Post 12360552)

Is there a how to book out there that is in depth on any of this? I find very basic information and all the immigration information but nothing for someone moving back.

Originally Posted by Llanthony (Post 12360552)

Do I need to worry about the banks and where I put the money from the sale of property? Is transferwise the best bet to move cash? Has anyone used their bank accounts? Is there a offshore safe account that will allow me to transfer money into dollars when I choose? Transferwise have a £250,000 limit a year though and we have slightly over that.

Originally Posted by Llanthony (Post 12360552)

Can I purchase a house by transferring directly to the title company or will the funds need to be in my own bank first?

Originally Posted by Llanthony (Post 12360552)

Can I purchase a house by transferring directly to the title company or will the funds need to be in my own bank first

Originally Posted by RICH (Post 12360606)

For my mortgage, I had to get a cashiers check for the "Earnest Money", but a wire for the closing costs.

Originally Posted by RICH (Post 12360606)

I do know that "some" title companies will accept wires from overseas banks. In my work I see wire instructions that include that info - IBAN etc. I do not know if there are restrictions on the circumstances where that it is allowed. I would shop around Title /Escrow companies and ask. There are thousands to choose from - National chains to Mom and Pops. Chicago Title Insurance Company comes to mind as a big one!

Having said that, if you are "paying cash" ie no mortgage, maybe you can just deal with the seller direct. (My experience is in sending wires from mortgage lenders to title companies, within US)

For my mortgage, I had to get a cashiers check for the "Earnest Money", but a wire for the closing costs.

Originally Posted by Nutmegger (Post 12360640)

Perhaps this is state specific, but here in CT, for instance, the title company sells title insurance and has nothing to do with any escrow or purchase monies. That is handled by the purchaser’s attorney in accord with the contract of sale.

Originally Posted by Llanthony (Post 12360552)

We will soon begin the immigration process for my husband, and I get how that works but I need some help with other things.

I and my son are US citizens and I have lived in the UK for 20 years, we are now looking to move to the states in a year or so. I have been married to a UK citizen for 6 years.

We are planning to sell everything here and buy a house in the Chicago suburbs, where I am from. I will be buying in cash and as I have no US credit history and I have pets who are coming with us, so I prefer to buy. We will also be starting a small business a few months after we arrive, so there is no employer. We have enough to do this in cash but the budget is tight. I have read the forums and I'm having trouble with information on the following.

Can I as a US citizen open a US bank account while living abroad? If I need a local address can I use a family members address as my own? I have kept no ties to the US while I have been gone, but I have filed income tax returns.

You need an address. Family member's should be fine.


We have a lot of stuff we are moving back with us, not all furniture but business equipment we have gathered while learning our trade. As well as furniture and books, which are coming with, it would cost me more to replace them and some of it can not be replaced anyway. Do I need to have a moving company pack for me due to immigration of the household goods? Is it best to just hire a large company? Is there a way to pack it all myself without being at the port when it arrives?

ask Pulaski.!

Can I just walk into a car dealer ship in the US and buy a car? Will I be able to insure it? Do I need a US license in order to get insurance? Do I need a bill in my name to get a license? Will a bank statement do if I can get an account?

Are you looking for credit to buy the car? that would be the tricky point with no US credit history. Look at International Autosource, Mazda foreign resident program or VW International business program. You do not need a US license but it will be cheaper with it. Get and International Driving Permit from the UK, that helps. Also ask your current UK insurer's for no claims history and contact GEICO. To get a license look at the Illinois driving license requirements. I know all about Texas sorry.

Is there a how to book out there that is in depth on any of this? I find very basic information and all the immigration information but nothing for someone moving back.

I'm writing it!!!! In the meantime, I honestly think this forum is the best place to get advice.

Do I need to worry about the banks and where I put the money from the sale of property? Is transferwise the best bet to move cash? Has anyone used their bank accounts? Is there a offshore safe account that will allow me to transfer money into dollars when I choose? Transferwise have a £250,000 limit a year though and we have slightly over that. Can I purchase a house by transferring directly to the title company or will the funds need to be in my own bank first?
We used WorldFirst for our money to buy a house here. Get quotes but almost definitely don't use your bank for the transfer. You would need to have the funds in your bank.

Any help or pointers greatly appreciated.

Originally Posted by petitefrancaise (Post 12360647)

don't know why but BE said my message was too short. strange. never been accused of brevity before...

Originally Posted by petitefrancaise (Post 12360647)

Get and International Driving Permit from the UK, that helps.

Originally Posted by petitefrancaise (Post 12361788)

It gives the insurance companies all the information they need in a format they know about.