RetireJapan

Yes, you're a bit stuffed without a UK mobile if trying to do UK stuff. If you have friend / family member get them to buy a SIM, pop it in their phone and active it (needs to be done in UK), then take it out and pop it into the post to you. Providers like Smarty don't require credit check and the fiver or so a month direct debit to pay them will keep your bank account active too.

I use my account for the UK pension direct debits and buying presents for relatives' birthdays and stuff. Occasionally send money there from here or here from there when the exchange rate moves.

goodandbadjapan wrote: ↑Fri Dec 18, 2020 12:45 pmOccasionally send money there from here or here from there when the exchange rate moves.

Get ready to send in next few days ... or even hours!

Is there any to invest in AIM listed shares from Japan? I have a UK bank account still....

KyushuWoozy wrote: ↑Sat Dec 19, 2020 4:04 am

goodandbadjapan wrote: ↑Fri Dec 18, 2020 12:45 pmOccasionally send money there from here or here from there when the exchange rate moves.

Get ready to send in next few days ... or even hours!

Keeping an eye on it!

Are people finding it hard to use uk banks?


I’ve been with the RBS for decades, and the only problem I’ve had was when I cancelled my overdraft facility and tried to reinstate it after a threat from a snotty nosed call center employee about my student loan.

I get my statements sent to Japan, and I do online banking. I also have a property in the uk and sometimes use it to pay for work. I also send a few thousand yen every year via TransferWise.
My kids also opened an account when we visited pre financial crash and its linked to my main account as guardian.

The account will change to an adult account in January. So I wonder if they will decouple his account and minehow we’ll set that up to keep it active.
I’ll give they call center a call, but thank god for internet banking. The RBS usually ping my phone with a code in Japan too. Pretty easy and efficient though.