If you are a foreigner staying in France for more than three months, you are entitled to open a bank account . The savings banks have a large network of branches and there is a post office in most French communes . Savings bank and post office accounts are managed in exactly the same way as accounts at commercial banks.
Chequebooks are usually free of charge.
Credit cards, which are valid for two years, cost between FFr 100 and FFr 200 per year, depending on the bank and the type of card. When you open an account, you may be offered an overdraft facility . This means you will have to pay for everything in cash, including bills, rent and all purchases. Some banks also charge for closing an account. There is usually a minimum purchase amount for cheques, too, but this may be lower, at FFr 50.