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1.5 Years out from Moving - Looking for Planning Help

realfitpug4life

Bonjour a tous!  I am retiring in 2027 and plan to move to France.  I plan to get a long stay visa and live there as an expat for the foreseeable future.  If I live long enough, I might become a French citizen.  I have started the research on making this move, but would like to get help from those who have already done it.  In no specific order, the topics:


Where in France?  While I would like to spend the first 6 months in Paris (right?) and then decide on a more permanent location (like the South, right?), I am open to feedback on someone who may have already done that.  I know all the pros and cons of living in Paris, but I have not talked to an American Expat who has actually been living there and can tell me if the above plan is a good one or not.


Health Insurance?  I know that I will need to buy health insurance initially, then I may be able to get on France's national health insurance.  What company have other Expats used?  The internet recommends Cigna Global, GeoBlue, Allianz.  Thoughts and recommendations?


Cell Phones?  I know that I can get a Google phone number to keep my current cell, and add a SIM/ESIM to get a French phone number (essential for conducting business in France).  Any other thoughts?


Banking:  Conceptually, I understand that all my "American" money accounts are still accessible in France via the internet.  (1) When setting up a French bank account for the first time, how do deposit money into it?  Electronically from my bank in America or some other way?  (2) I read a lot of moving money from America to France, but there always seems to be significant transaction fees.  What's the best way to transfer large sums of money from an American bank account to a French bank account.


American Snail Mail:  Baguette Bound (on Youtube) says they pay around 20 USD a month for a company to get their mail.  If there is something important, the company will scan it and sent it electronically.  What are some of the other options?


Finding an Apartment Initially - There are several sites that can be used to find and rent an apartment for 6 months (AirBnB, VRBO, and specific French sites).  I also found a bougie site called Paris Attitude.  How did you all find a place and what would you recommend in hindsight.


Thanks and please let me know what I forgot to ask

See also
rsb56

Hey, realfitpug4life! I'm a retiree and my husband will be one sometime in the next five years. We are seriously considering a similar move and I would love to be in touch with you to hear about your experiences and advice as you make your move. Any chance we could correspond?

couverite1

This is worth a read. Includes a link to a map compiled by the French government showing rental costs across the country in as much detail as you could want. https://www.connexionfrance.com/news/ho … ata/706262

SimCityAT

@realfitpug4life

Only you can decide on where you want to live. no one else. I would suggest staying around the country in Airbnb's so you can find the right location that's right for you. Take into consideration public transport if you won't be driving, the nearest shops, cafes, and restaurants.

nicole8535

HI there


For your banking, I would recommend that you open either a Wise account or a Revolut account. Multicurrency accounts are the best way to go, without a doubt. You can keep both a USD and a Euro account in there and play the exchange rates to move your money around at the best times.


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Nicole

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SimCityAT

HI there
For your banking, I would recommend that you open either a Wise account or a Revolut account. Multicurrency accounts are the best way to go, without a doubt. You can keep both a USD and a Euro account in there and play the exchange rates to move your money around at the best times.

Drop me a DM for more information, great insurance company clues or a Pre-Move Consultation. I help folk move to, and establish themselves, in France.

Nicole - @nicole8535


Saving large amounts in Wise or Revolut is generally safe due to high regulatory standards, but they are designed as electronic money institutions (EMIs), not traditional banks, meaning your funds are "safeguarded" rather than protected by traditional government deposit insurance (except for Revolut in specific jurisdictions). Wise is better for holding large amounts across currencies, while Revolut suits daily spending.

dawn06000

@realfitpug4life

***

Moderated by Bhavna 2 weeks ago
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boatman1940

@nicole8535

EverBank in the US has a Currency Section, and I worked with the Euro value. So I was able to transfer the Euros to my French Bank. But one of the bumps in the road is that you cannot open a Government-approved French Bank account until you start the emigration process and have a card. But there are internet banks in the EU.  I started with a long-stay visa, which was for 180 days, but it turned out to be an emigration application. The rules have changed and are always changing. I could not get a French phone number except at the Tabac because you needed to be a citizen.  You will also need a AAA Driving License if you want to drive. It all gets complicated.  But that was 10 years ago. I still do 183 days in the US since we have family in - TX FL CA NY FR and UK

Idei Asaka

Hi, are you in France right now? Does France allow cryptocurrency wallets to be used for everyday expenses?

franceunlocked16

@realfitpug4life

Hi, You're doing the right thing by getting your ducks all in a row before you move.... Banking? I would suggest that WISE is a good start so that you have the ability to exchange currency immediately, and then when settled in an area, with an address, using a local bank of choice. .... IF you decided to buy rather than rent, then I would strongy suggest reading this: [link moderated] as it details every step of the way, and offers guidance on some of the things that people may not know that they don't know. (I have a similarly detailed explanation of the healthcare system (what you need to do, when and with whom, what to do if you have or develop a long-term illness, useful phrases, and... again the kind of things that you may not research immediately because they don't apply to you, right now....(That one is currently with my editor, however if you'd like me to notify you when it's live, my email is [link moderated]). Good luck France is a beautiful country, Craig X