Menu
Expat.com
Search
Magazine
Search

Is it best to get a local account?

Angelina Ballerina
#1
Hi All

Am fairly new to the site, just wondering if it is better to be paid into my UK account or get a local account? I already have UK accounts with Barclays and Citibank. Do they have any branches in Abu Dhabi, I know they do in Dubai but never been to Abu Dhabi before and moving across in a couple of weeks. Thanks in advance :)
See also
Yud
#2
Welcome on board Angelina Ballerina ;)

Barclays does has branches and ATM dispenser in Abu Dhabi. Here are their location.

Regards

The Abu Dhabi expat guide

Comprehensive and free

Read it now
Abu Dhabi
mydionysus
#3
Hi Angelina,

HSBC widespread bank in the world. Their slogan "Your Local Bank in the World".

I don`t like Citibank !!!

Anyway goodluck !!!
Hamad.UAE
#4
I believe that if you open a local account is better you can get miles for the Local airlines ;)
Sandman6
#5

Angelina Ballerina wrote:

Hi All

Am fairly new to the site, just wondering if it is better to be paid into my UK account or get a local account? I already have UK accounts with Barclays and Citibank. Do they have any branches in Abu Dhabi, I know they do in Dubai but never been to Abu Dhabi before and moving across in a couple of weeks. Thanks in advance :)


Depends on your tax liability in the UK.

But I would have said better to be paid into a local AED account.

All of the banks in the UAE offer the same poor level of service, so perm any one from several. Citiwank have ATM's but few branches, Boerclays are primarily a commercial rather than a personal w@nker.

Shawn02
#6
Can someone tell me if you have a contract for 20,000 AED and 20,000 housing allowance monthy will you get 40,000 AED in your account every month with nothing taken out.
nmdavis717
#7
Does anyone use USAA for banking in UAE? What is a good local bank in Abu Dhabi to get for depositing paychecks and saving?
Thank you.
mjrv
#8
There are many international banks (HSBC, Standard Chartered, Citibank, etc) and a bunch of local banks.  All are nearly same, though international banks give you a sense of relatively being more safe.

Essential services for your expat journey

Choose the best health insurance
Choose the best health insurance
Protect your health and get easy access to treatment for expats in Abu Dhabi.
Plan your international move
Plan your international move
Facilitate your move to Abu Dhabi by getting a quote from our top rated movers.
Open a bank account that suits you
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
Plan your retirement
Plan your retirement
Plan your retirement income with the advice of an expert.
Other discussions on banking in Abu Dhabi
Ask your questionOther discussions about banks and finance in Abu Dhabi

Further reading

Accommodation in Abu Dhabi
Accommodation is your next step after securing a visa to fully settle into your new life as an expat in Abu Dhabi. ...
Discovering Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a popular destination among those who want to live and work ...
Buying property in Abu Dhabi
The United Arab Emirates has 9.06 million expats, and most of them spend about 30 to 50 years in the country ...
Study in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is not only an excellent place to live and work, but it also offers world-class education. There are ...
Working in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has joined its neighbor emirate of Dubai in being a hotspot for tourists and expats moving for work ...
How to develop your social circle in Abu Dhabi
Expats in Abu Dhabi can establish a social network through various ways, such as joining expat groups online and ...
Student life in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is not only a prime spot to live and work in; it is also an excellent location to study in. ...
Local cuisine in Abu Dhabi
If you are a foodie, Abu Dhabi is perfect for you. This city likes to experiment, and you will find lots of ...