For Yanks only. If you are an American arriving in France, and even one already living here, you know what a pain in the derriere it is to open a Bank Account in France. I have two accounts, since time immemorial, and both Banks treat me badly. One will not provide any help whatsoever as regards investing - so my money just lies there at the minimum rate in a checking account. So, when I came across this piece over the Internet, about French law in the matter, I decided to share it here. In a word, once you have been refused opening an account, this is what you do (from here): What is proof of residence? An electricity bill, a property rental contract, or purchase of a house, or the contract you and your employer signed. We Yanks are not out of the crapola yet given that the US maintains - for incomes above $100K a year - dual taxation is a reality. Write to your state representatives in Congress! Who wont give a damn ...