Which Bank is best for International Transactions

[chamkhi]

Can anyone advise?

We have had the most awful trouble with our account with the ATB Bank in Tunisia. They are incapable of transferring money to the UK to same name accounts (it has taken us so far a year to try and make it happen) - I could tell you story after story of their lies and incapabilities. Bottom line is they are enjoying the interest on our money!

The police got involved which still hasn't given us results. So my first advice is avoid ATB like the plague.

Which bank is well known for the ability to actually efficiently progress international transfers to and from the UK without having to be bribed! Preferably a bank that has branches in the UK? My research has brought up nothing.

We are dual nationality, so opening an account is no problem.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[Kris]

HI there avoid Biat as I had the problem the other way.

It is a shame that you have an issue with ATB as in Bizerte they are by far the nicest ones to use (we where thinking about moving the business account there from BIAT) I am also chatting to their marketing team about a separate project later in the year so I will address this issue with them.

When i transferred money to Tunisia STB seemed to be a main bank where smaller banks would receive their funds from them after sent from the UK.

It seems that people are having a lot if issues with international payments make sure that you have all the swift information to hand as it seems that this is where the issues stem from a lot of the time.

[Essem]

Hi Chamkhi, I have accounts with BIAT and UIB and have no problems at all with either transferring to and from - perhaps it depends on the branch!!

[chamkhi]

Thank you, your answers are helpful. Actually I think you've both hit the nail on the head, I think it is to do with relationship and we cannot develop that at the moment because of short visits to Tunisia. We have joined a bit of a 'small town' branch... and they honestly don't have a clue.

I think because we are with a smaller branch the whole issue of swift numbers etc is too confusing for them.

My husband is soon to visit Tunisia again to do some business so I think he will take the time to speak/open an account with a Tunis bank where they may be more used to international payments!

Thanks.