-
Money and banking changes in France you may have missed in September 2026
Includes bank branch closures and overdraft checks
-
Joining a gym in France - and why it is different to the UK and US
Cultural differences and practical steps to know about before signing up for a gym membership
-
Connexion directory of English-speaking notaires experienced in dealing with wills and estates
The notaires are used to dealing with estates where a foreign law will apply due to the EU Succession Regulation
What is secure way to receive cash in France?
What is the most secure way of receiving French house sale money? We wish to buy in the UK in the next couple of months. Is our French bank a better option to pay the house sale money into on completion day than a currency exchange company? We feel anxious about putting such a huge sum into a currency company for future exchange to sterling. Is it as secure as a French bank? D.R.
Normally the notaire should only transfer the sums to an account in your name, which is partly to avoid the possibility of eventual fraud. What you then do with the funds is up to you. So the issue is not so much what you wish to do but more what the notaire will be prepared to do. Same with the currency exchange company as their rules may require transfers to them to be made from private accounts, again – a general comment – to avoid the possibility of fraud and them being linked to such fraud in any way.
It is in any case most usual to make use of currency transfer companies by making a transfer from your own bank account to the company, either for an
immediate transfer or at a later date. We have not heard of any problems with sending large amounts via one of the reputable, regulated companies, if the service and rates they offer suit your needs. Check UK-based firms by a register search at tinyurl.com/y9toyxfy.
Reader's query answered by Hugh MacDonald
The Connexion welcomes queries and regularly publishes a selection with answers. However, please note that we cannot enter into individual correspondence on money topics. Queries may be edited for length and style. Due to the sensitive nature of topics we do not publish full names or addresses on these pages.
Send your financial query to news@connexionfrance.com
The information here is of a general nature. You should not act or refrain from acting on it without taking professional advice on the specific facts of your case. No liability is accepted in respect of these articles. These articles are intended only as a general guide. Nothing herein constitutes actual financial advice
