You will need a bank account in France if you wish to pay for your accomidation by direct debit or to apply for CAF.
It is very simple and easy to open one and doesn't take to much time as long as you have all of the necessary documentation.
Firstly you will need to pick a bank. Most of the banks in Strasbourg have very good student account deals so anyone will do. I have gone for Banque Populaire. which is actually quite popular since there are many branches all over the city.
In order to open a bank account you first need to go into the branch to make an appointment. the appointment can be as early as that afternoon or as late as two weeks so make sure you don't leave it to the last minute to open an account.
The following documentation is needed to open a French bank account:
- Passport
- Proof of you permanent residence i.e. contract
- Proof you are a student i.e. certificate of acceptance or student card
- A bank statement from your home country bank account.
This information may vary depending on which bank you go for but this is what i was asked to provide.
Whilst you are there opening your account ask them to run through how online banking works etc. because this will be useful.
