bank account

Finally after much pestering
Okay didnt pester too much
since I needed my visa
Before I can open a bank account
so we went to the bank!

Most transactions in paris
Is done using their debit/credit card
From buying metro tickets
To shopping
To ordering macdonalds
So far I have been using my sg card
But I do incurr some expenses
From the sg bank exchange rate
Since I do not have an official document 
Of my home address
A bank account can doubles as that document
Or I will always need the huaband
To write a letter that im stayimg with him

Anyway we made an appointment
To see the bank consultant
On saturday morning
To complete the many tasks:
- open an account for me
- open a joint account
- new cheque book and card for him

Some difference compared to sg banks
1) An appointment is required
- It seems we cant just walk in
2) we were assigned to a bank officer
- where we met her in her office and she can reply us whenever we email her
3) need to pay extra to have points collection
- Probably every credit card in sg provides the ability to collect points when you spend and exchange for stuff, here you need to add on few euro/ month to enjoy the benefit (like a membership)
4) non-investment / fixed joint account needs to be reviewed for tax
- Maybe is the same in sg but only affects those with many zeros in their account
5) self collection of card
- A letter notification will be received to return to bank for card collection at bank
6) personal internet pin
- internet pin provided via post, no extra toggle
7) overseas bank transfer
- Has to go down bank to meet with assigned officer to add overseas account for transfer
8) giro is payable
- monthly charges of euro1.25 per automatic transaction

Seems to be a big difference 
From sg banking
maybe im not well versed in sg banks
But im glad everything can be done online
And less visits to banks in sg

Since thursday is a public holiday
I do hope to collect my card tomorrow!