You simply cannot get around in Britain without a bank account. Most importantly, you will probably need one in order to receive your salary. You will also probably need to open a bank account in order to rent or buy accommodation, pay for gas and electricity, getting a phone line, and many other necessities.
It can be difficult for a foreigner to get a bank account in the United Kingdom. In addition, even when you get an account you may find it difficult to get a debit or credit card immediately and have to wait a few months until you have built up an account history. If you do not already have a credit history in the UK, banks are often cautious when opening accounts. If you have a job, you will probably find this easier than if you are a student. In whatever case, you will need to demonstrate that you are resident and prove your address. For this you will need utility bills (gas, telephone, electricity, etc) or a rental contract. If you have a job, ask your employer for a letter of recommendation for the bank. In addition, you may find it very useful if you can get a letter of recommendation from your current bank (in English) which states how long you have held an account with them, your current balance and the average balance during the previous year.
Another option that can sometimes be a lot easier is to open an account with a bank in your country which has branches in the UK. In this case, the process is usually a lot easier, especially if you then get a letter of recommendation.
Choosing a bank
The biggest retail (‘high street’) banks in the UK include HSBC, Barclays, Halifax, Abbey, Lloyds TSB, and NatWest. These banks have branches in most towns throughout the UK. To find your nearest local branches and exact opening hours of each bank, check out www.openingtimes.co.uk . They also advise on where your closest open branch is if your nearest one happens to be closed.
Alternatively, you can visit the websites of each bank:
HSBC
0800 032 4738
www.hsbc.co.uk
Barclays
0800 400 100
www.barclays.co.uk
Halifax
08457 20 30 40
www.halifax.co.uk
Abbey
0800 587 2758
www.abbey.com
Lloyds TSB
0845 3000 000
www.lloydstsb.com
Natwest
0800 200 400
www.natwest.com