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

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