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Money & Finance
Car Registration Taxes in France
The taxes payable on registration of a new or second-hand vehicle have increased this year.
08 May 2018
Sterling/Euro Exchange Rate Review April 2018
April was a mixed month for sterling, which experienced some big swings against the euro, as markets tried to decide whether the Bank of England would raise interest rates, writes Ben Scott of FC Exchange.
08 May 2018
Guide to Banking in France
One of the early tasks of prospective French property owners is to open a French bank account.
08 May 2018
The Cost of a French Marriage Contract
Many international couples enter into a French marriage contract for inheritance planning purposes, but some notaires appear to be charging unnecessary fees for such work.
06 Apr 2018
Sterling/Euro Exchange Rate Review March 2018
The pound to euro exchange rate began March at interbank levels of €1.12, but rose above €1.14, briefly reaching a two-month high at €1.15, writes Ben Scott of FC Exchange.
06 Apr 2018
Legal Aid in France 2018
The income thresholds to obtain legal aid in France have been increased for 2018, but there are also other ways of obtaining assistance with legal advice.
07 Mar 2018
Sterling/Euro Exchange Rate Review February 2018
February was a volatile month for the pound to euro exchange rate, with some dramatic peaks and falls taking place, writes Ben Scott of FC Exchange.
07 Mar 2018
Big Rise in La Poste Tariffs
La Poste letter delivery prices have been increased by an average of around 10% this year, with smaller increases for parcel delivery.
07 Mar 2018
Smart Electricity Meter Programme Under Fire
The French national audit office has criticised the roll-out of electricity smart meters as ‘costly’ for users and ‘generous’ for EDF.
07 Mar 2018
Domestic Heating Costs in France 2017
Household heating costs in France averaged €1,683 last year, but bills varied substantially by type of energy source used.
08 Feb 2018
Sterling/Euro Exchange Rate Review January 2018
It was an excellent start to the year for sterling, which gained ground against the euro in January, although Brexit uncertainty looms, writes Ben Scott of FC Exchange.
08 Feb 2018
Sterling/Euro Exchange Rate Review December 2017
The end of the year was a bumpy one for the pound to euro exchange rate with Brexit and other European political events creating ups and downs in the market, writes Ben Scott of FC Exchange.
09 Jan 2018
MOT Vehicle Tests Toughened in France
The French MOT test is being tightened up this year, alongside an increase in the charge and penalties.
09 Jan 2018
French Bank Phishing Scams and Refund Claims
A recent case in the French courts has strengthened the position of banks who resist the refund of unauthorised payments from a customer account.
09 Jan 2018
Electricity Suppliers and Tariffs in France
The French electricity giant EDF is losing around 100,000 customers a month to competitors, but the differences in tariffs remain marginal.
09 Jan 2018
Sterling/Euro Exchange Rate Review November 2017
Brexit caused the pound to euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate to yo-yo in November, with some dramatic dips and impressive rallies taking place, writes Ben Scott of FC Exchange.
07 Dec 2017
Getting a French Mortgage as a Senior
The mortgage market for 60+ seniors has rarely been a priority for French lenders, but that is slowly changing.
07 Nov 2017
Sterling/Euro Exchange Rate Review October 2017
Although there were some sharp fluctuations in the pound/euro exchange rate in October, the currency pair finished the month at similar levels to which it started, writes Ben Scott of FC Exchange.
07 Nov 2017
Removal Costs to France from the UK
Moving abroad comes with substantial costs on top of the purchase price of a new home, and for many the largest single item is the cost of removal of possessions.
07 Nov 2017
Higher Interest Rates for the UK?
The pound had a better month in September, climbing away from parity fears and into safer territory, supported by the prospect of higher interest rates, writes Ben Scott of FC Exchange.
06 Oct 2017