France in Focus

I didn't opt for this years ago but I'm now thinking that it might be a good move. At the moment, my UK pension is paid into my UK current account.

However, I'm not sure whether to contact the DWP or l'Assurance Retraite (which pays my miserable FR pensions) to make the switch. Does anyone know?

You call DWP, they are pretty efficient.

Thanks DaveW. Does DWP do all the transferring? I really don't want my FR bank cocking things up again.

Ive had my UK pension paid into France for years. It was easy to set up, all done quickly and efficiently. I’m sure it was handled with a phone call to DWP.

Agreed. Mine had been paid direct since the age of the dinosaur without problem and the rate of exchange they get is better than you would get as an individual.

MAD87 wrote: ↑Thu Mar 07, 2024 4:13 pm Thanks DaveW. Does DWP do all the transferring? I really don't want my FR bank cocking things up again.

The actual physical transfer of cash into your French bank account is done by Citibank. So if your usual payment day falls on a US bank holiday you will receive it a day later.

We have had all of our pensions transferred directly into our la poste bank since retirement, never a problem.
Uk retirements and two private ones.

Yes, just a phone call.

Thanks everyone. Will do some time next week.

Not for me, I like to know what rate I am getting on the exchange, plus entrust the pension to a French organisation such as a bank?? France has many benefits but the efficiency of French banks is not at the top of my wish list, in fact I was told some years back that once they have got the pension under their auspices they start charging admin fees, just look at the charges we pay for banking here, totally alien to most UK account holders.