南京大学考博英语07.docVIP

Passage OneIf you are buying a property in France, whether for a permanent or a holiday home, it is important to open a French bank account. Although it is possible to exist on traveler’s cheques, Eurocheques and cred it cards issued by British banks, the fees for these services can be expensive.The simplest way to pay regular bills, such as electricity, gas or telephone, particularly when you are not in residence, is by direct debit (a sum withdrawn from an account) from your French account.To open a current account, you will need to show your passport and birth certificate and to provide your address in the United Kingdom. You will be issued with a cheque book within weeks of opening the account. In France it is illegal to be overdrawn. All accounts must be operated in credit. However, there are no bank charges.Note that cheques take longer to clear in France than in Britain, and can only be stopped if stolen or lost.The easiest way to transfer money from a British bank account to a French one is by bank transfer: simply provide your British bank with the name, address and number of your French bank account. The procedure takes about a week and costs between 7 and 40 for each transaction, depending on your British bank.Alternatively, you can transfer money via a French bank in London. You can also send a sterling cheque (allow at least 12 days for the cheque to be cleared) ,Eurocheques or traveler’s cheques.Finally, it is a good idea to make a friend of your French bank manager. His help can prove invaluable.81. If you buy a property in France, you can save money by[ A] having a French bank account[ B ] transferring money from Britain[ C ] cashing traveler’s cheques or Eurocheques[ D ] using credit cards issued by British banks82. One advantage French banks have over British banks is that[ A ] you may take out more money than is in the account.[ B ] the interest rates on bank accounts are higher[ C ] cheques are dealt with more rapidly[ D ] you do