Bank account
 

Is it possible to open a bank account on a short stay visa in France?

It should be noted that if you were born in, or live in the United States, the vast majority of bank will refuse to open an account due to the FATCA annoyances.

Generally - no

If you are a US citizen - absolutely not

Omani citizen I live in Oman…
I've an address in Paris (not mine, a family friend's)…
One month study course so that's why I'll be in France
PS- they don't issue study visas for shorter than 90 days courses I think so that's why it's a short stay tourist visa

I can get a letter saying I'm a resident of the apartment but like I don't think I will be able to get any utility bills or whatnot
Thanks everyone!!!

Use ATMs and pay your utility bills with electronic transfers through companies like XE.com

Bank will ask you to provide an electricty bill under your name.
Actually you'd be amazed at the number of places where they ask for an electricity bill...

This is the usual 'proof' that you reside in France. Then they'll open a bank account with some restrictions like being forbidden to go below 0 if you don't have a regular income.

Why do you need to open a bank account just because you'll be in a place for a month? I've done that several times and never had any need to open a bank account where I was traveling. Don't you have credit cards and your own bank at home where you can get a debit card?

HSBC on the Champs Elysées has a lot of experience with customers from the Gulf.