I am buying a property in Spain, I got my N.I.C number from the consulate and already started visiting the properties. I was expecting to be able to open a 'foreigner' bank account with ease. Just walk-in give N.I.C, passport, show the cash, and you are welcomed with extended hands, right... you wish...
After I got into the bank (starts with S) I had written everything down in google translate as one message that explains who I am, that I want to buy the property, and I need to open a foreigner account, that I have funds in bank account to buy the property, my N.I.C.
Employees of the bank behaved like translate does not work (maybe it doesn't), and after 45 minutes of charades, showing a passport, emails from the consulate with N.I.C (they kept on asking for original), I realized that I will not open a bank account here, no matter how many times I will show everything that is listed online to be enough to open a foreign bank account. One employee wrote me a list of what would it take to open the account.
Since banks during COVID work short hours (9.00 - 11.30) and only 4 clients are allowed, I pretty much can do one visit per day, and I would prefer to spend time actually progressing in opening a bank account.
Which banks in Spain are more willing to work with foreigners and expats?