As I mentioned yesterday, one of the goals of my recent trip to Germany was to establish a bank account overseas.
There are a couple of reasons why I think this is important. For one, it makes it easier for my European clients to pay me. This makes them happy, and it makes me happy. Also, it contributes to efforts in making my business appear larger. I have a verifiable presence in Germany now, which I think will help to put potential new clients more at ease, especially those who aren't as familliar with Paypal and other such things, or simply with working with someone from the States.
Thanks to the nice folks at the Volksbank in Ochtrup, I have realized this goal.
It was much easier than I thought it would be. I inquired about this at Translator's Cafe before I left, and it sparked an interesting discussion. The upshot of that was that most people didn't expect it to be easy without a German address.
Turns out it was. I was there with a friend, but he didn't say a word. I showed my passport, asked for an account with online access, and I was all set.
Perhaps this info may be of use to other translators who are considering doing the same thing. I've already received a few transfers to my new account and it is a great help to me.
Posted by steve at May 11, 2004 02:14 PM