If you're staying in the UK for longer than a few months, we recommend opening a bank account. This makes it easier to pay bills and keep your money safe. It also helps you avoid the foreign currency charges you'd pay if you used a non-UK bank account to pay for things in Britain. Opening a bank account can be a lengthy process, as banks need lots of information to verify your identity and credit rating. Check whether you're able to get the ball rolling from your home country to save time. Also look into whether your current bank has any links to UK banks, as this should make the process smoother. Student bank accounts are a great option, but not all banks offer student bank accounts to international students. Instead, check out our guide to the best UK international student bank accounts. Use our list as a starting point to find an account that suits you. It can take a while to get a bank account set up, and around 10 days for your debit card to arrive. So, it's wise to take money with you to cover the first month of your stay. We'd recommend a prepaid card for this, as carrying large amounts of cash can be unsafe.