I worked in the Middle East and had an account with a British bank. It took me about 3 weeks to close my account before moving to France. I was finally able to close it but then it took me about 2 months before they were willing to transfer my money to my account in France. I finally had to telephone the ex-bank manager, then working in Switzerland and friend of my ex-boss, and have his office okay the transfer. We are captives of our banks. Our money, but possession is 9/10ths of the law...