Opening a bank account

To open an account you will generally need valid ID (passport and sedula), your identity number from the population registration, proof of address, and documentation of your income or source of funds — banks apply standard compliance checks. Processing can take time, so start once you have registered locally. Both personal and business accounts are available.

Debit and credit cards, online banking and international transfers are standard. For a property purchase, funds move through the notary, and a local account simplifies both the transfer and the ongoing costs of ownership. If you are financing, your bank relationship also feeds into the mortgage process (see Financing).