You don't really need to have a bank account there, an American one will suffice especially on the short term (a few years). You would like to avoid Forex fees, so I recommend C Schwab's High yield (that's the name it actually yields pennies) which does not charge any maintenance nor international fees. When linked to a Schwab savings account you will have free overdraft protection, when linked to a margin line on a brokerage account it can draw from there as well with no fee either (besides for interest of course). You can swipe the debit card or use a CC which does not charge Forex such as the BA (link Dan) or some others which you can find by searching the forums. Deposits can be mad online (ach transfer) or with business reply envelopes which they provide.