Before I left UK in September 2008, I asked Halifax that I will leave the country and would like to continue using my bank account abroad. They said, no problem but it will cost you 1 pound per transaction. Actually, it was much more because somehow I got fewer Euros than I had pounds. Then I noticed that my card will start soon to expire and asked for a new card. The told, that they can't give me a new card now but I could still use my old bank card. That was a lie. When in Barcelona, I suddenly wasn't able to get my money from the account anymore. So I went to Halifax Barcelona office, where the promised that it may take two-three days to get my money out from the account and there was even a hope that I could get a new card from that office. But Halifax UK answered "A person asking for a funds should present a valid bank card; new card can be issued only to the person living in designated address". So, they practically rob my money leaving me penniless.

So I registered to Virgin Pre Paid money card which should be a service created for travelers like me. But this card had limits to spend and get cash from the ATM's. First it didn't bother me, but now when more work is coming in; I wanted to upgrade the limits away. One of the possibilities was to send them my passport copy and employers letter which we did. However, they didn't considered a decent company letter to be enough claiming that this does not indicate my current home address.
Who have made such kind of ridiculous law that homeless people can use only 600 pounds per year? How about all those alternative lifestyles to live in caravan or boat; or simply be a successful travelling businessman living in five star hotels?