US Expats living in : how to keep US bank s, US credit cards

Chrissippus · Jun 3, 2025

No. Packets routed through a proxy server can be detected as such by Deep Packet Inspection. A VPS that is hosted on a US server is the same as having a laptop in the US, except that the ip address for the VPS will be a commercial, not a residential, ip. The only equivalent to a VPS would be to have your laptop hosted by a friend in the US while you are in , but a VPS is cheaper and more manageable.

andi_sf · 2025-06-03T02:21:47-0400

Thanks for the clarification and notes - much appreciated.

The VPS solution you are describing - is this equivalent to 'Windows Desktop VPS' offered for example by vps-mart where you can access a Windows desktop instance remotely via Remote Desktop Connection?

Chrissippus · 2025-06-03T03:14:03-0400

andi_sf said:
Thanks for the clarification and notes - much appreciated.

The VPS solution you are describing - is this equivalent to 'Windows Desktop VPS' offered for example by vps-mart where you can access a Windows desktop instance remotely via Remote Desktop Connection?

Yes, but, of course, make sure that it is hosted in the US. Also, keep in mind that you don't need this VPS up and running 24/7 like an e-commerce website. You can just boot it up when you need it and shut it down afterward. Some of the cheaper cloud servers will charge a flat rate per month, so leaving it running 24/7 would not run up your bill. Others, including Google Cloud Service, which I use, charge you by the minute. I chose GCS, because I trust Google's security management standards more than the cheap suppliers'. After all, you will be entering s into financial s on your new VPS, some underpaid and disgruntled sys could conceivably install malware without your knowledge to capture your credentials, which is why you should be running a manager. vps-mart.com offers packages as low as less than $5 per month, so they are definitely in the cheap provider category. Other than that supposition, I don't have any negative information about vps-mart.com's security standards.

For comparison sake, I use my GCS VPS about half an hour a day. At all other times the VPS is powered down. Usually costs me about $28 per month. Microsoft Azure offers fixed price VPS service and Microsoft does have good security standards. I wasn't able to open an Azure , because I was already living abroad, but using a US credit, which was a red flag for MS. If you were to open an Azure before moving away, you might be able to keep it open thereafter.

Add the cost of a CMRA, for instance, and there is definitely a cost to simulating a US presence.

andi_sf · 2025-06-04T03:03:07-0400

Thanks again for the detailed tips - it is so much appreciated! I got one server on Google Cloud Service and one on MS Azure going to test out how things compare cost, usability and function-wise. Always shutting down is a must cost-wise.

When you say "you should be running a manager" I assume this refers to the browser within the VPS - something like 'Bitwarden' or are there other/ better options?

Thanks again - this was quite a learning process - but a good one

calin-m · 2025-06-04T03:46:57-0400

andi_sf said:
I got one server on Google Cloud Service and one on MS Azure going to test out how things compare cost, usability and function-wise.

If you're planning to test for an eventual move to Europe, why not include some EU solutions with US presence, like OVHCloud and Hetzner? They should be cheaper than AWS or Azure (never used G, so not sure there).

vache // rit · 2025-06-04T05:27:36-0400

andi_sf said:
Thank you very much for another perspective on this and the Reddit tip - it is good to know that there are so many different paths that lead to the top of the mountain.

One question about the 'cheapish flip phone that has Wifi calling' using a US phone number. In case of the Wifi calling - would one need to request a phone call then to the flip phone for the 2FA or would 2FA text/sms to this number also work reliably?

Sorry, I didn't get a notification about your response. I'm not sure I understand your question -- and I am not an expert -- but I believe if you are within wi-fi range in , someone calling or texting your U.S. number will reach you. Magical.

Also, perhaps it's overkill, but in addition to using a dedicated VPN IP address located in my current state, I plan to use ipostal1, because they have addresses in my state. It looks like they subcontract with a local UPS Store or equivalent. I am hoping that with those three, there's less of a chance for red flags with the brokerages.

Chrissippus · 2025-06-04T10:52:53-0400

andi_sf said:
Thanks again for the detailed tips - it is so much appreciated! I got one server on Google Cloud Service and one on MS Azure going to test out how things compare cost, usability and function-wise. Always shutting down is a must cost-wise.

When you say "you should be running a manager" I assume this refers to the browser within the VPS - something like 'Bitwarden' or are there other/ better options?

Thanks again - this was quite a learning process - but a good one

I would not rely on a manager built-in to a browser. The best one I know of is 1.com, which is not free. You can install it on multiple machines including your VPS. All of the installations will remain in sync. 1 has a module that will install into your browser which will pop-up when needed to insert credentials to whatever website you are logging into. Bitwarden is a competing product which I have no experience with.

If you don't need to run a Windows application on your VPS, but just logging onto a financial website is all you need, then you could do that more cheaply on GCS or perhaps Azure by running a VPS running the linux operating system. You would have a little learning curve, but all you need to do is and kickoff your favorite browser, which could have 1 installed on it. I am sure there are youtube videos that will explain how to get started with a linux VPS.

Chrissippus · 2025-06-04T11:10:39-0400

calin-m said:
If you're planning to test for an eventual move to Europe, why not include some EU solutions with US presence, like OVHCloud and Hetzner? They should be cheaper than AWS or Azure (never used G, so not sure there).

Yes, these sites provide low-cost VPS services comparable to low-cost services in the US. I wouldn't use them, because I have never heard of them and therefore would not trust that they have security standards comparable to Google or Microsoft. They may be quite secure, but there's no way to know that.

Chrissippus · 2025-06-04T11:42:16-0400

andi_sf said:
Thanks again for the detailed tips - it is so much appreciated! I got one server on Google Cloud Service and one on MS Azure going to test out how things compare cost, usability and function-wise. Always shutting down is a must cost-wise.

When you say "you should be running a manager" I assume this refers to the browser within the VPS - something like 'Bitwarden' or are there other/ better options?

Thanks again - this was quite a learning process - but a good one

If you're going ahead with this on my recommendation, I begin to feel responsible for your safety. When you have decided which hosting service to use, you will of course set a difficult (via 1), but there is another step you can take to configure 2-factor authentication to block anyone other than yourself from remotely logging into your VPS. You can install the Duo system that will run both on the VPS and on your smartphone. Then when you go to it will demand authorization from the Duo app in your phone, before it will let you . If you follow carefully the instructions offered by the guy in the following video, you can select the free version of Duo, not the temporary free trial, which will accommodate up to 10 s at no charge forever. I have been using it for years.

calin-m · 2025-06-04T13:06:22-0400

Chrissippus said:
I wouldn't use them, because I have never heard of them and therefore would not trust that they have security standards comparable to Google or Microsoft. They may be quite secure, but there's no way to know that.

😂

andi_sf · 2025-06-04T13:49:20-0400

calin-m said:
If you're planning to test for an eventual move to Europe, why not include some EU solutions with US presence, like OVHCloud and Hetzner?

Thanks for your suggestions @Chrissippus is correct: a good safety protocol and record are paramount here - better safe than sorry!

andi_sf · 2025-06-04T14:34:31-0400

vache // rit said:
Sorry, I didn't get a notification about your response. I'm not sure I understand your question -- and I am not an expert -- but I believe if you are within wi-fi range in , someone calling or texting your U.S. number will reach you. Magical.

Also, perhaps it's overkill, but in addition to using a dedicated VPN IP address located in my current state, I plan to use ipostal1, because they have addresses in my state. It looks like they subcontract with a local UPS Store or equivalent. I am hoping that with those three, there's less of a chance for red flags with the brokerages.

Thank you so much for the additional tip and input - very much appreciated!

Kid Charlemagne · 2025-06-05T16:00:21-0400

BTW, I happened to be doing some inquiries with my bank here in the US (BMO aka Bank of Montreal) and just for the heck of it asked if they ed customers moving overseas. They said sure, no problem (which I was hoping was the case, since they're already an international bank), though they charge a 3% fee on debit card transactions from overseas. So take that as an anecdotal piece of evidence for another US bank that might be helpful. I guess I'll find out for sure when I make the move (which will probably be late summer 2026).

andi_sf · 2025-06-06T00:40:17-0400

Kid Charlemagne said:
BTW, I happened to be doing some inquiries with my bank here in the US (BMO aka Bank of Montreal) and just for the heck of it asked if they ed customers moving overseas. They said sure, no problem...

Thanks for sharing this info - that sure is interesting. I also send a message to BMO today with that same question - so let's see how they reply...

andi_sf · 2025-06-06T00:51:29-0400

Chrissippus said:
If you don't need to run a Windows application on your VPS, but just logging onto a financial website is all you need, then you could do that more cheaply on GCS or perhaps Azure by running a VPS running the linux operating system.

Thanks again for the many great tips - I gave trying to set up a Linux VM on GCS and despite it being a measurable learning curve I got it to work, Currently testing out a Windows VM and a Linux VM just to compare things in real life.

Chrissippus said:
If you're going ahead with this on my recommendation, I begin to feel responsible for your safety.

Thank you so much for all the thought and consideration you put into all your helpful tips and hints - it is quite an inspiration!

Chrissippus said:
You can install the Duo system that will run both on the VPS and on your smartphone.

Let me give this one a look - I quickly checked the video and the actual Duo application is installed on the VPS - is this correct. Any installation experience to share? I am a little concerned that if I don't configure the DUO app correctly on the VM I could brick the whole thing... Thanks so much again!

Chrissippus · 2025-06-06T07:47:56-0400

andi_sf said:
Thanks again for the many great tips - I gave trying to set up a Linux VM on GCS and despite it being a measurable learning curve I got it to work, Currently testing out a Windows VM and a Linux VM just to compare things in real life.

Thank you so much for all the thought and consideration you put into all your helpful tips and hints - it is quite an inspiration!

Let me give this one a look - I quickly checked the video and the actual Duo application is installed on the VPS - is this correct. Any installation experience to share? I am a little concerned that if I don't configure the DUO app correctly on the VM I could brick the whole thing... Thanks so much again!

There are two parts to Duo. One is installed on the VSP and one on your cellphone. You can't brick yourself by misconfiguring Duo, because you can always logon to your at duo.com to disable the Duo installation on your VPS. It doesn't look like Duo has a linux implementation. Also, with these cloud VPS it should be easy to take a clone or a backup of your configured VPS, before you try anything that might brick it. Then, if a problem does appear, you can just revert to the backup/clone. Very easily done on GCS, probably similar on Azure.

ThaitilDeath · 2025-06-06T21:05:47-0400

andi_sf said:
While planning our move to the question of keeping our US bank s, US credit cards open and current while living in .

Reading through some threads on this forum, most people advised not to tell the bank that one lives abroad but then the question comes up how to receive for example new credit cards once they expire which usually requires one to have an non-PO address in the US.

1. There seem to be some 3rd party services in the US that offer a 'real' address in the US with mail forwarding services. Would these be sufficient and are there any recommendations?

2. In regards to bank s the 2-Step verification process is sometime mentioned as a hurdle since it requires a real US phone number. Are there any workarounds?

3. Online access is also sometimes described to be 'iffy' since if the the banks detects that a bank is accessed via an IP address from abroad that this also could raise some red flags. Is a VPN still a good bet against that?

We wonder how everyone's experience is in regards to these questions and if there are any recommendations to specific services or other tested and viable approaches?

Any hints and info would be very much appreciated.

5 Years ago, BOA closed my of 50 years (various banks bought out until totally BOA), anyway and I was retired in Thailand. But, I learned of the State Department Federal Credit Union (sdfcu.org) which is not for govt employees or state department folks but for any American and one does not need to have a US phone number or address. The bank will give a list of organizations that one can easily and then will open a full service with credit cards etc. They also WISE for sending funds overseas as well as using the bank itself for that service which I have used for 5 years with no problems whatsoever. Their cc fraud unit is always alerrt to stange charges and advises me immediately prior to payment so is very alert always,. I myself ed American Citizens Abroad (ACA) and once you have an I have been told you do not have to continue hip in that organization as hip is only needed to OPEN an . As for lying about address etc, due to FATCA rules, one fills in the form at their foreign bank, and along with the FATCA form stating you are or are not American, you are required to fill out IRS form 7 which you sign that the address you put on that form is correct so you need to be honest and with the SDFCU you can have that foreign with no problems. IMHO anyway, it is best to stay legal always.

Gulkana · 2025-06-07T00:48:31-0400

andi_sf said:
While planning our move to the question of keeping our US bank s, US credit cards open and current while living in .

Reading through some threads on this forum, most people advised not to tell the bank that one lives abroad but then the question comes up how to receive for example new credit cards once they expire which usually requires one to have an non-PO address in the US.

1. There seem to be some 3rd party services in the US that offer a 'real' address in the US with mail forwarding services. Would these be sufficient and are there any recommendations?

2. In regards to bank s the 2-Step verification process is sometime mentioned as a hurdle since it requires a real US phone number. Are there any workarounds?

3. Online access is also sometimes described to be 'iffy' since if the the banks detects that a bank is accessed via an IP address from abroad that this also could raise some red flags. Is a VPN still a good bet against that?

We wonder how everyone's experience is in regards to these questions and if there are any recommendations to specific services or other tested and viable approaches?

Any hints and info would be very much appreciated.

I travel 6 months a year outside of the USA. My cell provider has "WiFi Calling". With it I receive any calls or texts just as if I'm in the USA. Your expense is your monthly cell bill.

Beware, when a bank, brokerage, etc. discovers you are no longer residing in the USA they may/will freeze your s. If this happens you will probably need to return the US and visit a branch of your bank.

I've never had any problem with online access with more than a half dozen banks and brokerages. That said, every 6 months I'm back in the States, so maybe if they detect you never return to the states they will flag you.

It is not uncommon for companies to detect you are using a VPN. Many of the streaming services (Disney, Netflix, Amazon, etc.) detect you trying to use a VPN. I suspect banks do too.

Better to find a bank/brokerage that doesn't care if you live overseas. There are fewer of them now, since 9/11, because the Feds have made it onerous for the banks to have these kind of depositors. But, there still some. I believe Charles Schwab (checking/savings/brokerage) is one of them. Plus they refund overseas ATM fees! But, even they may limit the kind of investments you can have — mutual funds are often problematic.

Finally, if you do live in odds are good you will become a tax resident. You'll have to declare ALL of your USA assets to the French government. No free lunch!

andi_sf · 2025-06-07T02:32:22-0400

Chrissippus said:
Yes, but, of course, make sure that it is hosted in the US. Also, keep in mind that you don't need this VPS up and running 24/7 like an e-commerce website. You can just boot it up when you need it and shut it down afterward. Some of the cheaper cloud servers will charge a flat rate per month, so leaving it running 24/7 would not run up your bill. Others, including Google Cloud Service, which I use, charge you by the minute. I chose GCS, because I trust Google's security management standards more than the cheap suppliers'. After all, you will be entering s into financial s on your new VPS, some underpaid and disgruntled sys could conceivably install malware without your knowledge to capture your credentials, which is why you should be running a manager. vps-mart.com offers packages as low as less than $5 per month, so they are definitely in the cheap provider category. Other than that supposition, I don't have any negative information about vps-mart.com's security standards.

For comparison sake, I use my GCS VPS about half an hour a day. At all other times the VPS is powered down. Usually costs me about $28 per month. Microsoft Azure offers fixed price VPS service and Microsoft does have good security standards. I wasn't able to open an Azure , because I was already living abroad, but using a US credit, which was a red flag for MS. If you were to open an Azure before moving away, you might be able to keep it open thereafter.

Add the cost of a CMRA, for instance, and there is definitely a cost to simulating a US presence.

Quick follow-up question: I ran the Windows VPS (on GCS, region West US) and logged into Schwab as a test and right away got locked out. I check a little for the reason and under IP address details on a web-based IP information page it lists 'Provider: Google Cloud' which was the issue later confirmed by the bank's representative.

Not sure if there is any settings that need to be changed/can be changed so that the provider is a region-specific IP address or Internet Provider rather than the 'Google Cloud' network which looks to raise some flags.

Can this one be remedied?

Chrissippus · 2025-06-07T04:48:42-0400

andi_sf said:
Quick follow-up question: I ran the Windows VPS (on GCS, region West US) and logged into Schwab as a test and right away got locked out. I check a little for the reason and under IP address details on a web-based IP information page it lists 'Provider: Google Cloud' which was the issue later confirmed by the bank's representative.

Not sure if there is any settings that need to be changed/can be changed so that the provider is a region-specific IP address or Internet Provider rather than the 'Google Cloud' network which looks to raise some flags.

Can this one be remedied?

That's too bad. I don't think there is a way to fool Schwab. Every cloud service provider will have a public ip that is readily identifiable no matter what the hosting region is. Do you use Schwab for banking or brokerage services? If it's just banking you could switch to SDFCU. If it's brokerage services you could switch to another brokerage or if your Schwab is US-based you could switch to Schwab International which they claim is accessible by expats for which you wouldn't need a VPS.

Expatriate Essentials

international.schwab.com

Evidently SI s IRA and Roth IRA s for US citizens, so there's that.

US Expats living in : how to keep US bank s, US credit cards

Chrissippus

andi_sf

Chrissippus

andi_sf

calin-m

vache // rit

Chrissippus

Chrissippus

Chrissippus

calin-m

andi_sf

andi_sf

Kid Charlemagne

andi_sf

andi_sf

Chrissippus

ThaitilDeath

Gulkana

andi_sf

Chrissippus

Expatriate Essentials

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities