After reading all the good comments re Nationwide on the forum, we have just opened a joint flex a/c, applied for a visa card and got info on opening an off-shore a/c. You can do it on the net but you will still need to provide proof of identity and address. We went to the nearest branch, the member of staff was very helpful, filled all the forms in straight on the computer for us and even phoned the International department to check on things. Apparently with an off-shore account, if you nominate your Turkish a/c as one of your payees (you can specify several)you can then transfer funds by SWIFT (cost £25) by fax, phone or over the internet. We may go this route when we are ready to move out permanently. You can also choose how and when to have the interest paid and which way you pay the tax.