On 12/15/2024 at 3:25 PM, Keith5588 said:

Concerning your UK driving licence. I renewed mine while I was in Thailand a few years ago. I did it all online I think at  www.direct.gov.uk/DrivingLicence

DVLA processed it and sent me an email. At that time I had a UK address. I had no trouble at all but there might have been some automatic checks that I passed and you may not?  It might be worth you trying if you haven’t already.

I renewed mine online and didn't even have to provide a new photo as they asked permission to use my passport photo. You can redirect mail for up to 4 years with Royal Mail. You don't need a UK bank as Wise can offer all the same services but best to set Wise up while you still have a UK address. I use my friend's address and he opens the mail for me and takes a photo and I'm reading it in seconds. He rarely has to forward anything.

17 minutes ago, Jaggg88 said:

I renewed mine online and didn't even have to provide a new photo as they asked permission to use my passport photo. You can redirect mail for up to 4 years with Royal Mail. You don't need a UK bank as Wise can offer all the same services but best to set Wise up while you still have a UK address. I use my friend's address and he opens the mail for me and takes a photo and I'm reading it in seconds. He rarely has to forward anything.

Thanks @Jaggg88 I agree with what you write except I would want a UK bank as well as Wise. I cannot give any firm reason but I think someone on a forum stated that their private pension provider would only pay into a UK registered bank. That may not be correct but better to be safe than sorry as they say.

31 minutes ago, Keith5588 said:

Thanks @Jaggg88 I agree with what you write except I would want a UK bank as well as Wise. I cannot give any firm reason but I think someone on a forum stated that their private pension provider would only pay into a UK registered bank. That may not be correct but better to be safe than sorry as they say.

Wise gives you a UK bank account number and sort code so they have a deal with one of the banks or the banking authorities. Nationwide is not a bank but I bet you can get your private pension paid into their account. Wise is headquartered in London and regulated by the FCA. If they go bust they have insurance to cover up to £100k per account holder. UK banks only cover up to £80k

7 hours ago, Jaggg88 said:

If they go bust they have insurance to cover up to £100k per account holder. UK banks only cover up to £80k

Presumably you are referring to UK accounts. Can you show a reference for that claim as a quick search couldn't find it?

Personally I doubt they would offer to cover more than the minimum FCA amounts for banks but happy to be proved wrong.......