[originaltext] If you are buying a property in France, whether for a permane

If you are buying a property in France, whether for a permanent or a holiday home, it is important to open a French bank account. Although it is possible to exist on traveler’ s cheques, Eurocheques and credit cards issued by British banks, the fees for these services can be expensive.
    The simplest way to pay regular bills, such as electricity, gas or telephone, particularly when you are not in residents, is by direct debit(a sum withdrawn from an account)from your French account.
    To open a current account, you will need to show your passport and birth certificate and to provide address in the United Kingdom. You will be issued with a cheque book within weeks of opening the account. In France it is illegal to be overdrawn. All accounts must be operated in credit. However, there are no bank charges.
    Note that cheques take longer to clear in France than in Britain, and can only be stopped if stolen or lost.
    The easiest way to transfer money from a British band account to a French one is by bank transfer: simply provide your British band with the name, address and number of your French account. The procedure takes about a week and costs between ￡5 and ￡40 for each transaction, depending on your British bank.
    Alternately, you can transfer money via a French bank in London. You can also send a sterling cheque(allow at least 12 days for the cheque to be cleared), Eurocheques or traveller’ s cheques.
    Finally, it is a good idea to make a friend of your French bank manager. His help can prove invaluable.
Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.
16. If you buy a property in France, in what way can you save money?
17. Which of the following is one advantage that French banks have over British banks?
18. What is the swiftest way to send money from England to France?