Opening a bank account before you even land — possible or just a myth?

Varies a lot by country and by bank, honestly — some genuinely offer remote/digital account opening for incoming residents, others flatly require in-person verification with local address proof. Rather than assuming either way, check the Banking section of your destination's guide, which usually names the banks most workable for new arrivals specifically.

Traditional banks flatly required in-person presence in my case — only the digital-first option worked remotely at all.

Managed it with a digital-first bank that offered remote onboarding, though it took longer than a branch visit would have once I actually arrived.

Opened a digital account remotely and switched to a full local one after arriving — worked well as a bridge.

Does a remote-opened account come with full features, or a limited starter version until you show up in person?

Limited at first for me, then it upgraded automatically once I registered a local address in person.

Went through my employer’s relocation partner bank specifically — they had an existing arrangement that skipped most of the usual remote-onboarding friction.

Following, didn’t know employer relocation packages sometimes cover this, going to ask about it.

My digital account only needed a passport at first, address proof came later once I actually had one. Worth asking exactly what’s required upfront rather than assuming the full list applies immediately.

Does the digital-first route ever cause issues later, like being treated differently from a "real" account by other institutions?