How to open US and UK bank accounts in East Africa

Baraka Mafole

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East African residents now have a unique opportunity to connect globally by opening US and UK bank accounts online through Grey. People living in East Africa can now manage their finances and easily connect with the Global market through Grey while enjoying the flexibility and security of international banking right from home.

This guide will walk you through the benefits and steps to access these global banking services.

Essential tips for East African residents

  • Select the right platform: Grey offers a convenient solution for East African residents to access a US or UK bank account without travelling.
  • Stay informed on compliance: Be aware of any US or UK tax obligations and reporting requirements that may apply to foreign account holders.
  • Take advantage of multi-currency support: Grey’s multi-currency features make it easy to manage transactions across regions, which is ideal for handling international payments smoothly.

Related: How to get paid by Amazon in Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania with Grey.

Who needs UK and US bank accounts in East Africa?

Here are those who need US and UK Bank Accounts in East Africa

  • Freelancers: Through Grey, freelancers can open a US or UK bank account to save their funds in dollars, euros, pounds and other supported currencies.
  • Digital nomads: For digital nomads living in East Africa, having a foreign bank account through Grey makes it easier to pay for monthly subscriptions, business costs, and personal expenses across borders.
  • Travellers: By opening a US or UK account, tourists visiting East Africa can conveniently pay directly in dollars or pounds and avoid high  exchange rates and extra international transaction fees.

Related: The best digital nomad jobs to earn from anywhere in Kenya.

Benefits of having UK and US bank accounts in East Africa

  • Lower transfer fees: With a foreign bank account, freelancers and digital nomads can receive payments directly in dollars or pounds, bypassing costly conversion rates and having better control over their finances.
  • Flexibility for international transactions: This flexibility is especially crucial for digital nomads and travellers who regularly book flights, accommodations, or subscriptions. It allows them to manage their finances efficiently without local banking restrictions.

Related: How to open a foreign bank account in Tanzania.

How to open a Grey account

Opening a Grey account is straightforward and can be done in minutes.

  • First, visit grey.co on your browser and sign up by creating an account with your email.
  • Then, follow the prompts and ensure you enter your details for a seamless setup.
  • Next, you’ll need to verify your identity. This step is crucial for meeting regulatory requirements, particularly for non-U.S. residents, as Grey specialises in accounts for individuals outside the United States.
  • To complete the verification, upload a valid government-issued ID (e.g., international passport) and proof of address (utility bill or bank statement). Grey uses these documents to verify your identity and comply with regulatory requirements.
  • Finally, Grey reviews your documents within a few minutes to 24 hours. Providing clear and recent documents can expedite approval

Related: The best digital nomad jobs to earn from anywhere in Tanzania.

Once verified, you can log in to your Grey account and gain access to  U.S. and U.K. bank accounts, making it easy for you to handle global transactions from East Africa. Get started today by creating a free Grey account.

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