Here is our situation:

Let's say you have (theoretically) USD $100 and you want to invest it and use the investment income to live off of, partially anyway. Since it's in USD you get hit by the exchange rate if you invest in euros but get to take advantage of the higher interest rates that the EU offers, on the other side of the coin if you invest in CH you get a slightly favorable exchange rate but lousy dividends from the investments, plus there is the higher cost of living in CH.

From a purely financial standpoint which makes more sense, France or CH? There are many other factors but those get considered separately. Yes, I know, I will get specialized professional advice at some point but for now EF will have to do

Thanks.

Am very curious what EU interest rates you think are higher than in the US.

EU rates are higher than Switzerland. Leaving money in USD and living in either the EU or Switzerland is just following the dollar down the drain, so not much of an option I think.

If you got some extra cash sitting around, why not get yourself a savings account in one of Eastern European countries? Open an account with a respected German or Austrian bank in that part of the world, convert your USD into the local currency and watch it appreciate. I have seen some very nice gains. A basic savings account in the local currency paying well above 10% per annum, even after considering inflation and not even counting local currency appreciation.

Do those respected banks not require to be domiciled in the country where the account is opened?

If you plan to live exclusively or in majority off interest you have to have your deposit in your currency of risk - there is no way around it. Any foreign exchange variation will wipe out any measly interest differential you might get (and the risk will be multiplied if you invest in a currency where the interest rate is high).

You *could* open an account in the EU, if they do not require domiciliation. Otherwise you could open an EUR account with a Swiss bank.

That is a very good question. I have not checked into this being a passport and residence permit holder of two countries in Eastern Europe.

Just to add somehting. I was able to open an account with a Canadian passport with HVB in one of the countries, without presenting additional docs. I assume, it may be possible.

Surely they have at least asked about your address? If only to send promotional material...