[robh]

Originally Posted by RalphJ

No Rob, that IS the problem. Because the reporting requirements are stricter if one doesn't have a permanent visa, hence, if you ask Banco Central if a foreigner can get a bank account without a RNE number (that is the number assigned once one gets a permanent visa), Banco Central will tell you, "YES", you can. But in practice, NO BANKS are today wanting to give foreigners without a permanent visa, or, RNE number an account.

And, allow me to say, that I know of people that have arranged for foreigners without permanent visa's to get bank accounts. Normally at smaller banks, Unibanco, Sudameris, etc. When the regional managers of these banks find out about these account holders without RNE numbers these accounts will be closed! And I know this for a fact. I have experience in it.

Ok I think we are actually saying the same thing here. The point I was trying to make is that legally you don't need a visa, but in practice you do.