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It's not just the US, (Western?) Europe is exactly the same. You have to have an address with your name on the mailbox, and all legal verification works through

It's not just the US, (Western?) Europe is exactly the same. You have to have an address with your name on the mailbox, and all legal verification works through the mail. No name on the mailbox - you are nobody. And it goes without saying: without an address, you won't get any "privileges" here.

jampekka 2y ago
At least in Finland not having an address is not a huge hassle. You can always put poste restante (a post office pickup) address if needed. Physical mail is quite rare for official business, and almost everything can be done online. But not having a bank account for authentication or a phone number for many things is a disaster. Banks are mandated to give free basic banking services for everybody though, and a prepaid number is OK. But in UK for example not having a utility bill with your name on it is a disaster.
- BlueTemplar 2y ago
  Curious, to have that prepaid number, is it required to show an identity document, are other identity verification methods (like an affidavit) accepted, or is it just free to purchase ? Do those banks insist on having an iOS/Android smartphone ?
  - jampekka 2y ago
    No documents needed for a prepay number. And no smartphone required for banks, at least all of them. Authentication can be done with a password and a list of passcodes from the bank.
yxhuvud 2y ago
What? No, we certainly don't involve access to a mailbox in legal verification here in Sweden. Just use your id card or bank id everywhere. You must be registered at an address where post can be sent to you, however. We've had to add certain protections against people fraudulently registering themselves at your address, however. But I don't think sending mail to the address is involved.
- attendant3446 2y ago
  It's all cool once you've got your ID card and BankID. But what about when you just moved there? :) I agree, later stages are pretty much always digital in Sweden. But in the beginning you have to get mail and your name has to be on the mailbox.

jampekka 2y ago

At least in Finland not having an address is not a huge hassle. You can always put poste restante (a post office pickup) address if needed. Physical mail is quite rare for official business, and almost everything can be done online. But not having a bank account for authentication or a phone number for many things is a disaster. Banks are mandated to give free basic banking services for everybody though, and a prepaid number is OK. But in UK for example not having a utility bill with your name on it is a disaster.

BlueTemplar 2y ago
Curious, to have that prepaid number, is it required to show an identity document, are other identity verification methods (like an affidavit) accepted, or is it just free to purchase ? Do those banks insist on having an iOS/Android smartphone ?
- jampekka 2y ago
  No documents needed for a prepay number. And no smartphone required for banks, at least all of them. Authentication can be done with a password and a list of passcodes from the bank.

yxhuvud 2y ago

What? No, we certainly don't involve access to a mailbox in legal verification here in Sweden. Just use your id card or bank id everywhere. You must be registered at an address where post can be sent to you, however. We've had to add certain protections against people fraudulently registering themselves at your address, however. But I don't think sending mail to the address is involved.

attendant3446 2y ago
It's all cool once you've got your ID card and BankID. But what about when you just moved there? :) I agree, later stages are pretty much always digital in Sweden. But in the beginning you have to get mail and your name has to be on the mailbox.