[jagmeets]

Guess its best if your employer regularly does biz with them. (I was given a contact person in HSBC by my firm)

One of HSBC's International Banking chaps helped me (he has nothing to do with the regular bank accounts stuff, but used the opportunity to sell their 'international' stuff to me - which might actually be useful).

The biggest advantage, I guess, will be getting credit card approvals (he did mention that they do biz for my firm so have a different approval methodology hence would make sense to get the application form cross referred to International Banking)

[goleoboy]

Thanks everyone. One quick question, does anyone have an overseas HSBC / Citibank account and use the HK ATM's at those banks? I heard they don't charge service fees for withdrawals and can withdraw up to 1000 USD / day. But what exchange rate do they use? Is it the day's rate?

[akafoodie]

I would suggest going to the main HSBC branch in Central. They are used to dealing with expats and are quite helpful. They used my CA driver's license as proof of residence with no problems.

[goodbye kitty]

I had an HSBC account in the UK for several years. I went to my branch to ask them about opening an account here 2 weeks before the move. The woman (honest to god) told me to wait a moment while she asked her supervisor if they had any branches in HK! Classic! Needless to say, I didn't trust that moron, who advised me that The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation do indeed have branches here but that it would take 6+ weeks to organise. I opened an account when I got here in 2 days.

[PDLM]

Originally Posted by goodbye kitty

I didn't trust that moron, who advised me that The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation do indeed have branches here

Well when I first came to Asia they didn't have any branches in Shanghai. What does that prove?

[sideduck]

I went to HK to open an account and it was no problem at all. All you need is your passport and a driver's licence with your address on it. I used my British Columbia drivers license and my passport and I opened the free ATM and online banking account. You can also open the integrated one if you are looking to do investments. The best thing of all is that HK does not collect non-resident tax like Canada here. But, I did know that the people opening the accounts did not know the answers to a lot of questions that I asked and the do not service you directly to what you need exactly. I guess I am in a more senior role of the retail banking industry.

(Still trying to find a job in HK...any postings you think that will fit me, please let me know)

[goodbye kitty]

Well when I first came to Asia they didn't have any branches in Shanghai. What does that prove?

It proves that the fool working for the bank has no clue about her company. I'm sorry if you think I'm being a bit cruel, but come on! The HSBC building in HK is pretty damn famous. I also didn't mention the fact that she came back and informed me that they can do accounts in 'hong kong dollar' (with some slightly dodgy accent). She really was a first rate idiot.

Alternatively, it may just prove that you're the cleverest man in all of Asia

[mercury_element]

Open an account in ICBC today, and it sucks. Had to go four times, and not only did they ask for ID copy and address proof ,but also passport and a letter from the company. And it was simple Savings account. On top of that, they charge $50 per annum for ATM card. No other bank charges that, not atleast that I know of.

[goleoboy]

Originally Posted by goodbye kitty

It proves that the fool working for the bank has no clue about her company. I'm sorry if you think I'm being a bit cruel, but come on! The HSBC building in HK is pretty damn famous. I also didn't mention the fact that she came back and informed me that they can do accounts in 'hong kong dollar' (with some slightly dodgy accent). She really was a first rate idiot.

Alternatively, it may just prove that you're the cleverest man in all of Asia

That banker needs to get out of the UK and travel and see the WORLD - she does work for a global bank afterall... That is a bit crazy...

[erictby]

IF

If you don't need any international link services, you just need an account for HK used, then just go to smaller or newer bank. Don't open your account at those big international well branded bank.

Smaller or newer bank in HK will give much more convenience and easier step to open an account. Just bring in your initial deposit, address prove (any current bill with your name and address printed on it, some of the bank will accept your home country address. After approved, just change to what ever address you want, no need prove anymore.) and your ID (HKID or passport), they will do the rest for you (fill up the form, photocopy your document...etc). You just sit there listen to their explaination and signature at the end. That all!!!

The best thing was, no long queue at these kind of bank for your every visit.



BUT

If you have a big sum of money to deposit to the account, then you can go to the well branded bank, you can get the same service. Because you are their targeted market~premier client.
Such as KIA, PDLM...etc always enjoyed their premier services...ha..ha...ha..



SO

Consider those smaller and newer bank in HK if international link services not your main concern.