[goldingds]

hey all! in 5 days, i will be moving to hong kong, and will need to choose a bank there. i'm nervous about the shady things i've heard about hong kong business as well as my lack of cantonese skill (basically none). i will be bringing a large traveller's check with me (above 10k) and want to the bank with the best rates to take that sort of deposit/exchange (i'd open an account with them and put it in as hong kong dollars). i plan on using a credit card or atm card while im there as well, and perhaps wiring more money from the united states in the months to come. does anyone have any good ideas or bank suggestions?

[lulumay]

or you can open a citibank accounts in the us and HK and transfer money between your 2 citibank accounts.

[goldingds]

any idea what the exchange rate is that they'll give me, and what fee's ill have to pay?

[PDLM]

The HK$ is pegged to the US$ at 7.8 with a very narrow range. All banking can be done in English and all HK banks are absolutely fine - nothing shady there.

Banking with Citibank or HSBC in both places would probably minimise your charges, particularly if you meet the requirements for Citigold or HSBC Premier.

[lulumay]

for citibank gold card accounts, it was about 3% w/o handling charges. there is a minor issue. if you are a US citizen and transfer money from HK to the US, uncle sam would know about it.