[syd2qt2bstr8]

Hello friends,

With all due respect to call centers being used by big firms these days, I am getting absolutely nowhere with the above organizations for what to me are a few simple questions.

In effect, we want to maintain our existing AUD cards, and also get HKG cards with the above "so-called" service providers. Telephone calls to the call centers have yielded a total of 0 help.

Why do we want to maintain our existing AUD cards?

1. Because we have direct debits against them here for our investment properties and will be leaving a bit of money here in AUD. Better to pay AUD bills in AUD rather than copping the exchange rate differences.

Why do we want a local currency card?

1. We'll be being paid in HKD, so makes more sense to pay HKD with HKD!

2. As per one of my other postings, if we get a Citi/CX/Marco Polo Platinum Visa co-branded we get access to the lounge rather than a pay-per-visit.

So, may we ask, what did other expats do?

We so owe you ALL some drinks for all the help you are giving us! And yes, we are well aware of the the costs for those!

Cheers, Cindy

[RBinHK]

I was lucky in that my company sponsored my credit card application forms so the cards were waiting for me when I arrived in HK. However, my understanding from friends is that the only way to apply for the Citibank (and or other banks') cards is to wait until you get here and have your HK ID, proof of address, proof of employment etc all sorted out and then go to a branch. It's only logical for the company's to want proof that you're actually a resident and able to afford a card before issuing it in advance. Amex may be different.

If you are a CitiGold or HSBC Premier account holder, it may expedite matters as I believe your credit profile can be transferred from country to country.

Wouldn't bother with Diners as it's not that popular here.

[syd2qt2bstr8]

Originally Posted by RBinHK

If you are a CitiGold or HSBC Premier account holder, it may expedite matters as I believe your credit profile can be transferred from country to country.

Wouldn't bother with Diners as it's not that popular here.

CitiPlatinum say that we have to apply as basically a new account, with no transfer of credit history.

thanks for your help RBinHK, Cindy

[PDLM]

Yes, but if you have an employment contract and a HKID card (which you will within 2-3 weeks of coming here) then they'll give you a Citi/CX card with no problem.

[Sleuth]

We found Citi/CX to be an easy card. HSBC wouldn't give us one, although they made us jump through hoops for weeks to get to the negative answer.
And Citi/CX, at one point, said we had been rejected but then changed their answer with a later phone call. And it took a few weeks to get the card.
We also kept all of our US cards.