Hong Kong banking

[Lazuli]

Hi there

Brand new to GeoExpat - am lovin it so far. Moving over to HK from the UK in August and have found lots of the threads v useful so thank you!

Could anyone help on the whole 'opening a bank account' issue? I am coming to HK for a final visit in the next few weeks before moving over permanently and am hoping to set up an account so it's all up and running for when I arrive. So, I was wondering whether anyone knows if I can open a bank account just with my passport/UK documents and some cash? Thought I read somewhere that some of the banks allow it (Hang Seng, I think someone said?) or do I need to wait for that all important work permit and HKID?

Any advice would be very gratefully received!

Thanks.

[larac]

HSBC is a big bank here and in the UK - check if a UK branch could set up an account for you. My experience was that I could only set it up once here and they needed proof of my address more than an ID card and they wanted a copy of my contract and I had to make a deposit upon opening the account but that amount was token (only HK100 I think). The banks are open Saturday morning which makes things easier too.

[freeier]

same bank in different countries should be considered as different banks actually...

i suspect they will want to see your address. somewhere they can send u the cheque book and etc. especially if u are going to apply for a credit card.

[yyzflyalot]

I opend an account with HSBC.
All I needed was my passport. I had a temperary address which was fine. I also brought my leter of emloyment, but they did not ask to see it.
It was very easy and nothing to stress about!!!
I didnt apply for a credit card, but in all the offeres they just say proff of employment salary deposited in your account over three months. So after I have three months I will apply, and I imagine it should be quite simple.

[discobay]

HSBC have a credit card promotion on right now in which you can score either a Motorola C168 mobile, an iPod Nano, a PSP, a 32 inch Samsung LCD or a Samsung camcorder depending on the number of card applications - check it out.

[nation]

Agree with YYZ. All you need with HSBC is your passport. It'd be a good idea to also provide a supplementary piece of ID like your home drivers licence. They can set you up with a Power Vantage account which is a basic cash and chequing account. No visa card though. The account is free of charges if you maintain $10,000 otherwise there's a monthly service charge (around $20 a month I think). You can give a temporary address in HK as they will say that it's ok for you to change the address down the track. Bear in mind they will send a security key when you set up your internet banking so make sure you are at the address you give in the couple of weeks after setting up your internet banking. If you don't have a temporary address in HK I'm not sure what their rules are if you give an overseas address or whether they will give you a different account. The Power Vantage account is their standard account and the one to get to for your future banking needs.

It would be best to go the main branch in Des Vaux Road (up the escalator and turn left) - they know what's going on with setting up accounts and will have you up and running within 30 minutes.

[Lazuli]

Looks like it HSBC it is then!

That all sounds encouraging. Many thanks.