applying for ID and opening bank acct

[weatherx]

I am a Singapore citizen here in Hong Kong under a tourist visa which allows me to stay for 90 days.

1) How many times can I extend my stay in HK if I take a short day trip to China? eg. Extend by another 90 days when I re enter HK from China. Am I allowed to do this perpetually?

2) Can I apply for a 1* Identity Card after staying here for more than 180 days? Does this 1* ID card give me the right to abode in HK? What are the uses of this 1* card and how is it different from a 2 or 3* card?

3) How do I open a bank account as a tourist? Most of the banks I have checked with, require me to have proof of residence in HK. That is, having a utility bill mailed to my HK residence address under my name. How is this possible as even if i rent a room here, the bill is addressed to the land lord and not me.

4) How do I open a back account when I have an employment visa?


Many thanks for reading this and clearing up my queries.

[KnowItAll]

>> How do I open a bank account as a tourist?

No problems at HSBC.

Not sure what this 1* thingy is ... can you point me to a reference on www.immd.gov.hk ?

[weatherx]

hmm... so it all boils down to securing a job. once i get a job, the ID and everything will fall into place rite? it would have been much easier if i was already offered a job and a visa prior to coming to HK.
now i just have to press on....

KnowItAll: I not too sure where to find the info about the * from the webpage. My gf who is a HongKonger has a permanent IC has 3*. According to her, those born in HK will have 3* while foreign workers will not be able to attain the 3* status.

[kostas]

'Stars' don't show the status of a person but the special letters/symbols do. Take a look at:

http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkid_frontinfo.htm