How can I quickly open a bank account in Hong Kong?

ecy5maa · 23-09-2011, 07:03 PM

Hi,

I am an international student from Pakistan currently studying in City University of HK...I came to HK on the 3rd of sept and by the 5th I had submitted my documents to the Hang Seng Branch at City U campus and they handed me a Green Colored card and said I need to wait 2 weeks for my account to be activated.Today is the 23rd and I went to the branch manager and she told me to come after the first of Oct.

This is causing problems since I came to HK with limited cash bec I thought ill come here and get the rest of the money wired to me..... So I wanted to know which Bank can open an account for international students asap?

Sorenkruse · 26-09-2011, 01:06 PM

I opened an account at HSBC in half an hour. I'm also a foreign student.

ewankho · 26-09-2011, 01:13 PM

I think the delay has something to do with the OP's nationality.

MovingIn07 · 26-09-2011, 04:16 PM

Bizarre. Took me half an hour in hang seng a few months ago.

si0001 · 26-09-2011, 04:20 PM

I think the speed in which you can open an account is dependent not strictly on nationality but is definitely variable depending on circumstances. When I opened my citibank account, I had everything done and received my atm card within 20 mins. I asked my mum to open a citibank account so that I could make regular transfers to her account but she was told to wait at home and that it would take about a week. This was at the same branch!

Only difference is that I'm a young professional with a decent job and regular income, my mum is retired.

ecy5maa · 27-09-2011, 12:13 AM

Originally Posted by ewankho:

I think the delay has something to do with the OP's nationality.

Why should it have anything to do with my nationality??

ecy5maa · 27-09-2011, 12:17 AM

Originally Posted by si0001:

I think the speed in which you can open an account is dependent not strictly on nationality but is definitely variable depending on circumstances. When I opened my citibank account, I had everything done and received my atm card within 20 mins. I asked my mum to open a citibank account so that I could make regular transfers to her account but she was told to wait at home and that it would take about a week. This was at the same branch!

Only difference is that I'm a young professional with a decent job and regular income, my mum is retired.

Makes sense. But still 4 weeks is too much!