Job Discussion Forums

gth1 · Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 42 Location: HCMC, VN

Are there ANY American branch banks in HCMC?

Bank of America (BOA) - said - they had a branch. Now, after opening an account (and only 5 working days before I leave!) I saw a Reuters blurb online saying BOA has closed ops in VN! Gr-r-r-r . . .!

I called BOA again and they cannot defintely or instantly confirm one way or the other one way but are researching. Meanwhile, they are NOT encouraging.

Speedy replies re American branch bank info would be appreciated.

Any other suggestions would also be appreciated.

Thanks much.

gth

mfrteacher · Joined: 01 Jul 2008 Posts: 3

Try HSBC they are in the States (not all of them) and all over the world including Vietnam. I opened an account at their Customer Relationship Center in Buffalo while living in Korea.

gth1 · Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 42 Location: HCMC, VN

Hey mfrteacher,

Thanks much and kindly.

Do you perchance know what HSBC stands for? I'm now in VN and will look.

gth

mfrteacher · Joined: 01 Jul 2008 Posts: 3

The Bank is listed as HSBC. Check out www.hsbc.com. I believe it is a British bank. I think it stands for Hong Kong Savings Bank Corporation. But, I could be wrong. Anyways, check out the web site and you should be off and running. Note: I think there may be a minimum balance required to open and keep an active account. $1000US. Good luck!

gth1 · Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 42 Location: HCMC, VN

Thank much! I will investigate.

gth

spycatcher reincarnated · Joined: 19 May 2005 Posts: 236

Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited went through a rebranding exercise a few years ago as it wanted to be perceived as being a global bank rather than just an Asian/British bank. Now HSBC doesn't officially stand for anything, but I believe the group still has a company call Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and in a few juristictions they still actually still use this name.

Similar rebranding was done by:

Kentucky Fried Chicked to KFC. As consumers are thinking more healthily these days they didn't want the word "Fried" in their name.

British Petroleum to BP. As they wanted to be considered global and not just British and also because they have moved somewhat to becoming more of an energy company rather than a straight petroleum company.