Job Discussion Forums

chocobaby · Joined: 10 Jul 2004 Posts: 4

Hi everyone,
I will be needing to wire money home from Hong Kong to Canada and was wondering what is the best method to do this. Can banks wire money direcly to banks in Vancouver and if so how much do they charge? Any idea on how easy/difficult it is?
Thanks! Oh! do you guys know of any other chat rooms/websites for expats in HK to go to. I'd like to see what else is out there. thanks!

munasa · Joined: 17 Apr 2003 Posts: 79 Location: HK

http://www.asiaxpat.com.hk

foster · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 485 Location: Honkers, SARS

I have an HSBC account and I am able to wire money to any account through them. It is fast, easy and there by the next banking day. HSBC charges $100 HK for the transfer, which is for any amount up to your daily limit.

You can register accounts to make it easier or you can use any account but then you will have to enter some identifying data before proceeding, which is one small extra step.

Be sure to have the bank name, branch, address, account holder's name and the number and it is a piece of cake.

Slim Pickens · Joined: 25 Nov 2003 Posts: 299

ChrisRose · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Posts: 427 Location: Hong Kong

Yes, they are open on Saturday, until 12:30 I believe.

Of course you can also use phone banking or Internet banking with the HKSB. Personally I am too concerned about computer security to use it, but I am sure plenty of people do

Remember Hong Kong is a first World city!

Ludwig · Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2004 12:57 pm Post subject:

As I understand it, in order to open a HK bank (HSBC) account here in HK you require (at least) one reference from a existing customer and an employer in HK.

ChrisRose · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Posts: 427 Location: Hong Kong

I wish the Immergration Dept. were as fussy.

foster · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 485 Location: Honkers, SARS

If you have your contract with you when you go to the bank, that is usually sufficent. I had help from a co-worker when I arrived, so that may have sped up the process.

jenny-pnet · Joined: 16 Apr 2003 Posts: 59

I went on my own to the main branch of the HSBC the day after my arrival in Hong Kong, and took with me my contract and passport. That was enough for me to open an account, although from memory I think they confirmed the contract over the phone with my school principal. The staff were very friendly and very helpful, and no problem with English.

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

I recently opened an account with HSBC. They required no proof of employment. They wanted to see my passport ( even though I have HK ID) and a letter to me proving that I lived at my claimed address.) That was all.
My salary was being paid into another bank, but I wanted the HSBC account as it was convenient to my flat to put cheques from one company. I only got a standard savings account ( with no cheque book or credit facilities), so maybe it is different for other account types.

miratingbird · Joined: 05 Sep 2004 Posts: 9 Location: Kowloon

I think you can also wire money to Canada through the post office, which may work out cheaper than HSBC. When you send money through HSBC, you also have to pay to receive the money, which is taken from the account you are sending to. It adds another HK$50 (roughly) to the charge.