Open Hong kong personal bank account checks to cash

[Mimimel]

Hello

I have IRD checks to cash. The problem is that I don't have a personal bank account in HK at the moment. I can go to Hong Kong but I need the account opened quickly once I'm there to deposit the checks and therefore start sending the documents in advance.

Do you have a recommendation on a bank that can do this ? I have already an OCBC bank account in SG but they cannot help about my situation.

Thanks

 

[daniels27]

I would recommend HSBC Premier. You can open it online and it is free for a couple of months, should be enough to get the money out and then close it.

Alternatively, they may be able to issue a check on a different name if you can ask a friend to cash out:
https://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/tax/refundchq.htm

 

[Mimimel]

It look complicated to apply remotly with HSBC HK or maybe it need a contact ?. I don't have the passport to try directly with the android app, some people look sucessfull with this way.

I can try to open in my residency country and try to see if they can open in HK after but not sure this way is really working, it look to be only a theory.

 

[daniels27]

You don't have a passport?

 

[Mimimel]

I don't have one from the list there are only few country that can apply with the app

hold an HKID (permanent or non-permanent resident) or be an overseas passport holder of Australia, Belgium, Canada, India, Ireland, Italy, Jersey, Mexico, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States of America and Vietnam

 

[daniels27]

In this case, you will have to do it in a banch. Alternatively, you can open HSBC Premier in Singapore and then open the one in Hong Kong.

 

[Babylon]

I had same issue and I was surprised Citibank Singapore managed to cash out my HK IRD cheque. You can also open Citibank Singapore account remotely.