Originally Posted by
allset2travel
Congrats!
Can you share additional details by answering some questions:
1. How do you fund the basic ATM cash card account? (do they allow foreign bank account or foreign credit card?)
2. You mention China Merchant Bank in Qingdao, do you get the feel that same bank in other cities might incline to do same? (have you tried other cities?)
3. What specific documents were needed by the bank?
Thank you in advance!
You didn't ask me, but allow me to opine:
1. To fund your account, simply withdraw money from the ATM using your foreign account; credit cards don't work
2. IME, the individual branch is more important than the bank company itself; if they want the business, and their staff likes you, you have a decent shot of pulling things off
3. As for docs, every bank is different, but I've always been asked to show my passport/visa, and a temporary residence permit (that most hotels can print out for you upon request). Having a verified local cell phone is also useful, and plans now cost as little as Y8 per month