Originally Posted by kamchatsky

Just an update here: Bank of China HK does accept overseas SMS and address for opening of HK based bank account.

I downloaded the BOCHK app, and then applied to open the account on their app. They need a photo of front and back of my HK Permanent ID card, and a photo of myself for facial identification. They accepted my Australian mobile phone number, and sent me SMS to my mobile phone number for verification purposes. Then they asked for my address which I could put my Australian address in (it has Australia as option in country drop down, even down to the state).

After submission it took them 1 day to come back to me advising that my account is opened via email. I logged in to the BOCHK app, logged in and saw my local HK account, as well as an FX account. I also used the BOCHK app to submit the cash payout application. Now i have to wait for a week for response.

To be honest I was pleasantly surprised that BOC takes my Australian address and SMS, considering other major banks only accepts HK address/mobile phone numbers. But hey I am not complaining.