Hi guys,

I'm a US resident--can I purchase a HKG-NRT-HKG ticket on the CX Hong Kong website even if I don't have a HKG address or credit card? The fare is much lower than on the CX US website!

I think so and that's how we HKier buy discounted ex-TPE ticket as well.

Yes, but bear in mind that CX will want to see the credit card at check-in unless the transaction goes through Verified by Visa or Mastercard Secure.

I booked a very similar flight myself recently.

Make sure you tell your bank about the transaction so they dont stop it due to thinking it is dodgy!

Otherwise as another poster said you will be expected to show the card when you chekc in.

Have great trip

AKS120

Why would hte bank think it is dodgy? In odern times, cardholders do travel and spend mony worldwide.

The Visa Verified thing will only kick in if you have registered for it, right?

Yes - and not all card issuers support it anyway (for example the Citi Premier Miles card doesn't).

That is true - but in my case Bank of America thought it was dodgy and stopped the transaction. I had to phone the bank and they said any transaction such as this should really be 'approved' first. I thought that was a bit much as it is my money.

Funny (but not funny at the time): My bank shut down my card after I tried buying the ticket. Ha ha. Came home tonight and just read this. Thanks for the tip though.

Bank of America issued cards would definitely want you to call them first, and tell them "I'm freaking in Asia now, remember that you idiots and approve my charges", or they won't accept them, not even minor ones. And yes it is very annoying.

American Express will approve all charges unless it's really large (last time they forced me to call them when I try to buy $5K USD diamond ring for my wife), but they will place a phone call to your phone number on record, and ask about your recent charges to see if they are legitimate. My only question to this procedure is obviously I'm not at home when I make charges aboard, so making phone calls really doesn't help security at all.... I am always amused when I go home, check my voicemails, and I can count on AMEX leaving messages about my charges aboard.

Citibank offered cards are going that route as well (expecting you to call them to pre-approve aboard charges) for USA residents

One of the problems of US phone numbers is that you can't tell if they are fixed or mobile. If you registered a (roaming) mobile number then obviously the process would work. I have had (the HK versions of) Citi, Amex and HSBC all call me successfully regarding transactions when abroad. The cost of the roaming call is a bit annoying, but if they don't do it too often then I appreciate the feeling of extra security for my account.