Banking in Dubai

After joining work in Dubai I had to open a bank account.

A coworker recommended HSBC Bank and shared the phone number of an HSBC representative. I gave him a call and next day he was in my office with forms and everything. He handed over me the ATM card and account number and other details and told me that the account be will be activated the next day and I could register on their internet banking. Next day I registered on the internet banking and everything was up and running. A week later I received the check book and credit cards through mail. I never had to physically visit the bank during the entire process. I don’t even know where my bank is. I don’t need to know.

That’s one of the best banking experiences I’ve ever had. And HSBC is regarded as an average bank of Dubai. There are better banks out there and I wonder how would they be.

On the hand, when I had to open a bank account in Karachi, it was a rather painful experience.