Ok, I'm not trying to push HSBC on to people, honest, but I got curious about this HSBC International Bank Account and did some more research. If you were to live in Philippines, HSBC UK would open an account for you at HSBC Philippines, before you leave the UK, so you can use this account as soon as you arrive (subject to local terms and conditions*). There is a fee of £100 though, (free if you do the leg work yourself!). Gerry, I couldn't see anything about a minimum 60K balance on the HSBC website. Elsa has a "checking" account with HSBC Philippines, and there is a nil minimum maintaining balance.
While I cant be 100% sure about this, if you were to approach HSBC in Makati, they will surely be able to open some kind of account for you, even if its a basic savings type account with ATM card access.
Heres the page I was looking at : http://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/personal/t...aRpT:11j71s4j3
