what bank

[jake]

only problem is at the phil end the nearest hsb is quite a way away from where i will be, maybe result in more charges, like for cash cards in atm charges , or transfering to a local phil bank

HSBC is probably a good bank for starters. but as you have said their branches are limited. They used to have no charge if you used a foreign ATM card in their machines. Fund transfers were very easy as well using online banking.

Have a look at BDO or Metrobank and see if they are competitive.

[tiger31]

HSBC is probably a good bank for starters. but as you have said their branches are limited. They used to have no charge if you used a foreign ATM card in their machines. Fund transfers were very easy as well using online banking.

Have a look at BDO or Metrobank and see if they are competitive.

just a bit of advice on bdo and metro bank these 2 banks operate a single franchise system otherwords if you live in one city and move to another they won,t let you transfer your accounts also if you don,t use the account within a 12 month period they close the account and keep any money thats in it so be aware