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Hi, I am moving to Dubai in two weeks. Is it easy to open a bank account. I will have my residency visa when I arrive. Also any suggestions on a bank for someone moving from Canada?

Resident visa & company letter - u're done.

I'm not Canadian but I favour HSBC, Citibank & ABN Amro.

Over the last couple weeks, I've heard some really horrible stories about Standard Charter so I would stay away from them, on the flip side I've heard very good things about RAK bank. I use HSBC and no complaints, they aren't great but no problems.

I was able to open an account without a residence visa - company letter only (depends on relatioship between company and bank).

I heard good things about RAK Bank too. HSBC are probably good enough although I got annoyed with them one day and closed my account. But then I think every bank will annoy you one way or another.

Lloyds don't have many branches but they're the only bank open 0800-1800 6 days a week AFAIK.

Most banks have a minimum balance requirement about 5000 dhs. There's a couple that are less - NBAD is only 1000 dhs I think.

I checked a lot of banks before I opened my accout (4 months ago). I went with NBD, they rated the best for what my needs are. Standard Charter I know charges for all sorts of things so I agree - stay away from there.

standard chartered sucks balls..

XRW-147 wrote:Resident visa & company letter - u're done.

I'm not Canadian but I favour HSBC, Citibank & ABN Amro.

I'll only be getting my residence visa in 3-4 months time...company, newly incorporated in Dubai. In this case, I'm not able to get a bank account (even a normal savings a/c)??????????

beaujarle wrote:

XRW-147 wrote:Resident visa & company letter - u're done.

I'm not Canadian but I favour HSBC, Citibank & ABN Amro.

I'll only be getting my residence visa in 3-4 months time...company, newly incorporated in Dubai. In this case, I'm not able to get a bank account (even a normal savings a/c)??????????

Relax, you can open an offshore account as non-resident.

You'll only need the usual stuff (passport, utility bills for proof of residence in your home country, reference letter from your primary bank etc.)

Globetrotter wrote:

beaujarle wrote:

XRW-147 wrote:Resident visa & company letter - u're done.

I'm not Canadian but I favour HSBC, Citibank & ABN Amro.

I'll only be getting my residence visa in 3-4 months time...company, newly incorporated in Dubai. In this case, I'm not able to get a bank account (even a normal savings a/c)??????????

Relax, you can open an offshore account as non-resident.

You'll only need the usual stuff (passport, utility bills for proof of residence in your home country, reference letter from your primary bank etc.)

Which banks in dubai have this service? Thanks in advance.

hsbc for sure

Why not try an Islamic Bank?

- Dubai Islamic Bank ****
- AbuDhabi Islamic Bank
- Sharjah Islamic Bank

**** my accounts: current/Saving/VISA in Dubai Islamic Bank.
I do all my bank related issues without even visiting the bank; through the internet.

Globetrotter wrote:hsbc for sure

Also Loyds... and the first year is free.