Can you open a Bank Account in Malaysia as a foreigner ?

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I wanted to know if it is possible to open a bank account in Malaysia as a foreigner without the MM2H? Has anyone done this? What sort of paper work is required to do so?

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Yes. I opened an account at HSBC before applying for my MM2H visa.

I was with HSBC in the UK and they gave me a letter of introduction. The only other thing I had to show was my passport.

Other banks may differ so I suggest you ask the bank directly.

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Me too.  I opened mine from HSBC Thailand.  I did not have to enter Malaysia.  However, to activate the ATM card, I will have to enter Malaysia, but since I have to attend for Endorsement, I can do it at the same time.

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Hi

We entered Malaysia about 2 weeks ago and has been checking out some desirable places to settle on mm2h visa. First thing we wanted to do was open a bank account and deposit some cash and consider before considering a purchase. I spoke to May Bank and Public Bank and they said 'NO' - must have work permit or student visa or mm2h approval. I will call HSBC and Citibank to see if they will allow us to open an account.

We were in Malacca for 3 days this week and it is impressive and is a worthy consideration for retirement living.

Cheers

Rag

I wanted to know if it is possible to open a bank account in Malaysia as a foreigner without the MM2H? Has anyone done this? What sort of paper work is required to do so?

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Any updates on this topic? We'll be in ML in about 3 weeks, and are considering opening an account as a way of getting our foot in the door a bit for MM2H.

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Any updates on this topic? We'll be in ML in about 3 weeks, and are considering opening an account as a way of getting our foot in the door a bit for MM2H.

Hi, we did manage to open an account with Hong Leong Bank in April 2010. Passport was enough for the application.

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Rag, I have to ask: I know HSBC and Standard Chartered as they have a presence in China where I am.  Is Hong Leong a nationwide, full service bank with a good reputation?  Do they have branches in other countries?  Or just a local / regional bank?

Yes, I'll hit the Interweb to check them out.

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Rag, I have to ask: I know HSBC and Standard Chartered as they have a presence in China where I am.  Is Hong Leong a nationwide, full service bank with a good reputation?  Do they have branches in other countries?  Or just a local / regional bank?

Yes, I'll hit the Interweb to check them out.

Hi, Hong Leong Bank was the only one that will give us an account. Not too sure if they have overseas branches but they are all over Malaysia. They provide a good fair-dinkum service, mate. Cheers.

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Also I managed to open an account with HSBC before arriving in Malaysia or having the MM2H visa.
The reason for wanting this was that I wanted to have the money for the required fixed deposit ready and available in the country so I could minimize my stay for finalizing the procedures.
I got a introduction letter from my agent to give to the bank which may have helped.

I had no business with HSBC before this, but the local HSBC office at my former residence helped by being intermediate for getting security device, etc for internet banking. (I suggested this and it was accepted)

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Hi Rag,

We did open an account with Public Bank, however it did mean insisting on talking to the Branch Manager and giving my life story and got a savings account and debit card. Since then they have been terrific.

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We successfully opened an account with Maybank. In addition to our passports, we also needed our Marriage Certificate for the joint account! I have heard Hong Leong is quicker. The big downside with Maybank is that, unless you know an existing account holder, you won't be issued a chequebook for one year. Bleeech! But they have ATMs everywhere.

Kaz!

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When we were opening ours the banks we tried required to see the MM2H approval letter, which is reasonable most countries in Asia will not allow you to open accounts on tourists visas, with no proper address.

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May so be that most countries in Asia (or even worldwide) don't allow foreign tourists to open bank accounts.
But again, I (and it seems many others) succeeded in opening bank accounts in Malaysia without the MM2H visa or other residence permits.

And I think that is what the question was about?

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Yes that's it.  My wife and I work in Asia and are strongly considering Malaysia for at least a part time retirement home.  Having an account in ML now will certainly help us save the nut for MM2H, if/when it comes to that.

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Hi Rag,

We did open an account with Public Bank, however it did mean insisting on talking to the Branch Manager and giving my life story and got a savings account and debit card. Since then they have been terrific.

Hi

I didn't approach Public Bank but did approach the others. They all wanted a MM2H approval letter. As we were on a tourist visa they all refused us a bank account. The Hong Leong Bank was helpful as they were having a membership drive at the time. The Aus$ was getting RM $3 then and I was able to deposit a large deposit and that too was helpful since the branch was in Kedah. I am glad that the Aus $ is still holding on well at about RM $3 today.