International services

Whether you’re living, studying or investing abroad, our international banking services help you feel at home wherever you are.

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Open a Premier Account and earn up to AED 21,000 in welcome cashback and rewards.

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Bank internationally with HSBC

From seamless digital banking and special offers abroad, to wealth management, tax and relocation guidance, we move with you – whatever your global banking needs are.

Open accounts in over 20 destinations

Open an account pre-departure, or once you arrive. Plus, for certain locations, you can do it all online.

Wherever home is, your bank is too

Manage your global accounts from one place online, and make transfers between them with no HSBC fees[@gvgt-transfers]^{Footnote link 1, gvgt-transfers}.

Settle in with a local credit card

We make it easy to apply for a credit card in a new destination.

Value-added global services

Wherever you are in the world, you can expect seamless support and professional services that go beyond banking.

Open an account

We have a range of banking solutions in the UAE to suit different banking needs. Compare our accounts (PDF)

Apply for an account in the UAE

It's quick and easy to apply for an account in the HSBC UAE app, wherever you are.

Apply from outside the UAE

Already in the UAE? Explore our accounts

Open an account outside the UAE

Looking to move, work or invest abroad? Find out how to apply for an account in another destination.

How to apply

Our international services

Discover how we support you globally, from everyday global banking to expert local guidance.

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Welcome to the UAE

International support

Global directory

Find out where you can bank internationally with us and how to get in touch.

International services FAQs

What is a multi-currency account?

A multi-currency account lets you spend, transfer and receive money in more than one currency.

If you often travel or have family living around the world who you regularly need to send money to, having a multi-currency account can make life easier and possibly cheaper.

When you have a multi-currency account, you can keep your money in a central location without having to open multiple bank accounts. There may also be no or lower transaction fees for sending money worldwide. And with real-time exchange rates, you can easily convert your money into other currencies when the rates suit you.

For more information, read our article: What is a multi-currency account?
What international fees will I have to pay for using my credit card abroad?
If you use your credit card abroad, you may have to pay the following international fees:

A foreign currency processing fee – typically calculated as a percentage of each transaction you make. For most HSBC cards it’s a 2% charge

Plus, a cash advance fee if you use your credit card withdraw cash at a local ATM while you’re abroad. Typically, this will be around 3% of your cash withdrawal, with a minimum charge of AED 100. The local ATM operator may also charge their own fee

So, if you’re going to need cash while you’re away, either get travel money before you go or use your debit card to withdraw money instead. Just bear in mind you may still be charged a currency processing fee on your debit card.

For more information about using a credit card abroad, read our article: Using a travel card when overseas.
What are the different ways to send money outside of the UAE?
There are several different ways to send money internationally from the UAE. Some of the most popular are:

Through your bank – either through online or mobile banking, or at a branch

Through an independent online transfer service

At an over-the-counter exchange house

The method that’s right for you will depend on a number of factors. For example, while one service might offer the best exchange rate, it might also have higher fees or be less secure than others.

For help deciding on the best way of sending money abroad, read our article: Sending money outside of the UAE.
What do I need to consider if I'm moving to the UAE?
If you’re relocating to the UAE for work, business or lifestyle, there are lots of things you’ll need to consider. For example:

Making sure your passport is valid

Applying for work permits and visas

Finding out if you need any vaccinations or a health check

Sorting your finances and opening a bank account in the UAE

Arranging schooling for any children

For more information on what to think about, take a look at our article: Checklist for moving to the UAE.
How do exchange rates work?

Exchange rates tell you how much of one currency you can buy with another.

For example, the exchange rate for US dollars (USD) to dirhams (AED) tells you how many dirhams you’d get for every dollar you exchange. So, if the exchange rate for USD to AED was 3.67, you’d get 3.67 dirhams for every dollar you exchanged.

Similarly, if the exchange rate for AED to USD was 0.23, you’d get 0.23 dollars for every dirham you exchanged.

If you’d like to know more, read our article: How exchange rates work.
Should I pay in the local currency?

When you’re using your credit or debit card outside the UAE, it’s usually worth paying in local currency rather than in UAE dirhams. That’s because if you pay in local currency you’ll avoid dynamic currency conversion fees and, in most cases, you’ll get a better exchange rate.

If you’d like to know more, read our article: Should you pay in local currency outside of the UAE?