Leaving the Philippines

Simplify your move. Our international services will handle the relocation of your finances, so you can focus on preparing a new home for yourself or your family.

The International Banking Centre in the Philippines can help you arrange many aspects of your finances before you leave. Our global expertise can make your relocation easier whether your destination is Canada, the UK, the US or another country.

• Guaranteed priority service for all your international banking needs
• In an emergency, simply call HSBC Premier's emergency hotline +1 908 PREMIER for immediate international assistance
• Instant emergency cash advance of USD2,000 together with next-day card replacement in the event of loss or theft

What you need to know

Arranging your visa work permit

Unless you are a resident in the country you are moving to, you will most likely require a visa or work permit. If you are going over on a work contract, contact the appropriate administration department of your company to see whether they will arrange the necessary documents for you. Otherwise, you may need to contact the visa department at the embassy of the country you are moving to and find out how to obtain the appropriate documents.

Visa and work permit applications can take some time to prepare, so you should start looking into it about a year before your departure. You should also make sure your passport has a validity of at least six months at the time of your move.

Driving overseas

Unless your driver's license was issued in the country you are moving to, you will probably need an international license to allow you to drive as soon as you arrive. If you wish to apply for an international driver's license, you may contact the Automotive Association of the Philippines (AAP) located at 683 Aurora Blvd, QC with telephone number +63 (2) 723 0808 for the requirements and procedures.

Please visit www.lto.gov.ph for more information on driver's licenses.

Finding the right place to live

Finding the right place to live can be quite difficult, especially if you are moving with your family and children. Contact relocation companies with expertise in your new destination and get a headstart in your search. If you decide to buy property abroad, foreign currency-denominated mortgages are offered to HSBC Premier customers. Contact our International Banking Centre to find out more. Alternatively, renting a place can be an option in the short term until you are more familiar with the property market in your new destination.

Arranging your finances

Check with our International Banking Centre before your departure to see if an overseas account and other financial arrangements can be set up in your particular destination country prior to your move.

Family healthcare

Medical expenses are things that you need to factor into your finances or make sure that you have the appropriate health cover.

A doctor's check up for each member of your family is also a good idea. It should be done no later than six months before departure.

Insurance coverage

You should consider getting travel insurance coverage in case of emergency while traveling. Other coverage to consider is a policy to protect the contents of your home while it is being relocated.

Other considerations

Ask the Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) whether other arrangements regarding you finances should be made.

Your utilities companies and bank should also be advised of your departure.

If you have pets, you should check quarantine requirements of your destination.

In your spare time, learn more about the language and local customs of your new country so you can settle in as soon as possible.

Packing up and moving

Once you decide on the date of your move, notify the moving company at least three months before your departure. Book the time for your move to ensure all your belongings arrive before you do. In addition, obtain a complete listing of your belongings from your mover and check out what customs and excise documentation you will need to clear customs in your new country.

Just to be safe, leave a photocopy of your passport, visas and other important documents in a safe place before you move.

How we can help you

Opening an overseas bank account

Having a bank account set up in the country you are moving to before you arrive will give you time to concentrate on settling in and finding your feet. The International Banking Centre can help you coordinate with the HSBC bank in that country to open an account for your day-to-day transactions in the local currency, as well as arrange other financial services to help you get started.

Learn more about the international network

The HSBC global ATM network allows you to withdraw cash from our extensive world-wide network of ATMs. Our credit and debit cards will also allow you to make purchases at thousands of merchants all over the globe.