Relocating to US temporarily - set up US bank account?

[roryn]

Hi all,

Was hoping some of the expats on this forum can provide some recommendations.

I will be temporarily moving to the US for a period of 8 - 10 months.

Can I set up a US savings / checking bank account from Singapore? If so, which bank can I use? I'd like to transfer some funds there before I actually leave.

[zzm9980]

I'd suggest getting Citibank SG and Citibank US accounts, and linking them together. You can send money instantly and free from SG -> US, and then US -> SG is a US $11 charge (also instant). The spread on their forex rates is also very small.

Citibank has an expat service that can assist you over the phone with opening an account in another country, but I didn't try it.

I'm not aware of any other banks in SG that allow instant and free transfers internationally, except HSBC, but then you need HSBC Premier which has rather substantial minimal deposits.