Best form of day-to-day finance for a year in Hong Kong

[pokethepope]

Im going to HK in a few weeks as an exchange student, studying for the academic year at Uni of HK. What form of finance would people recommend for this?

-Local (HK) debit card? (probably HSBC - i'd guess this will be the best option, free withdrawals and card payments, but what are these usually like for transferring student loan from UK bank account, about £1400 three times across the year?)
-UK debit card? (as i won't qualify for a Premium account, eg HSBC's, would a bog standard Visa or similar be quite expenisive in terms of exchange rates and fees?)
-Something else im missing? Theres a few prepaid ones i've seen, but most are only in USD and EUR.

As i say i presume a local debit card and account will be best, or is there a really good deal or UK card that would be more suitable? (I realise it seems like im asking people to do my research/work for me, but im hoping for someone who is/was in a similar position to point me in the right direction, as i need to apply for it (if a UK based one at least) ASAP.)

cheers

PS. Mods I dont know if this should be Finance, Travel or Business (expats etc) so i've put it in the lounge and will let you decide.

[VxDuncan]

pokethepope said:

Im going to HK in a few weeks as an exchange student, studying for the academic year at Uni of HK. What form of finance would people recommend for this?

-Local (HK) debit card? (probably HSBC - i'd guess this will be the best option, free withdrawals and card payments, but what are these usually like for transferring student loan from UK bank account, about £1400 three times across the year?)
-UK debit card? (as i won't qualify for a Premium account, eg HSBC's, would a bog standard Visa or similar be quite expenisive in terms of exchange rates and fees?)
-Something else im missing? Theres a few prepaid ones i've seen, but most are only in USD and EUR.

As i say i presume a local debit card and account will be best, or is there a really good deal or UK card that would be more suitable? (I realise it seems like im asking people to do my research/work for me, but im hoping for someone who is/was in a similar position to point me in the right direction, as i need to apply for it (if a UK based one at least) ASAP.)

cheers

PS. Mods I dont know if this should be Finance, Travel or Business (expats etc) so i've put it in the lounge and will let you decide.

Is there any form of pay involved? Surely it would be better to set up an account when you are there if that is the case and minimise transaction charges.

[crofty1984]

I'm with HSBC and live in Italy. If you can get their plus account you get free withdrawals abroad. Costs about a tenner a month.

Don't know specifically about HK though.

[CVP]

I'm with First Direct in the UK and HSBC withdrawls in HK used to be free, the same with HSBC banks in New York, worth checking if this is still the same arrangement as you will easily be able to open a First Direct before you head off.

Chris