Dalaman Deli

We took clients to view properties yesterday and, although they can't buy at the moment, they wanted to open a bank account so hubbie did the usual thing and took them to get a tax number.

The clients decided they fancied the Akbank so, off they went, only to be told that, as well as the tax number, they needed some kind of form the police station as they weren't yet resident. Hubbie duly went off the cop shop but all he got there were blank stares, so he went back to the bank. After a brief altercation with the bank staff, who couldn't confirm exactly which form they wanted, hubbie dragged the poor confused clients to the İş bank, where he went through the same procedure, only this time he refused to go back to the police station and resorted to shouting, rather loudly, at the bank manager. (Thank God I wasn't there or I would have died of shame!)

Anyway, the shouting worked and our clients now have both a YTL & a Sterling accounts with the İş bank.

Anybody know what this is all about?

sandpearse

A month or so ago, I had yet another call from HSBC Bodrum to say there was a problem with my account(I had done some online banking that morning). They had done this a few months ago, as they wanted to update their information and take copies of my residency. Anyway, I duly went in again, and was told they had to change my account number, as the account number I have relates to a UK person residing in the UK they had to change the last digits of the account to show I am a UK person living in Turkey. My bank card with the original account number is still valid though!
It looks to me like they are asking for residency now to open a bank account, and then your account to show where you are actually residing!

jcrian

That is one bank (Is Bank) that I wouldn't recommend to anyone.We have had so much trouble with them moving money between accounts.Even with three Turkish people who spoke very good English couldn't believe the rude service that they dealt out to us and ended up phoning the head office to complain about it.

Ms Who

HSBC are also asking Brits without a residents permit for a UK utility bill. Like you are going to bring one of those with you on holiday!!

Agree with SO about Is Bank. They also give the lowest exchange rate on the day and charge for transfers from the UK unless you let them keep it for 2 weeks!

Dalaman Deli

Interesting info guys (and gals!), thanks.

Sandpearse, I wonder if the differential is so the tax men man can track movement of cash in and out of the country?

I have accounts with İş bank put haven't had any probs here in Dalaman, however I will bear your comments in mind.

Susan

I opened a bank account With HSBC in Turkey via our HSBC offshore account.

HSBC Turkey have sent all the cards etc to me here in Doha.

Even rang me to set up the internet banking.

Susan

sandpearse

Dalaman Deli, you may be right on that one, otherwise what difference does it make???

Kara_bag_lady

opened accounts in HSBC in Turgutreis couple of weeks ago - was only asked for passport, vergi no. and UK driving licence. Asked if I had a property (yes), was I resident (not yet) and no problems at all. Maybe this will change if I move over permanently?

Solution

I opened an HSBC account about 3 months ago no problems was not a resident then (am now) all they wanted was my Turkish Tax number.
Juls