expat banking help

[frederica]

hi. new recruit here. could use some help. in february im moving out of the country for a year. im wondering if anyone here might know the best US commercial bank(s) to deal with as far as transactions overseas.
Im setting up an account locally where I will be with ANZ (Vietnam). I want to do so with a Yank bank but unless I have the wrong info there are no longer US branches in Hanoi-they have closed down. I will have an online account too with Etrade most likely. A credit card too. Paypal. And lastly, I would like to have an account with a bank here in the US. Preferably one that deals well internationally.
Why so many accounts? I want as many options as possible just in case.
If any one out there has any comments on my plans it would be really helpful to me. If you know a better place to post on this please feel free to let me know. Thanks ahead of time!

[red92s]

I was in a similar situation a couple months ago, unfortunately my project and relocation to India were canceled as the worldwide economy tumbled. I already had an HSBC account stateside, and was pleased to learn that they had a large presence abroad and offered services for expats. I'm sure British colonialism played a role in their presence throughout India, and that Vietnam may be a different story.

More information on HSBC's international offerings can be found here:
HSBC Offshore | Bank accounts, Savings, Investments, Premier Banking, Expat advice abroad

[TBH]

I would have said to try Citibank, but I heard they've reduced services worldwide.

[minnie1928]

I worked in the wire room of a local bank for 10 years. Whenever we had a wire come in for a customer that originated from a non-US bank it always came through Bank of New York. So I'm guessing that they have a fair amount of international exposure.

[snafu]

frederica: VN is a cash society, there is very little credit card useage and very few bank outlets. There is slightly more access in HCMC [SaiGon] in the south and you have to hunt in the N Hanoi.

We holiday there ea. year and have relatives slightly N in HaiPhong. I've asked how they handle their Am finances and will let you know.