Debit Card

Are there banks in Hong Kong who offer debit cards? Instead of using credit cards, i would like to use debit card or any prepaid card for internet transactions. I'm becoming paranoid as 2 of my friends had their cards 'hacked'. good thing the banks confirmed with them the 'curious' transactions first before somebody was able to do real damage.

your feedback are much appreciated. thanks!

It took me over two years to find and a three week waiting period but I have found a Visa, yes Visa, debit card in Hong Kong. This is not a credit card and is tied to my bank account. In other words it is my money, not the bank's money and is not local like Octopus or EPS. EPS can be used on the Plus network for POS (point of sale purchases) but is of no use on-line or as a "major" credit card for an airline ticket or hotel room, car,etc out of Hong Kong, exception of course the mainland for "Union Pay."


The bank is Hang Seng and the name of the card is "Enjoy." They call it a spending card. Open the account with 500HKD and fill in the application at the branch. Being along a local and foreign( ie. driver's license,if you have it) address proof, along with a HK ID (if you have one) and your passport. Expect them to write you multiple letters requiring you to call them back over a three week timeframe with dumb questions. At the end of the period you will have an actual, HK isssued Visa debit card that you will pick up in the branch (with a Pin number) tied to a savings or checking account. You can move funds from HSBC (the parent company) and Hang Seng and put money in it or in the local vernacular "top it up."


It is an anoying procedure, like many things in HK, but it is a solution to a monopolistic (yes, that is the reason there are no Visa/MC debit cards in HK) practice.


You are now set to spend your own money with a Visa debit card anywherere in the world (subject to FX fees, of course).