Overseas Identity Is Self-Given: A Must-Do Checklist in Hong Kong and Macau in One Trip

AI subscriptions, Hong Kong/U.S. stocks, overseas payments — get everything done in one trip to Hong Kong and Macau! As policies continue to tighten, those in need should act as early as possible.

I. SafePal Co-Branded Card (Unblocking Card Issuance)

SafePal suspended account applications from mainland China on June 5. Recent news: As long as you are physically in Hong Kong, Taiwan, or other supported regions, you can apply directly within the app. Seize this window while it lasts!

• Card Value:
  • Seamless overseas spending: Perfect for subscribing to ChatGPT, various AI tools, or overseas membership services.
  • Bridge between fiat and crypto: After card issuance, you also get a personal, same-name European bank account (IBAN), allowing you to easily convert cryptocurrency to fiat and transfer it back to your personal traditional bank account.

Currently, only passports are accepted for KYC identity verification.

II. Hong Kong Bank Account Opening

After Hong Kong broker policy changes, physical verification thresholds are tightening, but effective account opening channels still exist.

1. Traditional Physical Banks (Bank of China Hong Kong & HSBC)

• Bank of China Hong Kong: The online “Direct Pass” application success rate is now very low. You basically have to make an appointment at a physical branch and then go to the counter.
• HSBC: Online applications are still possible. However, note policy changes: From 2026, newly opened HSBC “One” accounts (ONE Account) will be charged HKD 100 in monthly account maintenance fees if the average monthly financial balance is less than HKD 10,000.

2. Virtual Digital Banks (ZA Recommended)

Compared to physical banks, virtual banks have a much higher account opening success rate and are an excellent bridge for investing in Hong Kong and U.S. stocks.

• ZA Bank Key Operational Tips: You must open the account while connected to a Hong Kong network and location, and be sure to check the “investment account” box during the application! Once you leave Hong Kong and return to the mainland, you will not be able to add the investment function later.
• Fee Advantages: Much cheaper than traditional physical banks. U.S. stocks: $0.0099 per share (minimum $1.99/order); Hong Kong stocks: 0.05% (minimum HKD 18/order). The app’s UI/UX is far superior to Interactive Brokers or Charles Schwab.
• Ant Bank (Hong Kong): No invitation code needed. Simply download from the Hong Kong app store. While it doesn’t have many special perks, it works perfectly with AlipayHK (Hong Kong Alipay) – recommended as a backup.

III. Oracle Cloud

Oracle Cloud offers permanently free server resources – an excellent choice for building a personal blog or proxy node. Risk control in mainland China is strict, and applications are almost instantly rejected. You must take advantage of being in Hong Kong to register.

• Practical Environment Setup:
  • Real network: Connect your phone/laptop to a real local Hong Kong Wi-Fi.
  • Real location: Enable GPS to ensure both your location and IP are within Hong Kong.
  • Overseas card verification: When the verification charge is made, do not use a mainland credit card. Instead, use the ZA Bank Visa card or Bank of China Hong Kong Mastercard debit card you just opened in Hong Kong for binding verification.
• Advantage: This authentic Hong Kong local environment plus local bank card verification significantly reduces fraud risk control probability, making registration success rates far higher than trying your luck from the mainland.

IV. Macau Ant Bank (Ultra-Low Threshold)

If you go to Macau, Macau Ant Bank is a quality platform you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

• Core Value: Almost no rejection cases so far, with an extremely low threshold. It’s a very cost-effective channel for Hong Kong/U.S. stock investments (Hong Kong stocks: 0.02%, minimum HKD 30; U.S. stocks: $0.008 per share, minimum $2.88, with commission-free coupons for the first 6 months). It also has a killer feature – you can easily transfer funds back to the mainland via Alipay.
• Location: Alameda Dr. Carlos d’Assumpção, Macau.
• How to operate: Simply bring HKD cash and deposit it directly into Macau Ant Bank’s physical self-service ATM to complete your deposit, avoiding expensive cross-border wire transfer fees.

💡 Pre-Trip Preparation Checklist

• Passport (Required for SafePal card opening and some banks)
• Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau with valid endorsement
• Entry Slip (White paper slip printed by customs when entering Hong Kong – essential for bank account opening, do not throw away)
• Mainland ID card
• Some HKD cash
• Download relevant apps in advance: SafePal, ZA Bank, Ant Bank (Macau/Hong Kong).

The above is my self-compiled summer Hong Kong/Macau to-do list, integrated from YouTube blogger @Seven Technology Life. Friends in need can save it.

Since policies change quickly, those with time should go as soon as possible. Feel free to share any latest updates in the comments.