HSBC or not HSBC

[torontomapleleaf]

Apologies if this has already been covered but is HSBC still HSBC or have the other bank taken over yet?

Thanks in advance

TML

[mrsgee]

HSBC becomes Albank on 1st December, according to messages received.

[torontomapleleaf]

Many thanks

TML

[sophie]

We've popped in twice having received two registered letters, but it was standing room only and people sitting on the stairs so walked out. Not even sure why they contacted us, didn't think we had a bean with them.

[waddo]

Get it while you can - Sterling was still available in the HSBC ATM this morning - last day to get it I am told.

[The Dog Walker]

Will Albank machines not be dispensing Sterling then? Or do we have to wait and see?

[mrsgee]

Other ATM's dispense sterling.....Garanti for one, at no charge is you are using a UK HSBC card. At the moment anyway. I am sure that there are other ATM's that will dispense Sterling via your UK HSBC Card with no charge.

[The Dog Walker]

Thank you Mrsgee, I used to go to Garanti in the centre of Girne, but that has now gone, and, as yet, I've not found another dispensing sterling. I'd be pleased if you could advise where.

[Keithcaley]

There are a few UK debit cards that will allow you to draw Sterling without your UK bank charging you for the privilege, so as long as you find a machine in TRNC that doesn't charge you either, you're on to a winner!

Currently, TEB and Garanti Bank machines meet the bill, and it appears that HSBC machines won't, once they are taken over by Albank, although in the TRNC, nothing is written in Stone!...

Dogwalker, there's a Garanti machine in the car park of the Lemar, on the Alsancak side of the 'HSBC roundabout' I think that there's also an ATM at the Garanti Bank branch, & probably one or two more, if anyone can tell us where!

[waddo]

Good one Keith! Now, looking into your crystal ball - will it still be free to draw sterling post March 2019? I know you love a challange - lol.

[Keithcaley]

Good one Keith! Now, looking into your crystal ball - will it still be free to draw sterling post March 2019? I know you love a challange - lol.

Well, seeing as how TRNC is not in the EU, I can't see that TRNC Banks would care whether or not the UK is still in the EU, or not, - as long as Sterling remains a major currency, then I think that they'll probably carry on dispensing it.

I'm not sure where they make their money in this particular transaction though...

[tingtang]

There are a few UK debit cards that will allow you to draw Sterling without your UK bank charging you for the privilege, so as long as you find a machine in TRNC that doesn't charge you either, you're on to a winner! - Keithcaley.


I have used my Barclay's debit card for withdrawing Sterling at HSBC for the past dozen years with no charges. Hopefully drawing cash with that same card will be FOC at Garanti bank also.

Very surprised to read about crowding and 'Standing Room Only' in an HSBC branch. I guess because their are so many Brits and EU Nationals residing on the North Coast. Over here on the eastern side of the island, not such a large ex-pat community and the HSBC customers were mainly TC's who voted with their feet from the instant of the first announcement. For months now the Gazi branch has been empty and HSBC laid off at least 50% of their staff.

I very much doubt that Sophie would have learned anything new had she stayed waiting in line, The admin of the new owners has been a shambles. In early Sep't it was stated changeover would be early November, that came and went. When I closed my Accounts on Friday last they were saying it would be January before we got new debit cards and change of accounts.

tt.

[Jonnie]

HSBC or ALBANK are still to provide me with any information, thankfully I have move to Garanti largely due to lack of information but also due to Albank being a new TC bank.

[mrsgee]

Dog Walker, not sure which Garanti branch you are talking of which has gone? If you on on the East side of Girne there is a Garanti machine by the big leather shop in Catalkoy on the main road, by Ya Beles. There is also the one by Lemar in Karakum, opposite the change shop, and there is a new branch recently opened just down from the state hospital going in towards town. I have also used the one near the 1001 shop in town. The one by Deniz Plaza was closed and refurbished but is open again now. If on the West side, there is one on the car park of Lemar (I think it is Lemar now) just before the turning for Zeytinlik, there is also one on the forecourt of a petrol station on the left hand side of the road heading from Alsancak towards Lapta, although I am not sure if it falls under Alsancak or Karaoglanoglu. You might also find one in the big hotels. There used to be one in Cratos but it has now been replaced by some other bank. Hope this helps.

[kiplet]

HSBC Taken Over by Albank
30 November 2017

North-Cyprus-News-HSBC
The Central Bank’s Board of Directors decided to transfer the North Cyprus branches of HSBC Bank A.Ş. to Albank Ltd.

According to a decision taken at the November 2 meeting of the Central Bank’s Board of Directors published in the Official Gazette dated November 27, the transfer of Albank Ltd was approved to be transferred in accordance with Article 40 of the Banking Law with all assets and liabilities of branches of HSBC Bank.

HSBC Bank’s banking license was cancelled and transferred to Albank Ltd.

[kiplet]

Any one concerned ?

[mrsgee]

Not me, I moved my money as soon as I heard it was happening.