The main reason I signed up for a checking account with HSBC is because they are the world’s local bank (so I thought). When I was setting up my account with my HSBC representative, I asked him if I could withdraw money while in Taiwan for free (no fees). He reassured me that this was the case. I went ahead and deposited my money and went on my merry way. Fastforward two years. In four days, I’ll be on a plane for my long-awaited vacation in Taiwan. Today, I decided to be proactive and call HSBC to let them know that I’ll be using my card overseas. I checked with my customer relationship specialist about if there are any fees and to my surprise, he told me that there is a 3% conversion fee. I got really annoyed because why would they charge me a fee if I’m using an HSBC bank in Taiwan? Isn’t it the same bank? He told me that HSBC USA is different than HSBC Taiwan. He said something (I was having trouble understanding his accent). Then after a few minutes of being on hold, he told me he’d be transferring me to someone in the International Banking department.

I told this new person that I just don’t understand why HSBC would mislead customers that they can use their HSBC debit card at any HSBC ATM world wide. How are they the “world’s local bank” if they are really separate entities? He said that the banks are separate, but fall under one bank. He then said that if I withdraw money in Taiwan, it costs THEM money to convert the money to NT. Anyway, I told him that he needs to tell his colleagues not to lie to clients. He said he’d escalate this to his managers to let them know. I know that he probably won’t be doing a damn thing, but whatever. I understand that banks just want to make money. If I decide to take money out of an HSBC ATM in Taiwan, I won’t be charge an ATM fee. I guess that’s good right?

I can’t wait for Taiwan.

1. I need to get a raise at work.
2. I need to move into my new apartment.
3. I need to be all packed and ready for the big move.
4. I need to get my security deposit back for this garbage dump apartment. (If you’ve seen my current apartment, you would have to agree.)
5. Empty out the three active fridges.
6. Sign up for mail forwarding.
7. Update billing address on all credit cards.
8. Sell my closet and a/c.
9. Buy new things for the NEW great apartment.
10. Finish my book.

So I had a horrible night today. It ended with me calling my current management company and explaining to “Monika” that I should not be responsible for showing my apartment to prospective tenants. I do not feel safe opening the door for anyone who says they are here to “see the apartment”. After being harrassed by little Asian girls from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, I will be avoiding my apartment from 6-8 pm because Monika says that is when the broker/super will be showing the apartment. Also, she mentioned they do indeed have a copy of my keys (the guy from yesterday claims I never gave them a copy) and therefore am not responsible to open the door for anyone. She apologized profusely. Let’s hope I will be moving out soon so I don’t need to deal with anymore of this crap! I’ve shown my apartment to countless brokers and tenants. All these times, I was not informed in advance that they would be showing up and also no one has used the keys since the first broker.

For those who want to see my current apartment, have a good laugh here. I can’t decide which picture I like the most: the one with the big garbage bag on the floor or the one with the huge closet taking up the whole room. ops:I’ve never considered my apartment to be MTV Real World style. What have I been missing?!

Well, the Yankees won tonight. I totally did not expect it. I’m glad to see that the Yankees could keep a 7-1 lead. I’m also happy that Mo did not blow the save.