As the Chinese New Year approaches, residents queued at branches of HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Bank of China (Hong Kong) on Tuesday to exchange crispy banknotes and good-as-new notes, available until February 16.
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This morning, more than 50 citizens lined up at an HSBC branch in Mong Kok, with many noting the smooth process and reasonable waiting times.
Pang, who arrived at around 7am, said she visited the branch every year and exchanged approximately HK$9,000 worth of new banknotes this time, several thousand more than last year.
She added that she uses the notes not only for red packets but also for shopping, and appreciated the staff assistance as the queue moved quickly.
Au, another customer, noted that it was quite crowded, with a wait of about half an hour. A regular participant in the annual exchange, he exchanged HK$6,000, slightly more than last year.
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“I have more money this year, so I exchanged more for good fortune,” he said, adding that he would give out “double portions of red packets” this year. “The government has provided me with good benefits, so I want to share with others and we can send wishes to each other.”
Leung was satisfied with the process, citing sufficient staff, spacious setting and efficient services. Initially exchanging HK$3,000, he found HK$50 notes were out of stock and planned to queue again, expecting to exchange between HK$10,000 and HK$20,000.
“I’m a fan of new banknotes. I use them from the start to the end of the year,” he said.
Another first-time exchanger, also surnamed Au, said he came on a friend’s recommendation and completed his swap of around HK$3,000 shortly after arriving this morning, mainly for his relatives. He described the atmosphere as lively.
Yvonne Chan, HSBC’s head of retail, wealth sales and conduct, said that the response to online reservations for new banknote exchange was enthusiastic this year, with 45,000 slots secured, representing single-digit growth year-on-year.
She noted that all HSBC branches opened early at 8am, with express counters set up to expedite the process, while some branches opened as early as 7am. In addition, its Express Banking centers in Mong Kok, Kwun Tong and Tuen Mun Town Plaza will remain open.
Chan added that HSBC has arranged for three mobile branches to serve remote areas, including light public housing in Yau Pok Road in Yuen Long, for the first time to offer new banknote exchange services.
She explained that mobile branches previously only provided non-cash services such as account opening, inquiries and simple applications, but additional staff have been allocated this year to facilitate cash transactions.
