Can I open a bank account with a tourist visa?

Okay, so you’re wondering if you can open a bank account with just a tourist visa? Hmmm, that’s a good question! Honestly, it’s a bit of a gray area, and kinda tricky, if I’m being real.

From what I’ve heard and seen – and trust me, I’ve looked into this for friends visiting! – you’ll definitely need your passport. No getting around that, it’s just standard procedure. The tourist visa… well, that’s where it gets interesting. It might help, you know? Like, maybe it’ll sway them a little bit because it shows you’re here legally, even if it’s just for a short time. It proves you’re not just some random person off the street, right?

But, honestly, don’t get your hopes up too high! It’s really all up to the bank, and boy, can they be picky! Different banks have different rules, and even different branches within the same bank sometimes seem to have their own interpretations. I remember my cousin trying to open an account when she came to visit and she got turned down at two different banks before finally finding one that would let her! It was a whole saga.

So, bottom line? It’s possible, but it’s not a guarantee. My advice? Call a few banks ahead of time and ask about their specific policies. Save yourself a trip! And good luck! You’ll probably need it. Seriously.