Through the Citibank Korea Global Banking site, Korean travelers and students can access their bank accounts and enjoy a range of financial services from anywhere in the world. / Courtesy of Citibank Korea

Coming to a country with a different culture without knowing the local language can be a thrilling, yet stressful experience, if you do not have the right support. But one thing that any Citibank customers in any part of the world can enjoy is that they can always come to Citibank to ask for help, be it to find iconic places on the map or to withdraw money in local currency from their home country's Citibank accounts.

That is why Citibank Korea is the one stop shop for any foreigner travelling or living in Korea. Citibank is the most global bank in the world, with presence in more than 100 countries, and thus the natural choice for any person with global banking needs.

Every foreigner has different needs as they settle in a new country and finding the right bank is an important first step in this transition. Citibank Korea provides a superior and a more convenient service from the beginning with English speaking branch staff who understand the concerns and needs of foreign customers.

Citibank Korea's staff can help them open a bank account with ease. Customers can receive Citibank Check Cards that allow them to use Citibank Korea ATMs nationwide, with foreign language support both in English and Chinese.

In addition, Citibank Korea offers "emergency cash service" in case a customer loses all of his/her payment means (e.g. loses wallet, purse). By simply visiting a nearby Citibank branch, Citibank Korea will provide up to $2,000 in emergency cash.

Citibank Korea also provides one of the best English-based Internet banking environments, with a very user friendly interface. By visiting any of the 220 Citibank Korea branches or connecting to its Citiphone call center, Citibank Korea staff will assist the customers to set up internet banking access.

Also, Citibank Korea is the first bank in Korea, which provides a mobile banking service affiliated with SK Telecom and KT. This service will allow customers to conveniently access banking services through their mobile devices.

Citibank Korea offers a wide range of credit cards that meet the needs of foreigners such as discounts in everyday shopping (gas stations, movie theaters and restaurants, for example), or accumulating miles for frequent flyer programs.

Citibank's Premier Miles Card provides an excellent mileage accumulation program, and also allows flexibility for customers to choose different airlines for mileage redemption (e.g. Korean Air Lines, Asiana Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay pacific and many more).

One of the transactions that foreigners perform more often than local residents is international money transfers, either to send money abroad or to receive money in their local accounts. Most of the other local banks provide remittance services that take at least two or three days to complete.

But with the Citi Global Transaction (CGT) service, foreign customers can remit funds in "real time" to overseas Citibank accounts. This transaction is simple and convenient and can be done through Citibank Korea's Internet banking site. With its instant remittance feature, customers do not have to wait or worry about delays.

Citibank can also help customers who want to actively manage their wealth through various financial instruments.

Citibank Korea's well-trained Citigold Relationship Managers can help high net worth customers by providing professional wealth management advice. Citigold customers can enjoy quality service no matter where they are in the world such as Worldwide Citigold Center access, preferential FX rate, 24/7 dedicated phone center service, emergency medical services and more.

Citibank has a customized solution for every client. Visit one of Citibank Korea branches today, or go to: http://www.citibank.co.kr/eng/index.jsp or call 82-2-3704-7100.

leeth@koreatimes.co.kr