Thursday, January 12, 2012

Banks ready for CNY rush for new banknotes

My Paper, Thursday, January 12, 2012, Page A6, Home
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/cnd/fvxen/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2012-01-12
Source Website: http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20120112-321310.html
By my paper, Thursday, Jan 12, 2012



PHOTO: Besides stocking up on new notes, most banks have also set up express counters for the exchange of banknotes in anticipation of long queues.
http://www.asiaone.com/A1MEDIA/news/01Jan12/20120112.092812_st_banks.jpg
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20120112-321310.html


WITH Chinese New Year less than two weeks away, banks here have pulled out all the stops to ensure that customers can easily get crisp new banknotes for red packets.

The annual measures were rolled out sooner this year - at the start of the year - as Chinese New Year arrives earlier than usual this year.

Besides stocking up on new notes, most banks have also set up express counters for the exchange of banknotes in anticipation of long queues.



PHOTO: Singapore $2 Uncut Notes with Two Triangles
http://www.tanwj.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/singapore-2-dollars-uncut-sheet-of-3.jpg
http://www.tanwj.com/banknotes/singapore-2-uncut-notes-with-two-triangles/


United Overseas Bank (UOB) has a cash-only counter at its main branch in Raffles Place. Some POSB and DBS Bank outlets, including DBS' Shenton Way branch, have similar counters.

DBS and POSB customers can also get prepacked bundles of notes at 12 SingPost branches.

Each customer is entitled to two bundles of prepacked new notes, consisting of 100 pieces of $2 notes and 30 pieces of $10 notes, for a total of $500.

Pre-packed bundles have also been prepared by HSBC, OCBC Bank, Maybank and Citibank. The banks have found that such bundles help reduce customers' waiting time.



PHOTO: The Singapore $5 note with one square. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has often made such uncut sheets available through auction only.
http://www.tanwj.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/singapore-5-dollars-uncut-sheet-of-3.jpg
http://www.tanwj.com/banknotes/singapore-2-uncut-notes-with-two-triangles/


HSBC has prepared packs of 100 pieces of $2 notes.

Each Maybank customer can order up to two pre-packed "fortune" bundles, each consisting of 100 pieces of $2 notes and 30 pieces of $10 notes.

OCBC has activated service ambassadors to help customers fill in order forms and speed up the exchange of banknotes. New notes are also available at automated teller machines outside OCBC branches with high traffic.

Standard Chartered has arranged for full staff strength at its branches.



PHOTO: Portrait of Yusof Ishak
Yusof Ishak sketched in pencil, without full shading. Just sketch from the Singapore $2 currency notes.
By jit, Singapore portrait artist caricaturist illustrator
Portrait Workshop - website: www.portraitworkshop.com
blog: www.caricature.com.sg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1181/1411207223_cdf61b4d8f.jpg
http://www.caricature.com.sg/2007/09/portrait-of-yusof-ishak.html


Citibank offers a cash-delivery service to its Ready Credit, Citigold and Citigold Private clients: a minimum order of $2,000 worth of new banknotes can be taken to a customer's home or office by armed Cisco guards.

Some banks have extended operating hours to cater to customers who arrive at the last minute.

Some DBS and POSB outlets will close one hour later from next Monday to Friday.

Some UOB branches, such as those in Orchard Road and Novena Square, will open up to 4pm on Saturdays.

OCBC has 21 branches that open till 7pm daily.


HELPDESK
我的字典: Wǒ de zì diǎn

Pull out all the stops: 竭尽全力 - jié jìn quán lì
Express: 特快的 - tè kuài de
Waiting time: 等候时间 - děng hòu shí jiān
Armed: 带枪的 - dài qiāng de



Reference
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