United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong SWIFT/BIC code

United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong SWIFT code: UOVBHKHH

The short code UOVBHKHH and the 11-character code UOVBHKHHXXX refer to one and the same institution: United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong, with its head office in Hong Kong. A SWIFT code shows the banks handling a payment exactly which bank should receive the money. In daily life you mostly come across it on international invoices, in your banking app and in the bank details that United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong provides.

On this page we explain what the code is put together, when you need it and what else a transfer to or from United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong requires. Keep in mind that the BIC only identifies the bank, not the account: the account number or IBAN does that part.

A note on our data

We gather bank codes from public sources and update them from time to time. It is possible that a code on this page is no longer current after a merger or reorganisation. The figures we show are based on our own data, not official figures from United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong.

See our directory on this page as a helpful check, and let the details from the recipient or United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong have the final say. We are an independent comparison site and not affiliated with United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong. Should you notice a mistake, we appreciate a message.

Transfer times and tracking a payment to United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong

A SWIFT payment typically needs anywhere from one to several business days, depending on the currency, the route and the banks involved. Payments made after the cut-off time or just before weekends and holidays usually start the next business day. Extra checks by one of the banks can also cause some delay, even when all details are correct.

Many banks use SWIFT gpi, which lets them follow a payment from bank to bank. Each gpi transfer carries a unique reference, the UETR. Keep your transfer receipt – you will need it for any trace request.

A missing payment has to be traced by the sending bank on the basis of the transfer details. On the receiving end, you can look at your statements for a slightly lower amount.

Sending HKD to United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong

The local currency of Hong Kong SAR China is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). A payment in a foreign currency is exchanged into HKD. You rarely see a separate charge for that conversion.

Where the conversion happens has an effect on the final amount. In many cases you pay less to send HKD straight away through a provider with a good rate rather than letting the receiving bank convert.

The HKD rate changes throughout the day. For recurring payments, small differences in the rate add up over a year.

Sending money abroad from United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong

If you send money to another country through United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong, the visible fee is rarely all of the cost. You pay the transfer fee, possibly charges from correspondent banks along the way and, most importantly, the exchange rate markup when the money is converted.

That exchange rate margin is often the largest item, and it is easy to miss. A simple test: put the bank’s rate next to the mid-market rate for the same moment and look at the difference.

For many currency pairs, a transfer service turns out to be less expensive than a bank – mostly thanks to the rate. GoldexPay compares the amount that arrives with different providers. You can still keep your account at United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong to fund the transfer.

Incoming international payments to United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong

For an international payment into your account at United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong, the sender needs more than the BIC. What they need is: the account holder’s name, account number or IBAN, UOVBHKHHXXX and often your home address.

It helps to add the bank name and its city too, since some forms ask for it. Check the details before you send them – a sender rarely spots a mistake in someone else’s details.

Money from abroad will not always land for the full amount. Charges on incoming payments differ from bank to bank – the price list of United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong tells you what applies. Agree with the sender who covers the fees, especially for larger amounts.

How to check UOVBHKHH before you pay

The best place to find the right code is a document from the bank itself, such as a statement or the account details in online banking. Check it against UOVBHKHH here; if they differ, ask before you pay.

An incorrect BIC can cause a delay, a payment being sent back or additional charges for investigation. A mistake in the IBAN or account number can be more serious because it can reach the wrong person, so check that just as carefully.

Many banking apps check the format of IBANs, but that does not prove the account belongs to the right person. If your bank offers it, a name check on the recipient adds an extra layer of safety. Sending a small amount first can be a sensible step for large sums despite the extra fee.

Head office or branch code at United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong?

Our directory lists 3 SWIFT/BIC codes for United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong. Next to the head office code UOVBHKHHXXX, there are codes for branches, departments or specific services.

In most cases you do not need to look up a branch: payments sent to UOVBHKHHXXX are routed within United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong without problems. Only use a branch code when the recipient gives you that exact code, for example on an invoice or in their bank details.

When in doubt, ask the person you are paying for the exact BIC in their bank details. Branch codes are more prone to be retired than UOVBHKHHXXX.

Protect yourself against fake payment requests

Fraudsters regularly use payment requests with changed bank details sent from what looks like a familiar address. A valid SWIFT code tells you nothing about whether the request is genuine: scammers use real codes of real banks.

Always confirm changed bank details by phone on a number you know, not one from the message. Pressure or secrecy are warning signs. Already paid? Call your bank straight away and ask them to try to recall the payment; also report it to the police.

Scams also target the receiver: someone sends too much and wants you to refund the extra to a new account. A screenshot of a transfer is no proof – check your own account.

Why United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong has an 8- and an 11-character code

Each SWIFT/BIC code starts with an 8-character core: a four-letter bank code, two letters for the country and a two-character location code. For United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong, that core is UOVBHKHH.

XXX at the end of UOVBHKHHXXX does not stand for a placeholder or an error: it indicates the head office of United Overseas Bank LTD Hong Kong. Some banking apps ask for 11 characters, and then you can enter XXX behind UOVBHKHH.

Do not add spaces when you enter UOVBHKHH; the code is always written in one block. Pasting the code beats typing it by hand: a typo can point to another bank.