A new service making it easier for affluent consumers and their families to open bank accounts and obtain credit facilities before arriving in a new country has been launched by Citi.

Citigold Global Banking is a premium personal banking and wealth management service aimed at executive travellers, expatriates, investors and others with financial interests in more than one country. 

The service packages global account opening services with existing Citigold facilities. Customers can now transport their credit history to open bank accounts in a country before arriving, open a credit card account in a destination country with immediate access to credit upon arrival and dial one number from anywhere in the world to reach a Citi customer service representative.

Additional benefits include wealth management and offshore banking, access to 574 Citigold lounges and their business amenities in 36 countries, $10,000 or equivalent emergency cash from their accounts at any of the more than 4,000 Citibank branches in 43 countries around the world and instant transfer fee-free money between Citi accounts in 27 different countries.

Citigold Global Banking staff will also help customers comply with local regulations and privacy laws. Available are single and multi-currency banking products, investment services, funds transfers, offshore banking services and Citi credit cards and concierge services.

The bank plans to expand Citigold Global Banking in the UK to include new services such as access to events, priority pass for airport lounges and emergency healthcare in early 2009.