Standard Bank is hopeless internationally - No assistance whatsoever

Standard Bank is supposed to be a big South African bank. I highly doubt it, they can't take care of their customers internationally. I get countless emails about Standard Bank Shyft and international services but they can't resolve simple queries when your'e actually abroad.

Please do not use Standard Bank if you require assistance from a bank to do international transactions.

I had a problem a few months ago with my online account and APP. I couldn't make payments from my account because of an issue with my phone number. This issue took over four months to resolve. I couldn't make payments to anyone in the country. It affected business for me, I couldn't pay my accounts or even send money to my family.

Eventually Standard Bank contacted me and it got resolved. A few weeks later, I have the same problem AGAIN and for the past three months, I couldn't make payments.

I can do no transactions, the same guy that resolved my problem the last time seems to be ignoring my emails. I've called customer service to no avail multiple times. These calls are so expensive.

Trust me DO NOT USE this bank abroad. Besides calling expenses that have easily gone over R800. I can't pay my accounts, I can't send money to my family via instant money.

Its so frustrating being abroad and not having any control over your own MONEY!!!!!!!!