A bank branch in shipping containers? Yes, it does exist in Singapore.

Last Tuesday, I followed my company’s financial director and a collegue to visit our client in Singapore. I have no idea where it is located, but I just followed. After the meeting with the client, we came out and had a very late lunch at 5:00pm. Then we headed for the main road to catch a taxi.. and this is what I saw there..

What is it? It is a bank, a real bank in shipping containers! I know Singapore has a lot of these containers at their shipping yards, but never thought that they would use them for their temporary bank branch.

Behind me, while I was taking the photo is the original branch which is going through some major renovations. OCBC has found a cost effective and safe way to run a temporary bank branch.

I did not photograph the front part of the bank because there were policemen around it. In fact, you can see the back of one policeman who is blocked by the pink mobile washroom. Banks are usually quite sensitive over people taking photographs. I do not want to risk being questioned by police as I forgot to bring my international passport with me at that time, I left it in the condominium. Silly me..

Here we go, a guide for you which you can do it yourself..

How to create a Shipping Container Bank guide:

1. Get 4 small sized shipping containers, 2 mobile washroom, huge canopy tent, red carpet, chairs and potted plants.
2. For all 4 shipping containers, on one side cut small counter windows to attend to bank customers. And cut door holes and container to container connector holes. Fix air-conditions in each container.
3. Arrange all 4 containers in a ‘U’ shaped layout. Within the ‘U’ space, put the carpets and chairs for customers. Add potted plants for decoration.
4. Place the mobile washroom behind the shipping container bank.
5. Fix the huge canopy tent above your bank.
6. Bring in all your computer system and cash and place them in your shipping containers. Put in a few bank staffs. And don’t forget to place a few police officers around your bank.
7. Now your bank is ready for business!

I think it is quite safe to have this kind of temporary bank branch in Singapore. In other countries surrounding it? Just forget about it, the bank might disappear overnight.