Yes, there are more tax rules implemented lately (applied mostly to US citizens and PRs) and somewhat become cumbersome for foreigners to open a brokerage accounts in US if they don't reside in US.

Therefore, some brokerages setup foreign offices (outside USA) to help those who are outside USA so that they can trade as well.

Since I've setup mine many years ago, there was no need for me talk to the local branch on any issues because everything that I do pertains to direct accounts in USA only - even for money transfer, statements, tax forms, beneficiaries, etc.
Also... for some of you who have setup US brokerage accounts.. remember to also name and identify your BENEFICIARIES. This is VERY IMPORTANT because in case something bad happens to you, your family member or significant other can access your funds. Otherwise, if you die, Uncle Sam will take it away as unclaimed funds.

the bull is not tired....yet....

Regarding IB,  9 out of 10 from my trading buddies completely ignore it after several weeks/months using it. Would recommend optionsXpress (a.k.a. OX)  for those who are interested in trading options. (Not that I get commision, just base on experience of using several trading platforms for options)

Start learning with TD but considered IB before but after trying out their platform, decided to stay with TD.

IB is good for low commission and they support third party API. Other than that I guess IB is behind in other features. Their chart is not live, their trading platform required some time to get used to it coz not vy user friendly. So if anyone prefer to use third party chart and software, IB is the choice.

So depends on personal preference when it come to broker and platform.

if u withdraw $1000, US bank TT/wire fee will be $50 ?

how do we open US Stock account? The steps it takes and its fee?

by total u mean which?

1. u send fund from MY to US cost RM25

2. broker bank at US send money to MY cost USD25

which 1?

1 way $37 so expensive ka?

why u use Foreign Currency Account (FCA) ?

my local HLIB charges about the same. USD30 ++ that comes to about USD40+ one way. so need to take up alrger amount of shares per contract.

No problem on mine... you may want to check your Internet.
Could be congestion or something causing that download or update to stall?

Seem like updating Java software .. Now Java latest version is Version 7 Update 67 (32-bits) ..
For an IT professional, they will recommend to use the 64bits Java for better protection. It is FOC too.

Since u r in UNIFI 20MB and all other IE/Chrome/Mozilla web browser is function well, it is better to update yr anti-virus DAT
and run full scan after the latest anti-virus DAT update ..Always use latest computer patches by go to 1) my Computer,
2) right mouse click on properties, 3) click on WINDOWS UPDATE.. 4) Update yr WINDOWS..  If no virus threat and yr windows is latest version,
perhaps the application drivers/modules have been corrupted.
Uninstall Thinkorswim software from yr PC, restart the PC once and use internet/Thinkorwell CD to download/install it again..
Put yr Thinkorwell account and password again.. Special NOTE :-  Do not check on "REMEMBER ME or Remember my password or Save Password"
Always key-in yr passwords manually and fast hands in online banking ,online stock/options ...etc..etc  Many malware / phishing / virus in internet nowadays..

Other than brokerage fee

what fee is needed to pay and how much?

Mine working fine, at home and at work on 2 separate computers running Win 7 64-bit. Are you having proxy? Might want to setup or clear it if not having.

Wondering anyone here plays GTAT ? This one been a proxy for AAPL because of their "sapphire' glass - whole year been a monster
bull run.. then after iPhone6 launch... bam!  Drop like a rock. Just two days ago.. bam in to Bear Hell hole (-95% drop). with the bankruptcy filing.

Overnight bargain hunters ram it up from 88c to 1.21.. +50% gain.
Huge huge volume here.

This could be wild wild roller coaster if you're in for excitement here. 

Apple has a great deal on this one, report said so.