http://www.offshore.hsbc.com/1/2/
you can do the whole process remotely. my account is setup in GBP though, since party was having major troubles making wires to the US. when they wire in USD it must go through US banks before it gets to its destination, hence the need for a GBP or non USD account.
dont forget that if you are a US citizen and register an offshore bank account, you must report it to the IRS, there is some special form to do so, i dont remember what its called, thats what i hired an accountant for.