Step one: The importer applies to one of his/her local bank to open an L/C in the exporter's favor. Then this bank is the issuing bank. Step Two: The issuing bank contacts a bank in the exporter's country. This bank is the advising bank It is told by the issuing bank that a credit has been opened for the exporter. Then the advising bank notifies the exporter of the letter of credit. The credit can be guaranteed by this bank if the importer requests this, and this bank becomes a confirming bank as well. The credit becomes a confirmed irrevocable letter of credit. The letter of credit lists documents the exporter must give to his/her bank(advising bank/confirming bank) before he/she can get paid. (See the sample document at the end of this chapter for a clear understanding.) Usually the required documents for the exporter to get paid are: