Money Issues in China

ATMs

There are some ATMs in China's largest cities that use Cirrus and Plus networks. However, we still advise you bringing enough cash for travel spend. ATM may not close to your hotel, or they may have the service charge and limitation of withdraw per day.

For Cirrus locations in China, click the following link:

http://www.mastercard.com/cardholderservices/atm

For Plus locations in China, click the following link:

http://www.visa.com

Banking Hours

The Bank of China is open 9:00am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday without lunch break. Commercial Bank, Construction Bank, and Agriculture Bank are open during weekends. The largest hotels have longer bank hours. You can exchange US dollars or traveler's checks for local currency.

Credit Card

Credit Card is only accepted in the commercial areas of largest city. For example, you have no problem to use credit card in East side of Beijing; as majority of foreign companies are reside there. But you will have hard time to find a store at South Beijing that will take your credit card. Thus, you better don't rely on the credit card as you do in US.

Traveler's Checks

As ATMs and credit card are not so popular in China, you may consider using traveler's checks if you don't want to carry so much cash on hand. Most hotels will allow you to change traveler's check to local currency. American Express TravelFunds card, a pre-paid credit line, is another consideration. You can click www.americanexpress.com to find out more information