Travel Tips

Credit Cards

Credit cards are in everyday use inside China. Many large shopping malls, brand shops, star hotels and even some scenic spots accept Chinese credit cards, and popular international credit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, America Express, Dinners Club, JCB, Federal and Million. In China, most financial service transactions are available on the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) with a Chinese credit card. But not all machines accept deposits. ATMs usually offer services in both Chinese and English. The ATMs are found in most cities, except more remote areas.

Inter-bank services are available on the Chinese credit card with a symbol of 'UnionPay (银联)'. But beware of service charges (usually CNY 2 for one withdrawal). A commission, (usually 1% of the withdrawal amount), is applied when a Chinese credit card is used outside the city where it is issued. The amount you can withdrawal is in multiple of hundreds, e.g. CNY100, CNY 200, CNY 1500…One can usually withdraw CNY 2,000 - 3,000 each time, and CNY 20,000 cumulatively daily. 

Some ATMs of banks, like Bank of China, China Merchant Bank and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China also accept foreign credit cards. Money that the machines dispense is in Chinese currency. This withdrawal amount of money will be deducted from your foreign account according to the exchange rate and the bank's policies.

Use the ATMs:
1. On inputting the password, you'd better use your hand, body, bag or other things to cover the keystroke, in case of its being peeked by others. And don't leave your card out of your sight when using the machine.

2. When withdrawing a large amount of money, you need to be accompanied for safety, or use the counter service, and avoid the out-of-the-way road when leaving.

3. If some accident happens when using the machine, e.g. your card being swallowed, don't trust the contact number posted nearby the machine. You should dial the customer service number of your card. And remember not to give your password.

4. Once your card is lost, to save time you can use the phone to tell the bank. But it is valid only for three days. So you must go to the bank counter for yourself if it is still not found three days later. 

5. You'd better withdraw money in the daytime; in the nighttime some bright spots are better.