| If I have found out one important thing during my | | | | i could get money in china or not. |
| travels to China it is this: Using ATM machines and | | | | 3:ATM's Beware: If you do use ATM machines to |
| trying to pay with my credit card is without doubt one | | | | draw out cash you will get quite a large fee for doing |
| of the most frustrating experiences I have ever had. | | | | so. An ATM transaction fee and a foreign exchange |
| This is made all the worse if you cannot speak | | | | fee. They can also be unreliable and it is a real pain |
| Chinese and do not understand the cultural differences | | | | trying to get things sorted out if your card gets stuck |
| in China. | | | | or does not pay out the money. However most banks |
| So for all those about to embark on a china tour or | | | | have English speaking staff but do not rely on this as |
| corporate mice trip to China here are some useful | | | | their English is often very limited to Hello, Goodbye, |
| notes to consider before you leave home: | | | | How are you etc. I tend to go to the counter and draw |
| 1: Credit cards are taken in some places but invariably I | | | | my money from the cashier using my passport as |
| found many establishments will not accept foreign | | | | proof of identity. At least you know you will not lose |
| credit cards. | | | | your card or your cash using this approach. |
| This is especially true at airports, train and bus stations | | | | 4: If your stay in China is long enough I would |
| who will only accept cash payments. Even Ctrip online | | | | recommend opening a Chinese bank account. I did this |
| would not accept a western card over the phone | | | | with just my passport and 10rmb and i had my bank |
| because I was flying the next day. I had to travel to | | | | book and union pay atm card within twenty minutes. |
| Guangzhou airport and pay in cash for internal flight | | | | With The Bank Of China you can then arrange |
| tickets which was most irritating. | | | | transfers of your money from your UK bank into your |
| Two hours later and 300 rmb lighter in taxi fares I had | | | | China bank. Union Pay is accepted at all Chinese |
| managed to secure my flights. And it is no good trying | | | | establishments and will make paying for your goods or |
| to argue the point unless you are fluent in Chinese. | | | | services that much easier. |
| 2: Even some banks will not let you draw money out | | | | 5: Always carry some cash with you. I always find |
| with your credit cards. I found that the most reliable | | | | 500rmb is more than enough for most things you will |
| bank was The Bank Of China. I was able to draw | | | | need to do. |
| cash out from their ATM machines with my credit | | | | 6: With a little forward thinking your trip to China can be |
| card and my Nat West debit cards when no other | | | | a stress free experience. Remember to always keep |
| bank would allow me to. They are on virtually every | | | | your receipt when paying for anything and check it |
| street in China which is reassuring. I even checked with | | | | before leaving the establishment. |
| Nat West before leaving and they didn't have a clue if | | | | |