CCTS China Travel

Can I use my credit, debit and ATM cards in China?

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Can I use my credit, debit and ATM cards in China?

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Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted in major cities, but if you rely on the plastic too much you'll be missing much of what makes China China. Generally, only hotels with ratings of three or more stars, major shopping centers and retailers and large restaurants and supermarkets accept non-Chinese credit cards. Beyond that, you'll need cash.

In large cities, most bank machines accept major international networks, so your ATM and debit cards should serve you well, though you'll want to keep an eye on exchange rates and service fees. Smaller cities will typically have at least one branch of a major Chinese bank, including ATMs, traveler's check cashing and currency exchange services, but the farther off the beaten path you go, the more important it is to make certain you've got enough cash on hand.

Much of China is far safer in terms of petty crime than in the West, and it's not at all unheard of to see a grandma in Shanghai walking down the street with a plastic shopping back full of stacked RMB. That said, err on the side of caution: old standbys like traveler's checks, a money belt and backup financial plan (like a trusted contact who can wire you funds) are good ideas for extended travel.

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• Can I use my credit, debit and ATM cards in China?
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• What do I need to know about China's languages?
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