Whether you’re planning to spend your trip to China strolling through the busy streets of Beijing or exploring the iconic Great Wall, there’s one question that many international visitors to this land of mystery find themselves asking: Is it possible to use my debit and credit cards in China?
Just like any other country, navigating access to your money in China can feel like a pretty daunting experience. But at Crown Currency Exchange, we believe that your holiday’s focus should be on fun, not financial worry! That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to using ATMs in China. From understanding the compatibility of your cards to explaining any potential fees, we’ve got you covered.
While it’s best to take cash with you to China and avoid ATMs where possible to save money on fees, there may be some instances where you have no choice but to withdraw cash. In these cases, there are some safety and security measures you should follow to keep both your finances and your personal information protected.
Before you do anything else, take a moment to consider the location of the ATM. It should be in a well-lit, populated area as this will make you less of a target for theft and give you more confidence in your safety. ATMs located within bank branches or in airports or shopping centres are best for this, and if at all possible, avoid using ATMs at night.
Once you’re confident that the ATM you’ve chosen is located in a safe area, take a moment to inspect the ATM before inserting your card. Look for any signs of tampering or devices attached to the card reader, as these could be skimming devices designed to read your card information. Likewise, if you feel there is some resistance when inserting your card, withdraw it straight away, as this could be a card trap.
In either of these cases, or if something else doesn’t seem quite right, notify the bank or company that owns and operates the ATM straight away. You should also let your own bank know what you’ve experienced so they can keep a close eye on your account for any suspicious activity.
Assuming you feel confident with using the ATM following your inspection, insert your card an enter your PIN as requested. Make sure you remain vigilant when doing this, shielding the keypad with your hand and positioning yourself so nobody is able to see the screen as you make your transaction. Trust your instincts when it comes to people surrounding you, too, and if anything feels unsafe, cancel your transaction immediately and choose another ATM.
While this isn’t a part of using the actual ATM, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your account activity in the days following your transaction. Look for any suspicious or unauthorised transactions, and if you do spot any, contact your bank or credit card provider straight away. They will be able to freeze or cancel your card and investigate further, potentially returning any stolen money to your account in the process.
So, you know that taking cash to China is the best choice, not only for the convenience of being able to shop anywhere but also because it means you don’t have to pay expensive ATM fees or International Transaction Fees. But how else can you prepare for your trip to China to make the most of the experience and keep everything stress-free? Here are some of our top planning tips.
One of the most important things you need to do when planning a trip to China is research your visa requirements. At present, Australian Citizens do require a visa to visit China, and the type of visa you’ll need depends on the purpose of your visit. For tourist purposes, you’ll need a “China L Visa”, which will allow you to stay in the country for up to 30 days, and you’ll also need to have at least six months remaining on your passport.
Once you’ve sorted your visa, think about where you’d like to visit and what you’d like to do, then create an itinerary for your trip. This might include trips to the Great Wall and Forbidden City or hiking through natural wonders like Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Li River. Creating a plan in this way makes it much easier to pinpoint your interests, make sure you’ve allowed time to visit everything you want and leave a couple of “free” days to let China tell you what you’ll be doing!
Planning an itinerary also makes it possible to create a carefully structured travel budget, outlining all of your expenses, including accommodation costs, travel costs, food, drink, shopping, and activities. This not only helps you understand how much money you’ll need in total (plus an extra 10%-20% for unforeseen expenses) but also means you’ll know how much you need to exchange before your trip, saving you money on transaction fees and charges.
It’s also a good idea to familiarise yourself with Chinese customs and etiquette before your trip, as this will help you show respect and appreciation for local traditions. Common practices in China include removing your shoes before entering a home, using both hands to exchange money, and avoiding talking about certain things, like politics.
You should also plan for every eventuality while you're in China, and the best way of doing this is by purchasing a travel insurance policy before you leave. This will protect you financially from things like cancelled flights or accommodation, lost luggage, and medical expenses. Likewise, it’s a good idea to have the contact details for The Australian Embassy in China saved to your phone, as they’ll be able to help if you lose your passport or find yourself in a situation that travel insurance cannot help with.
We hope that all of the information we’ve provided above answers any questions you might have about using ATMs in China. The main takeaway is that, while it is possible, you will be charged a fee (which differs between each type of ATM), and you’ll be limited to how much you can withdraw. With this in mind, we highly recommend exchanging your money before your trip.
At Crown Currency Exchange, you’ll find the best rates on AUD to CNY, with no commission fees or hidden costs, keeping more money in your travel budget! Visit one of our many locations today and speak with our expert team, who will walk you through everything you need to know about buying Chinese Yuan and help you on your way to the holiday of a lifetime!