Plan your China tour? Generally speaking, China is a very ATM friendly country, especially in the large cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hongkong, Macao and the list can be much longer.
How to use ATMs in China?
Most of the local ATMs machines accept Visa and Master. CITIBANK card and HSBC are also very popular in China because Citibank and HSBC have an agreement with UnionPay.
For other cards, you may check the ATMs you are going to use and see if they have the logos and signs for your credit cards.
These are some useful ideas and tips when you are thinking of using ATM in China.
Cash your money through ATMs
It is a good idea to get most of cash you are going to use in China through ATMs by using your credit card or debit cards, and don’t be bothered with great amount of cash before your departure carrying from your home country.
Inform your credit card company
Don’t forget to inform your credit card company that you’ll be visiting China or oversea so they don’t block your purchases.
Keep copies of your cards
Scan your cards (front and back), keep emergency numbers separately in case you lose your credit cards.
Take some home-currency cash with you
You ought to take some home-currency cash with you to exchange at the airport or your hotel upon arrival for taxis or other small expenses, mainly in case that ATMs don’t work or run out of money. Takes one ATM card and possibly a back-up.
Major ATMs of the local banks in China
The major ATMs of the local banks in China include Bank of China, Merchants Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank and China Agriculture Bank.
VISA and MasterCard debit cards
VISA and MasterCard debit cards work in most Bank of China ATMs. For the ATMs of the other major banks, please look for a network symbol on the machine that matches a network symbol on the back of your card.
CITIBANK card and HSBC card can work in most ATM in China because Citibank and HSBC have an agreement with UnionPay.
Most Atms distribute the foreign languages
6. Most Atms distribute the foreign languages including Chinese(simplified), Chinese(traditional), English, French, Spanish, Portuguese…
Chinese Currency
Most Chinese banks distribute 100 yuan note(You can withdraw 100 yuan minimum.). Check out “How to recognize Chinese currency?“.
Transaction fees may be different
Most ATM cards issued by major networks can be used in China, transaction fees may be different though, most charge around RMB20 or RMB30 for a one time transaction of RMB2500.
ATM Debit card & Credit Card
If you are using an ATM Debit card, usually the charges are comparable to drawing money in your own country. If you are using a Credit Card, it can be extremely expensive depending on your bank and how long you take to pay back the money.
Keep your ATM receipts
Keep your ATM receipts so you can re-exchange your Chinese currency back for your home currency on your way out.
China is safe
Basically taking cash out of the ATMs in China is very safe. But still be vigilant.
Further Readings
Top 10 Places to Visit in China
How to Pack for your China Trip
Plugs and Sockets in China
China Tour Packages
Learning Useful Chinese Phrases for Travellers
How to Recognise Chinese Currency
Top 10 Travel Experiences in China
10 Most Scenic Drives in China
Top 10 Most Beautiful Mountains in China
Top 10 Most Beautiful Lakes in China
Top 10 Most Beautiful Grasslands in China
Top 10 Most Beautiful Rivers in China
Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in China
Top 10 Places to See Autumn Leaves in China
Top 10 Most Beautiful Villages in China
Top 10 Most Beautiful old towns in China
Top 10 Most Beautiful Museums in China
Top 10 China Tourist Scams
Top 10 Souvenirs in China
Somebody said a 6 diget PIN is requierd at ATM’S. Mine has only 5 digets?
Hello James,
Basically a 6 diget password required at the ATMS that is outside your home city. If you only have a 5 diget password, you may try to add “0” behind your 5 diget password, adding up to a 6 diget password. If it still doesn’t work. It is better to change your 5-diget passward into a 6-diget password.
I have a 4 digit pin so how will I be able to withdraw cash from an ATM in China?
I used China construction bank in Shanghai took out 1000 yuan…..400 of which I have discovered to be fake. My partner also took cash out straight after me 1500 yuan and he has 600 yuan fake. All 100yuan notes.
I have found the process is fairly straightforward. On paper. When you actually try 7sing the machine, you will find a while slew of errors and problems. Good luck even finding out what is wrong with the GFC.