China Travel Forum

[David]

I've read in most guide books that the easiest way to get cash in the big cities in China is via debit card (maestro, cirrus) using an ATM (but preferably at an ATM at a bank in case something goes wrong). I'll assume this is so for Beijing, what about Xian and Guilin?

On the www.yangers.com website it says the Agricultural Bank does cash transactions for debit cards - does this mean i just go up to the counter and get the cash with my debit card?

I'd prefer not to have to travel with travellers cheques as I find it a nuisance to carry around and inconvenient. But is it inadvisable to not to bring traveller's cheques to in china?

I'd appreciate any comments of traveller's experiences. Thanks!

[Kit]

You should be ok with your ATM, especially if you're staying in/near upscale hotels or major tourist centers.....BJ and Xi'an have plenty of both. It may be worth marking an upper end hotel on your map in case of emergencies. Also an excellet place to find the sometimes elusive western style toilet. Luxery!

I definetly found it hit or miss with my ATM card, though. Sometimes the Bank of China machine worked, sometimes it didn't. If it doesn't work for you in English, try it in Chinese (yeah, I don't know why that should make any diffference either). I DO travel with traveler's checks for emergencies, and always keep enough cash stashed on yourself to buy yourself out of trouble. Don't expect credit cards to do too much for you. If a store accepts one, it's probably a tourist trap and selling you a mediocre whatever at a %300 mark up.

Have fun, and make sure to eat hot-pot and meat-on-a-stick!