China money matters

[jkingw02]

Hi,

I am off to China (Kunming) in June. Just wondering if anyone had any tips on how to carry currency? I have CBA Gold Awards (I know, its a pretty coughpy card), a CBA Debit MasterCard, and an ANZ Low Rate Visa & ING Visa Debit. Not sure about Travel cards/cheques or just withdrawing on debit/credit Cards?
Any advice is appreciated

James.

 

[PrincessK]

Others who travel regularly to China for biz will no doubt have more experience than me, however... Went to China in 2012 and intended to withdraw cash from ATMs only to discover all the ATMs had cash withdrawal limits per transaction - about AUD$300 from memory. For each transaction i was charged about $35 in fees (CBA debit). Travelled again in 2013 and took cash. Was completely paranoid the whole time!

Not sure if 28 Degrees card would offer a better alternative?

 

[Isochronous]

I've travelled extensively within China and relied on 28Degs for cash everywhere. Most ATMs accept MC and Visa no problems. A few of the smaller banks might not but you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[jkingw02]

Others who travel regularly to China for biz will no doubt have more experience than me, however... Went to China in 2012 and intended to withdraw cash from ATMs only to discover all the ATMs had cash withdrawal limits per transaction - about AUD$300 from memory. For each transaction i was charged about $35 in fees (CBA debit). Travelled again in 2013 and took cash. Was completely paranoid the whole time!

Not sure if 28 Degrees card would offer a better alternative?

$35!? Whoa. :shock:

 

[oz_mark]

18 months ago I usef s citibank plus card to withdraw cash at ATMs. Had no trouble on the parts of china I was in.

 

[PrincessK]

$35!? Whoa. :shock:

Yep. Needed resuscitation!!

 

[jkingw02]

Thanks everyone, looks like its 28degrees for me!

 

[jetlagger]

Yep. Needed resuscitation!!

Your bank sounds like the modern day Ned Kelly. :shock:

 

[mavrick9]

A few retailers only take UnionPay which is a Chinese credit card. But you should be able to get cash from the ATMs of the major banks - HSBC etc easily for minimal fee.

I know that NAB allow merchants to accept Unionpay in Australia but I don't know any banks that will Issue one.

 

[moa999]

Have used 28 Degrees in Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Wuhan with ease...
Works in probably 90% of machines. Only had issues with one red agricultural bank in GZ.