Cash or credit card for Shanghai

[sammm]

Hi, i've been reading Frommers guide to china, and it mentioned regarding shanghii that nearly all places use cash not credit card. is this true? in the market i assume its cash. would it be easy to get cash out of any ATM using my wizard card?

 

[MrHyde]

Yes, I would agree... Use cash everywhere except at maybe high end stores.

Does the card have Cirrus logo on it. If yes, then there are normally ATMs in most of the 4-5* hotel lobbies that you can use to withdraw cash.

 

[kezsco]

Having lived there for a while. Cash is definitely the way to go.

Can withdraw cash from some cash machines. There are citibank machines in most upmarket malls/hotels which will do foreign cards (look for cirrus / maestro logo).

Most local bank atms aren't able to link to cirrus / maestro network. (could be changing now though).

 

[joeymelb]

Use cash, it gvies you more flexibility and bargaining power. Just take AUD with you and exchange it on the fly. The local exchange booths are competitve and if you hare exchange some larger amount, you can always try to get a better rate.

Credit Cards are good for high end stores and hotels. If you are friend with locals (who you can trust), they can tell you which store/shop are safe to use CC.

All in all, use common sense when it comes to CC, if it doesn't feel right, don't use CC.

Enjoy Shanghai, it is fantastic/futuristic city with lots to offer!

 

[angelacourt]

Definately cash for Shanghai....you will get a much better rate over there.
i advise you to exchange a little cash in aus as it's silly to arrive in a foreign country without any local cash...i work in the foreign exchange industry and have for the past 15yrs...take extra care when using credit cards as fraud is rampant and you cant barter with a card. CASH IS KING