Should I Exchange Currency Before Arriving?

Here’s the deal: Don’t stress about exchanging large sums before your flight to China. While bringing a small amount of USD, EUR, or GBP (around $100-200 equivalent) for immediate expenses like a taxi is smart, exchanging most of your currency after you arrive in major cities like Beijing or Shanghai or at the airport is usually easier and offers better rates. Airports have licensed exchange counters (look for “Bank of China” or “ICBC”) and ATMs, and you’ll find plenty more currency exchange options, plus excellent ATMs, once you’re downtown. Skip those dodgy street money changers! Focus on getting your essentials sorted first - having your passport and destination address handy is key.

Why Are ATMs My Best Friend in Beijing & Shanghai?

Honestly, ATMs are the unsung heroes of getting Chinese Yuan (RMB or CNY). You’ll find them everywhere in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai: airports, hotels, bank branches, shopping malls, even many subway stations. Here’s why they rock:

1. Convenience: Available ²⁴⁄₇. Withdraw RMB directly using your home bank card.
2. Good Rates: You generally get the interbank exchange rate (the best rate), usually better than exchange counters. Remember your bank will charge a small foreign transaction fee and possibly an ATM fee.
3. Safety: No need to carry large amounts of cash initially. Check ATM logos: “UnionPay” is essential (most ATMs have this), but also look for Cirrus, Plus, Visa/Plus, or Mastercard/Maestro depending on your card.

Pro Tip: Notify your bank BEFORE travel about your China trip dates to avoid them blocking your card thinking it’s fraud! Also, know your daily withdrawal limits.

Can I Really Pay with My Phone in Shanghai & Shenzhen? (Hint: YES!)

Absolutely! Forget just cards; Alipay Tour Pass and WeChat Pay are king in China, especially in tech hubs like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and increasingly everywhere. Cash is still accepted, but mobile payments are super common:

1. Alipay Tour Pass: This is the easiest solution for tourists. Link your international Visa/Mastercard directly within the Alipay app. No Chinese bank account needed! Great for shops, taxis, even street food stalls.
2. WeChat Pay: While possible for tourists, setup can be trickier. Often requires linking a Chinese bank account, but options exist for verified users with international cards – research before relying solely on it.
3. Where it Works: Almost all modern stores, restaurants (even small local ones), taxis (Didi), transport apps, attractions. Seriously, have it ready!
4. Cash Backup: Always have some RMB cash too, especially for smaller vendors, markets, or remote areas where mobile signals might be weak.

How Much Cash Should I Budget Daily in Chengdu or Guilin?

Budgeting depends hugely on your travel style! Are you backpacking or splurging on luxury hotels? Here’s a rough daily RMB guide per person covering basics like food, transport, entry fees, and simple souvenirs (excluding big shopping or luxury hotels). Remember, cities like Chengdu (famous for pandas!) or Guilin (stunning karst scenery) might be slightly cheaper than Beijing or Shanghai, but major attractions still cost.

Always factor in extra for those amazing souvenirs or unexpected experiences!

What About Getting Money in Rural Areas or Smaller Towns?

This is where preparation matters more. While mobile payments (Alipay Tour Pass) are spreading rapidly, relying solely on them in very rural villages or off-the-beaten-path locations near places like Yangshuo or inner Mongolia can be risky. Here’s the strategy:

1. Cash is King Here: Withdraw sufficient RMB in larger cities like Chengdu, Xian, or Kunming before heading deep into rural regions. ATMs become scarcer.
2. Confirm Payment: Before getting services (like a homestay or local guide) or ordering a meal at a tiny village eatery, politely ask “Alipay? WeChat Pay? Cash?” (“Zhi fu bao? Wei xin? Xian jin?”). A gesture towards your phone or showing cash usually works too.
3. Small Bills: Break large bills (100 RMB) whenever possible in towns. Tiny vendors or bus conductors might struggle to change 100 RMB for a 5 RMB purchase.
4. Bank Branches: Larger towns will usually have a Bank of China or Agricultural Bank of China branch where currency exchange might be possible, but don’t count on it – cash from the city is your safest bet.

Are Credit Cards Widely Accepted in Major Chinese Cities?

You can use international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) in China, but don’t expect the same ubiquity as Alipay or even ATMs. Think of them as your backup plan:

1. Where They Work: International hotel chains, higher-end restaurants (especially in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou), large department stores (like Ito Yokado, Plaza 66), some international brand shops, and for booking flights/high-speed train tickets online.
2. Where They Often Don’t: Small local restaurants, street food vendors, most markets, taxis (unless booked via an app with card linked), buses, metros, budget hotels/guesthouses, many smaller attractions.
3. Fees: Your card issuer will charge a foreign transaction fee (usually 1-3%). Always pay in RMB when given the choice on card terminals to avoid extra dynamic currency conversion fees.
4. Reliability: Even in places that display logos, card machines can sometimes be “temporarily unavailable” or only accept UnionPay (China’s domestic system).

Deep China Travel Takeaway: Relax about currency exchange upfront. Land with a small amount of home cash, hit an airport ATM or exchange counter, and get most of your RMB there or via ATMs in Beijing, Shanghai, etc. Master Alipay Tour Pass, use ATMs freely in cities, carry enough cash for rural spots, and keep your credit card for bigger purchases. This combo ensures you’ll navigate China’s money scene like a pro, letting you focus on the incredible sights and experiences! Got money worries? Deep China Travel advisors are always here to help plan your perfect trip.