How to use ATM in China (Tips & Notices)

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

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.