Can I use my credit cards in China?

Can I use my credit cards in China?

Major credit cards such as Master Card, Visa, Diner's Card, American Express and JCB can be used to purchase goods in large shopping malls and stores in the big and medium cities, to pay for hotel rooms and for meals in some of the fancier restaurants, and to buy plane tickets with them. Beyond that, you'll need cash.

In large cities,most bank machines accept major international networks,so your ATM and debit cards should serve you well, though you'll want to keep an eye on exchange rates and service fees. Smaller cities will typically have at least one branch of a major Chinese bank, including ATMs, traveler's check cashing and currency exchange services, but the farther off the beaten path you go, the more important it is to make certain you've got enough cash on hand.

Much of China is far safer in terms of petty crime than in the West,and it's not at all unheard of to see a grandma in Shanghai walking down the street with a plastic shopping back full of stacked RMB. That said, err on the side of caution:old standbys like traveler's checks,a money belt and backup financial plan (like a trusted contact who can wire you funds) are good ideas for extended travel.

Credit card companies typically charge some kind of small international processing fee for overseas transactions, but it's usually very modest. Outside of major hotel chains, using a credit card gets a little more complicated.,

Author/Editor By : HCT