Money & Cost in China - Bank Acount / Credit Card / Traveler's Cheque
Bank Account
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| Bank of China |
Can foreigners open a bank account in China? If yes, how does one open one?
Answer: Foreigners can open bank accounts in most banks in China.
The process is fairly straight forward. A passport is required. In addition, different banks may require different amounts of minimum deposits when opening an account, which can be 100 CNY to 300 CNY. When you successfully open an account, you will get a bank card, or a passbook for time deposit. You can use the card to withdraw money from the ATMs.
There are many kinds of deposit, which one should I choose?
Answer: Generally speaking, there are two ways: Demand Deposit and Time Deposit.
Demand Deposit: There are no limits on the amount and time of your deposit as well as withdrawal. A bank card is issued after opening an account. You can deposit or withdraw money in the Bank outlets or the ATM.
Time Deposit: There is a settled time and you can only withdraw your money on the date of maturity. The interest rate of time deposit is higher than demand deposit. There is no bank card for this kind of deposit.
What are the major banks in China which are friendly to foreigners?
Answer: Here we list the service number of some major banks. If you have any problem, you can call for help!
Bank of China: 95566
Agriculture Bank of China: 95599
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China: 95588
China Merchants Bank: 95555
Usually, in the big branches of these banks, English service is available.
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Credit Card and ATM
What kind of credit card can I use in China?
Answer: Currently there are seven main foreign credit cards available in China, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Federal and Million. Credit cards can be used for withdrawing money, shopping and other transactions in most major cities of the country, but generally not accepted in rural areas. It is a good idea to tell your Bank that you propose to use your card(s) in China before you travel so as to avoid any problems. Debit Cards are not used commonly for personal consumption in China.
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Do all the ATMs in China accept my credit card?
Answer: If the symbols and logos of your credit card are shown on the ATMs, then it can be used to withdraw money. It should be noted that different banks have different limits on the sum that can be withdrawn each time from the ATM, with most permitting a withdrawal of 20,000 Yuan in any day.
Can I apply for a Chinese credit card?
Answer: Yes, you can, if you work in China or have steady income. But it is impossible for travelers.
I heard that the PIN number of Chinese card is six-digit, but mine is four-digit. If I withdraw money from the ATMs, can they recognize my card?
Answer: The PIN number of Chinese card is six-digit. You can put two zero before you four-digit PIN to see if it works. Some of the banks also accept the four-digit PIN. However, it is advised to check with your bank first. Keep in mind not to make more than three incorrect number attempts, or your card will be locked.
My card was eaten by the ATM, how can I take it back?
Answer: Most probably, it occurs when you press the wrong PIN more than three times. Your card is eaten; it is locked by the bank simultaneously. Go to the service counter with your passport. With the right PIN number, you can take back your card.
Traveler's Cheque/Check
What is a traveler's check?
Answer: The traveler's check, which is issued by international commercial banks or authorized tour agencies, offers much more security and convenience while traveling. Similar to cash, the check also has different kinds of par values, and is issued in various currencies. At present, the checks issued by American Express, VISA, Thomas Cook, and others are recognized worldwide and are available in most large-scale emporiums, star-rated hotels or can be exchanged in more than 800 banks around the world, without any limitation on the period of validity.
Are traveler's checks accepted in China? Answer: They are accepted in the major banks in the country, where you can buy and cash them. But only some high-end hotels and large-scale emporiums accept traveler’s check. Many visitors now prefer to use credit cards, which are more convenient and widely used.
More about Money and Cost in China: Chinese Currency & Money Exchange Cost of Traveling in China