How ATMs are Used in China

In China, whether in big cities or small towns, automated teller machines (ATMs) are very common. Most ATMs in China accept Visa and MasterCard cards. In addition, Citibank and HSBC cards are very popular in China because they have a collaboration agreement with UnionPay. For other bank cards, you can check if the ATM you are going to use has the corresponding logos and signs.

Using an ATM in China is very easy, just follow the following steps:

1. It is a wise decision to use your credit or debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs in China rather than carrying a large amount of cash before your departure.
2. Remember to inform your credit card company before traveling to China to avoid blocking your transactions.
3. Scan your credit cards (front and back) and store them separately to avoid loss.
4. When arriving in China, it is advisable to carry some cash in US dollars or euros, and exchange it for yuan at the airport or hotel to pay for taxi or other minor expenses, especially if ATMs are not available or not available. They can dispense cash. Additionally, having a backup ATM card is a prudent decision.
5. Local banks in China include Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, among others. Visa and MasterCard debit cards are accepted at most ATMs in China. For ATMs from other major banks, look for a network logo that matches the one on your card on the back. Citibank and HSBC cards can also be used at most ATMs in China due to their agreements with UnionPay.
6. The vast majority of ATMs support multiple languages such as Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, among others.
7. Most Chinese bank ATMs dispense 100 yuan bills. (Note: The minimum withdrawal amount is 100 yuan.)
8. Most debit cards issued by major networks can be used in China, although transaction fees may vary. For a transaction of 2,500 yuan, a fee of 20 to 30 yuan is usually charged. If you use a debit card at an ATM, the fees are usually about the same as in your own country. If you use a credit card, fees can be high depending on your bank and how long it takes to pay.
9. Please keep your ATM receipts carefully, this way, at the end of your trip in China, you can exchange Chinese money again for your country's currency.
10. It is quite safe to withdraw cash from ATMs in China.