Debit cards in China

[putonghuastudentmark]

Hi there,

Im from Australia and am going to travel in Guangdong for 3 weeks.

Apart from changing for a small amount of RMB before hitting the plane, what is the recommended mode of obtaining cash or making payments on the mainland?

Aus Post provide a 'free' union pay card called load & go. Anyone had experience with this?

[dandmcd]

If you have a Union pay card, those can be used at any ATM in China to withdraw RMB.  That is the easiest way to get some cash when needed, but fees could be awful depending on the bank.  Be  sure to contact the bank number on the back of the card to let them know it will be sued in China, in case a fraud checks blocks the card from being used in a foreign country.  As far as converting the dollar to RMB, the rate will be the same pretty much everywhere you go, the airport, ATM, or an actual bank.

 

However, you'll be surprised to find a lot of places don't accept card payments of any kind, especially as you get out of the Tier 1 cities.  You'll probably want to carry more than just a little cash with you to stay on the safe side, and avoid ATM fees.

[roddy]

I'd work out what your own bank will charge you - it may be easier just to use your existing bank card.

[889]

Also a good idea to carry cards from at least two different banks in case there's a problem with one card.

[chinabro]

I'm from Australia too. I've been to China twice and both times I totally relied on 'travel cards' the entire time I was here.
I'm with Commonwealth bank so not sure if the other banks service is as good.
They give you two cards which link to your bank account and can be used in ALMOST any ATM in China. You just withdraw money with no fees. If the exchange rate is 4.6, then you withdraw money at 4.4. I think this is standard for all cards though.
I would reccommend going to your bank and asking them about these kinds of cards. Or join Commonwealth Bank and make an account for this purpose. Honsetly so damn easy. The first year I spent in China I didn't even bother making a Chinese bank account. Could just rely totally on ATM's and my australian account. Although, when it comes to withdrawing large amounts of cash for apartment rental fees etc. It's a bit of a hassle withdrawing only like 9000 RMB per day. But if your plan is just to travel around you shouldn't have any issues.

This is the second time I've come to China and one difference is that SOME ATM's don't accept my cards. Apparently the 'Union' cards are accepted everywhere. But if you are going to be in major cities, you should easily be able to find ATM's that accept your 'master card' travel cards.

Go ask your bank so you can get the full service. They'll explain rates and what to worry about etc. Although in my experience, bank people aren't very familiar with China.

[putonghuastudentmark]

This is good advice, thanks all.

 

The verdict thus far is

 

Australia Post 'Load & Go' product is a waste of time and possibly even worse than using your normal bank's Visa/Mastercard. The reviews prove this conclusion http://www.productreview.com.au/p/australia-post-load-go.html. 

 

Local banks:

Visa and mastercard will do the job in the big cities. 

Not quite rich enough to get HSBC premier, but the standard HSBC Visa card should give a decent rate (will post reply when I find out)

Also applying for citibank card as per advice from friends. Apparently their rates are very good.