exchanging currency in China

Hi.

We leave tomorrow for China. Where is the best place to get a good rate when exchanging USD for RMB? We have our friend picking us up at airport so I can pretty much exchange it anywhere. Are the ATM%26#39;s rates competitive? Is it ok to use my cirrus visa card in restaurants %26amp; stores?

Suggestions or input?

Thanks!!!

exchanging currency in China

It is easy to get money using your ATM debit card. Rates are different per bank.

Also you can exchange your money at the bank or at the hotel. The last is a bit more expensive.

There are also people offering you to change money in the street.I guess that is not safe. I had one time that one came into the bank to offer me to change money. He saw I was waiting there for my turn.

exchanging currency in China

Do the hotel ATM%26#39;s read in English?

Thanks!

I haven%26#39;t seen an ATM in China without an English option.

All ATM machines have english. You will not be able to use your bank card to pay for things in store. Not every place accepts credit cards. Cash is king in China. Hotels, department stores and fancier restaurants will accept credit cards but in stores you are likely to have to show your passport.

You can also exchange overseas currency at the money exchange at the airport when you arrive. The exchange rate is set by the Chinese government so it is the same everywhere.

The majority of stores %26amp; restaurants won%26#39;t take cards.