newbie questions re: ATM cash machines

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Feb 8, 2015, 8:48 am

Welltended3

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Join Date: Apr 2008

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newbie questions re: ATM cash machines

I have searched but wanted some current info...am nervous about my upcoming trip in June to Beijing, Shanghai, then Hong z
Kong. Have been to HK twice but not since 1996.

I have a Wells Fargo Plus/VISA ATM card with a 4 digit PIN. Will the 4 digit PIN work in China?

I know to notify my bank about travel.

My ATM card is mag stripe. Will that suffice?

Should I try for a chip card?

Thanks.

Feb 8, 2015, 10:57 am

moondog

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Join Date: Dec 2000

Location: Shanghai

Posts: 42,040

You'll be fine. My Schwab card has a four digit pin, and I use it ATMs almost daily in both the PRC and hk. One in five machines don't like my card, but this isn't an issue in big cities. When in doubt, go for the big 4 banks.

Feb 8, 2015, 12:22 pm

tiblot

Join Date: Apr 2012

Posts: 114

Quote:

Originally Posted by welltended

You can hit any ATM, however WF might charge you a conversion fee. I'm not familar with the Plus account type but look into the fees.

Feb 8, 2015, 2:02 pm

Welltended3

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Thanks. I am sure WF will have fees but they are better than traveling withtons of cash in my undergarments!

Feb 8, 2015, 9:27 pm

mnredfox

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You'll be fine, no issues with WF cards. Just remember WF charges lots of fees for ATMs.

Feb 9, 2015, 3:44 pm

Welltended3

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Join Date: Apr 2008

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WF travel checking/debit account

Went to WF today. For others who may be interested, WF in the DC area and maybe elsewhere offers a free special checking account and ATM card for travel. Card in only linked to the special travel checkibg account, not your other accounts. Can put money in, use ATM card to get currency at usual fees, but you get a few free ATM transactions. Can top up the checking account, etc. Might do that...my regular ATM card is linked to several accounts.

Thanks, all!

Feb 20, 2015, 12:52 pm

L188FE

Join Date: Sep 2013

Posts: 2

I work in Jiangsu Province and have a Wells Fargo account in Florida. I have used my regular ATM/Debit card (mag stripe) several times at Bank of China and Bank of Communications ATMs with no problem. Most ATMs offer English language options. The conversion rate has been fair and the only fee has been a $5.00 non-WF ATM withdrawal fee. NOTE: The most common problem I have seen with my coworkers and other expats is people leaving the card in the ATM, because unlike in the USA, your card is returned to you AFTER the cash is dispensed.