Originally Posted by Dianna
We're leaving for China Jul 1. Our local Chamber of Commerce and a travel agency here have told us that China doesn't recognize American banks and that they don't accept credit cards. Is that true? How about in Hong Kong?
this is about the most absurd mis-information that you can receive, and it is from local Chamber of Commerce and a travel agency ??? they must have lived in the woods for the past few years.
sounds you are mainly visiting the major cities and tourist attractions in China, not only credit cards are accepted in big hotels, department stores and upper range restaurants, you can get chinese currency from ATM's with your American bank cards. That is by far the most convenient way to get Yuan. There are ATM's in both Beijing and Shanghai airports. You may need to ask around in order to find them. Almost any big office buildings in Shanghai has plenty ATM's at the lobby. All of them display both VISA and MC logos and you can use your American bank cards. We got our Yuan this way.
Hong Kong - it is as modern a city as NY City - in terms of banking, public transport, shopping, restaurants etc. English is still displayed everywhere - dont forget it was only returned to China by Britain in 1997, a mere 5 years ago.