Back when BofA had a single (TMK) ATM in the entire country, I would dutifully walk over there on the promise of saving $5. Silly, I know, but apparently I was not alone because, more often than not, that sucker was out of order. The first time I was rejected, I walked into the branch itself and inquired about withdrawing in person. I now understand that that was a pipe dream because the activities foreign banks are currently permitted to engage in is laughable (for the sake of simplicity, forex accounts for foreign passport holders).

Thus, I now appreciate the current strategy -- foreign banks invest the legal maximum in Chinese banks.... and we (foreigners) get the benefits of the local network.

IIRC, Citi's partner in crime is the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. But, I'm guessing this won't help the OP's friend much since her issue appears to be more serious than simply avoiding a $5 fee.

BTW, there is another current(ish) thread on pretty much the exact same topic.