9 days in Beijing, what to do?
Jun 26, 2004 | 4:10 pm
#31
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Ontario, Canada
Programs: Westjet Platinum, Fairmont Platinum RIP, Accor Gold, Marriott Lifetime Silver, HH Diamond
Posts: 1,296
I was in Beijing a couple of weeks ago, and major hotels and formal restaurants accept credit cards without any trouble, but for the rest you'll need cash. Most major hotels have a currency exchange.
Jun 26, 2004 | 6:17 pm
#32
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,417
cards are accepted at most establishments i frequent, but i usually carry around $50 at all times because taxis, street stalls, and local restaurants don't take plastic. atms are fairly ubiquitous, but some don't take US cards and others go offline fairly often.
Jul 2, 2004 | 1:21 pm
#33
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Clearwater, FL
Posts: 1,006
Originally Posted by moondog
cards are accepted at most establishments i frequent, but i usually carry around $50 at all times because taxis, street stalls, and local restaurants don't take plastic. atms are fairly ubiquitous, but some don't take US cards and others go offline fairly often.
Jul 2, 2004 | 2:29 pm
#34
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,417
there's really no need for dollars at all. possible exceptions:
-if you want to tip someone but prevent the establishment from taking a cut
-when negotiating for fake stuff, i'll occasionally use a mix of currencies in order to smokescreen the merchant
-if you want to tip someone but prevent the establishment from taking a cut
-when negotiating for fake stuff, i'll occasionally use a mix of currencies in order to smokescreen the merchant