How hard is it to use a Visa card in China?

[ConstipatedVigilante]

I'm going to China in a couple days (spending the summer there as a student). Does anyone know how hard it is to use a Visa debit card there (ie, how common are ATMs that use them)?

 

[xanis]

http://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/

Select the country and enter the city and voila!

 

[JS80]

What, you don't have $5 to take there?

 

[Red Squirrel]

Originally posted by: JS80
What, you don't have $5 to take there?

LOL

 

[Kirby]

I'm not sure about China, but in Japan nearly everything is cash only.

 

[Andrew1990]

Originally posted by: JS80
What, you don't have $5 to take there?

LOL, pretty soon that $5 will already be China's. Buying stuff from the Chinese with money we borrowed from china. Priceless.

 

[SilentZero]

Depends what its for. When I was in China (Beijing) and Taiwan a few years ago...most major places (i.e. eateries, hotels, shopping centers) all took my Visa and AMEX.

But as others have said..cash is still king for small shops.

 

[imported_Lothar]

Get a Bank of America checking account.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_ATM_Alliance

 

[dr150]

Originally posted by: nkgreen
I'm not sure about China, but in Japan nearly everything is cash only.

Not true. At least in Tokyo.

 

[tk149]

When I visited Beijing and Yunnan province last year, only the hotels took Visa/MC. Plus, there was a limit on the amount of currency you could exchange, although I don't know if it was a law or just a hotel policy.

 

[SSSnail]

When traveling to any Asian countries, it's best if you have cash on you, and don't keep them all in one place.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: dr150

Originally posted by: nkgreen
I'm not sure about China, but in Japan nearly everything is cash only.

Not true. At least in Tokyo.

QFT and folklore. While many citizens in Japan don't really use plastic...the main areas are set up to accept CC's.

However, it's best to call ahead whenever one is planning on relying on plastic.

Since the OP is talking using a debit card, he would be in better shape as more US banks have branches in the biggest cities or reciprocal agreements.