Credit CardsCredit cards are only accepted at most hotels and some tourist shops and department stores. expect to pay in cash.
Changing MoneyChanging money can be done in a number of ways. there are foreign exchange counters at most border crossings and international airports. most hotels will have a foreign exchange service and will exchange cash and travelers checks, although, as with hotels everywhere, they charge a commission. the bank of China will exchange money and travelers checks, but not all of the other chinese banks do so. It is a requirement that you produce your passport to complete the transaction. Banks will only accept foreign bank notes that are undamaged. Notes that are even slightly torn will be rejected. travelers checks can be a secure solution if traveling for a longer time. it is generally easier to change your money at the hotel.
The local currency is not convertible outside China, so if you have any left over you will need to change it back before you leave, or at your departure point. make sure that you keep one or two of your exchange receipts, which you'll need to change it back again. You can exchange renminbi for Hong Kong dollars in Hong Kong.
Cash withdrawals from visa and mastercard credit/debit card are possible at the main branches of the bank of China in each city. A small fee is charged by the bank and charges are also applied by the bank/credit card provider.
Bank of China ATM machines are compatible with cirrus and pulse so cash withdrawals are easy to complete using these machines. Only use atm's that display the visa and mastercard symbols. An English menu will appear when you insert your card. The exchange rate that is applicable through atms is good and this can be a very convenient way to organize your money. Locations for ATMs are available from your card issuer. Limits for withdrawals on each transaction differ but us$250 per transaction is common.
Western Union is available in China although fees apply to transactions. check the western union website for locations.http://www.westernunion.com/info/selectcountry.asp
Local currencyThe Chinese money is called renminbi (people's money). Locals often refer to the Yuan as Kuai. the Mao (or Jiao) notes or coins are denominated 1, 2, or 5. (10 mao = 1 yuan) .
Yuan (Kuai, notes of usual size, feature Mao Tse Dong)
1 (reddish brown or light green) -- equal to 10 Mao
Mao (notes are very small, features the pictures of workers and farmers)
1 (brown) -- equal to 10 fen
1 (brown) -- equal to 10 fen
Coins are also in circulation, but normally people do not keep it.
Bank Directory in Shanghai
| Banks in Shanghai | Address | Telephone |
| Shanghai branch of Huaqi bank | floor 20, china shipping building, no. 1, Pudong main street | 020-58791200 |
| Shanghai branch of Hualian bank limited company | No. 88, century main street | 020-50478200 |
| Shanghai branch of overseas Chinese bank | Floor 23, no. 710, oriental road | 020-58200200 |
| Puxi subranch of Shanghai branch of overseas Chinese bank | No. 120, jiujiang (nine rivers) road | 020-63233888 |
| Shanghai branch of Huaxia bank | No. 1828, beijing west road | 020-62258866 |
| Hongkou subbranch of Shanghai branch of Huaxia bank | No. 833, siping road | 020-65212156 |
| Hongqiao subbranch of Shanghai branch of Huaxia bank | Floor 2, no. 458, Gubei road | 020-62342529 |
| Puxi subranch of Shanghai branch of huaxia bank | floor 1-2, Yuan building, no. 738, oriental road | 020-68671061 |
| Putuo subbranch of Shanghai branch of Huaxia ank | No. 1329, Xikang road | 020-62983622 |
| Waitan subbranch of shanghai branch of Huaxia bank | No. 5, Zhongshan south road 1 | 020-63230143 |
| Yangpu subbranch of Shanghai branch of huaxia bank | no. 1207, Kongjiang road | 020-65709961 |
| Shanghai branch of bank of communications | No. 99 Zhongshan south road | 020-63111000 |
| The head quarter of bank of communications | No. 18 xianxia road | 020-62751234 |
| Shanghai pudong developing bank (the headquarter) | No. 50 ningbo road | 020-63291188 |
| Shanghai Pudong developing bank (the central bank) | No. 10-12 Zhongshan east road 1 | 020-63296188 |
| Sales department of Shanghai construction bank | No. 200 huaihai road (middle) | 020-63181818 |
| Shanghai bank | 476 Xianxia road | 020-62955327 |
Thank you for this valuable information. I had heard money exchange options like western union are available only through nationalized banks in China. Now I have addresses too.
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