subject: Do Not Make A Money Transfer To China Until You Learn All Your Options [print this page] China's currency is the renminbi, often called the yuan, and $1 USD is equal to about 6.8 yuan. American dollars are not accepted here, though Hong Dong dollars sometimes are in the southern part of the country. You can bring U.S. dollars to exchange into yuan, but you should keep you receipts when you do exchange cash, since about half can be converted back into American dollars when you leave. Cash is accepted everywhere, of course, and is the most popular form of currency in this country. This is especially true for small purchases, so do not be afraid to go the simple route and just bring cash.
Another option you have is to make a money transfer to China through a prepaid debit card. You likely use cards often in the United States, and you can continue this pattern in most cities of China. Larger areas like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong have plenty of ATMs and retailers who accept cards. This is especially true at larger hotels, stores, and restaurants. However, many convenience marts or smaller shops take cash only, so be prepared with at least some yuan. You can of course also use your regular debit or credit card in this country, but if it gets lost or stolen, you will likely be more anxious than if anything happens to a card with a set amount of money on it. You can add as much as you need to your prepaid debit card for just a few days at a time, and then add more if you find you need it so that you do not risk losing much money if you misplace the card.
Some people still prefer to use traveler's checks over making a money transfer to China on a card. This is fine in China, and you should be able to easily exchange them at hotels, banks, large stores, and airports, such as Beijing Capital Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport, and Xiamen Airport. Overall, this is still a viable option if you do not want to use a debit card to make a money transfer to China. Of course, you could use all three of these popular methods when you visit China so that you always have money available.
