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Using foreign debit/credit cards in Shanghai

Shanghai Expat Forum Index » City Living Forums » Questions and Answers

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izanami
PopStar
PopStar

Joined: Jan 27, 2004
Posts: 1037

Posted: Apr 21, 2004 - 08:37 AM
Post subject: Using foreign debit/credit cards in Shanghai

I've a debit/credit card from Citibank (Singapore). I'm having problems getting my card accepted at some places, even when some claim that they accept intl cards. It was also impossible withdrawing money from the ATM (China Construction Bank). I'm almost running into liquidity issues. Anyone has similar experience?

Michael

Moderator

Joined: Mar 22, 2002
Posts: 5291

Status: Offline

Posted: Apr 21, 2004 - 09:13 AM

It doesn't all work as seamlessly as it should. Some work with overseas cards and some don't. You will have to find ones that do. I find some don't like PINs more than 4 digits. Bank of China has usually worked.

Andreas
Board Royalty

Joined: Feb 27, 2004
Posts: 6409
Location: 31 N 121 E

Posted: Apr 21, 2004 - 09:20 AM

You should have no problem with BOC, ICBC and HSBC

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Andreas
Board Royalty

Joined: Feb 27, 2004
Posts: 6409
Location: 31 N 121 E

Posted: Apr 21, 2004 - 09:22 AM

Forgot to add, if all fails go to BOC the foreign exchange counter and get a cash advance on your credit card. Bring valid ID.

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dek

Barker

Joined: Feb 09, 2004
Posts: 145

Status: Offline

Posted: Apr 21, 2004 - 09:23 AM

I normally get cash advances from my credit card at HSBC ATMs. There are several (like the one in Portman) that only accept foreign cards. The good thing is that you can withdraw up to 3000 RMB each time. Other ATM's usually only allow 2000 RMB.

Benoist_Shanghai
Low Seater

Joined: May 18, 2003
Posts: 3057

Posted: Apr 21, 2004 - 11:36 AM

Plus, you can use your NETs Card in quite a lot of ATMs too.

benoist.

worldrally

Lurker

Joined: Jan 20, 2003
Posts: 24
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline

Posted: Apr 22, 2004 - 10:20 PM

I have a Citibank credit card. No probs using it at any vendor accepting international cards. Only places I can't use it are merchants only accepting locally issued cards. Not sure how it is diff from a debit/credit card. Usually if you use it as a credit card, you do not need to input in the pin number.

If you need cash, you can go to Citibank and withdraw from their atms. Believe one branch is at/near Peace Hotel, the other on Lujiazhui. Also heard there's an atm at Ritz Carlton, not verified personally though.

JayTee

Newbie

Joined: Feb 24, 2004
Posts: 2

Status: Offline

Posted: Apr 23, 2004 - 01:04 AM

I've a similar card (ZhongXin A/C) from Citibank Spore as well. Is your debit/credit card linked to a MaxiSave a/c? If so, you should be able to make withdrawals at most atm machines with the visa logo. You'll be surprised at how attractive the exchange rates are too. I've tried making withdrawals from ICBC, CCB, Bank of Comm, Bank of China atm machines at places like Carrefour (Gubei), Raffles City (B1 - near escalator) amongst others - all at no additonal charge.

Good luck.

SiaoKia

Seeker

Joined: Feb 17, 2004
Posts: 53

Status: Offline

Posted: Apr 23, 2004 - 01:52 AM

If you have DBS Savings bank card, you can also withdraw money from ATM that display Visa logo and international card. Some of the ATMs are only for local cards, just make sure you look for those with Visa, Cirrus or PLUS sign. DBS charge you $5 per transaction, so you should look for those allow you withdrawl up to 3000 RMB like HSBC.

ksporry

Squeeker

Joined: Sep 03, 2004
Posts: 12

Status: Offline

Posted: Sep 07, 2004 - 01:17 AM

I have a related question. I heared not that many shops in Shanghai accept credit card, and even fewer accept foreign credit cards. Is this true, or does this only count for shops that are outside the city centre? Ofcourse I understand that not every shops accepts them.

Another thing. I am planning to make a big purchase, using my credit card. If I am forced to get the amount in cash (well over 1000 GBP), are there any banks that I could get cash advances on my credit card and which ones? What amount would they charge me, and what would be the maximum amount I could withdraw on a day?

snowbytes

Reacher

Joined: June 29, 2004
Posts: 300
Location: xu hui
Status: Offline

Posted: Sep 07, 2004 - 09:00 AM

I have a Citibank card have have no problems withdrawling cash at ICBC and HSBC

Ouling

Barker

Joined: Aug 29, 2004
Posts: 170
Location: Atlanta Georgia, USA
Status: Offline

Posted: Sep 07, 2004 - 03:33 PM

If it has the Visa logo on it, it should be accepted anywhere visa is accepted. i do not think a place that accept china Visa won't accept America Visa.

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