toxmot

My income is less than 20,000. I have good credit. I am looking for rewards card. I will spend around 100-500+ a month on the card.

LiuzhouLaowai

Very few places in China accept credit cards. The only real use in having one would be to withdraw cash from ATMs - an expensive way to get money.

IdStillPreferNoName

Better get a HSBC ATM Card

9190

It depends on where you will travel to. Credit cards and debit cards are commonly used in most places (stores but not street markets) in cities. I mostly use my credit card in the city I live in and other cities I travel to. I'm not sure about smaller places, though. But wherever you travel, better carry some cash. You always have to use cash somewhere.

craftylass

Neither. I have lived in China for over six years and I've never used a credit card here. China is a primarily cash based society with credit cards/debit cards being used in chain stores and major hotels. I use an ATM card to access my money. You can open an account in any number of banks, but I recommend Bank of China if you are going to be here for a long period of time. If you are going to be here for just a short visit, then bring enough cash to carry you over your visit. Be sure you store it in different locations. Good luck and enjoy China!

LiZ

when I was in China last summer(2008). I never used credit cards. I spend about 6000 yuan during a 3 week period in China. I think it is better to carry cash because when your in China the transportation such as buses and taxi and small markets dont accept cards. hope that help. Have fun on your trip.

debo

Everyone who has answered you has given a correct answer. I have been living in China for 5 years. It is indeed a cash society and you will have to access cash constantly. There are ATMs every where and your cheapest access to cash will be your debit card. To get money off credit cards is very expensive.. I have a Visa card which I rarely use but it is accepted in the major hotels (cheap ones take cash only) and in major department stores and grocery stores such as Carrefour and other foreign owned operations. If you plan on a low budget trip to China, you will have to operate on cash like the rest of us and if you are here for an extended stay (must have a one year visa) you can open an account at Bank of China and get a debit card. I know it is hard to imagine, but that is the way it is here. Good luck on your trip.

MrHexVision

Hell no get a visa debit card. And put enough money in your account for it to be useful.Then I was in China I used a visa debit and internet banking that way I could in an emergency withdraw money and pay for stuff without being over charged for it.With a credit card the rates and charges will be high than normal overseas than compared to a visa debit.

KingstonD

No in China don't use credit and debit card that is issued overesas. Union Pay is dominating the China market and Mastercard and Visa is not very useful in China as only those upmarket areas in China accepts it. Bring cash instead as China is superbly cheap and cash is accepted by everyone in China.

CensorshipYahoo

neither