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Q: Can any Unionpay bank card be used abroad?
I asked about taking cash RMB home to Canada once before but got mixed responses. I've heard that Unionpay bank cards can be used to withdraw Canadian dollar--can anyone confirm this? And if so, would it be best to use ICBC or one of the bigger banks? My current bank is Bank of Hangzhou. It would be easier to not have to worry about taking cash, but I'm just concerned that I'll arrive in Canada without any access to my money.
Sinobear said travelers checks are also a good option, but I've never used those before.
I'm moving home in February and I just want to make sure that I have access to my money once home. It's not a huge amount, about 50-60K RMB. I'm wondering if the best route would be to just have a Chinese friend change it to USD and take it in cash?
Any advice on the best and safest way to get this home would be much appreciated. Thanks guys.
8 years 19 weeks ago in Money & Banking - China
In theory at least, they can if the card number begins with 62, and of course if there are bank machines that support the union pay logo. I've used mine in a lot of different places but never Canada. I use ICBC, don't know if the prefix number 62 is the same for other banks.
You can go to the union pay website and they will tell you if you are able to use it where you are going. I've also googled union pay machine locations in foreign cities before.
I know what you mean about being concerned that it won't work. If I were you I think I'd just change the money to USD, or Canadian if you are able to, and put it in a money belt under my shirt.
'Onion Pay' works in HK, but I've never tried anywhere else. Exit with cash Can$.
'Add-it': 'you could find out listing of the Banks in your Canadian city, and use 'contact us' for confirmation on honouring 'UP'. You just need one bank in Canada.'
icnif77:
If you don't like traveling with cash, open China Merchants Bank Gold account with ATM Visa/Mc logo card. You'll need passport (RP), FEC, phone no. and 1000 Rmb deposit. When phone sim-card expire, they'll close the account. Ask them for detailed explanation about it!
You can use ATM card around the world on ATMs or for purchases at the stores.
CMB Gold acc. also exchanges Rmb to any foreign currency by 'spot-lowest-rate', no fee applies.
In theory at least, they can if the card number begins with 62, and of course if there are bank machines that support the union pay logo. I've used mine in a lot of different places but never Canada. I use ICBC, don't know if the prefix number 62 is the same for other banks.
You can go to the union pay website and they will tell you if you are able to use it where you are going. I've also googled union pay machine locations in foreign cities before.
I know what you mean about being concerned that it won't work. If I were you I think I'd just change the money to USD, or Canadian if you are able to, and put it in a money belt under my shirt.
Unionpay has the answer.....courtesy of Bing!
http://www.unionpayintl.com/column/en/enCard/en_america/en_Canada/index....
ive used Unionpay at some banks in the USA that take it. it is also valid in vietnam, and the philippines. i suspect it is also valid in thailand and singpaore. ive been keeping up with "unionpay" for around a year. supposedly they are integrating with citi group (aka citibank, et. al.). also, i have used unionpay at some walmarts in south central usa. it still hit and miss though, BUT you should be able to find a bank to get a cash. BEWARE though, i was charged $27-30 per 500.00 USD. thats 5-6%. ouch! GL !
I was in San Francisco last year and the taxis are hooked up to let you pay via Unionpay cards. I didn't do it of course but it was possible in a pinch and that was nice I guess.
Actually Union Pay have the abroad withdrawal facilities but we need to activate the card with the bank. Also we need to check whether the bank have recognize the other bank in our home country.
To be safe, you are advisable to open the bank account at the international bank in China like Citibank, Standard Chartered and HSBC instead of local bank.
i have used mine in Narita Airport and other larger tourist shopping areas in Japan.
