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Q: can I open a chinese bank account here in Canada and access while in china
I am planninig on traveling to china next Sept.for up to 21 days and would like to know if i opened a account through the RBC.would i be able to acess my money at ATM's or chinese banks
12 years 17 weeks ago in Health & Safety - China
You can take out money at most ATM's in China just using your debit card.
I have a BMO account and use my debit card in China to take out whatever money I need, and the exchange rate is better than a credit card....I also never get dinged for extra charges either.
denwall2011:
thanks for the info.very helpfull..P/S also enjoy reading your comments,always good info and also some very good laughs..
Yes, you could access your account in Canada from a Chinese Bank ATM machine. Some plastic cards work, some do not. Without getting technical, it will depend which interbank communicating system ( called Interlink ) your bank in Canada uses.
Here in China, all banks either use either Greatwall or UnionPay, in USA and Canada (among others) they use VISA, Maestro, etc.
You will have to double check with the bank in Canada you choose to open yopur account if the interlink system they use can communicate with either UnionPay or Greatwall here in China.
If they are, then it will work. If not, will not work on local ATM, but will work at a local bank teller for a fee between 1 and 3 % of transaction.
In most foreign countries, PIN numbers on debit and credit cards are 4 digits, in China there are 6 digits. In order to work here, assume your PIN number is 1234, you must input 001234. And one last warning, do not waste time when Chinese ATM's either deliver you money or return your card in removing either from machine. If in 45 seconds card or moeny is not taken out, the machine will sallow them again and it is a headache to recover.
DaBen:
Maybe I just got luck with the pin number part, but I've never had to add zeros in front of mine, just hit enter after my four digits. Cause I'm sure I would have been arrested for breaking an ATM if that would of happened the first time I came here.
thedude:
Same with me. Even though I have read this many times I have always just used 4 digits with no problems. Only time I have issues is when I am using my MC with a chip and I have to enter my password on the hand held at a restaurant.
denwall2011:
Must thank you as well HappyExPat.your reply was very helpfull and both you and thedude have put my mind at ease.also enjoy your posts and comments too! And a MerryChristmas to all you guys in China and happy holidays..Take care.
