Money in China
 

How do you get money in China? I've read where you can't get any Chinese money ahead of time and that ATM machines aren't plentiful. Do I bring traveler's checks and cash them at the hotels? When travelling to Europe I only used ATM's and had no problem. Also, I've read where I should bring $1 bills to tip or pay for some small items from stores but am confused as to why would you would use American money in China?
Do many stores accept Visa?

ATM`s are very common. Your hotel will no doubt have one. I used my debit card exclusively for cash, and tipped in chinese money when necessary. You can also cash traveler`s checks at the hotels.

I obtained Chinese currency here in New York before I departed the U.S. Thus, when I landed in Beijing I already had a small amount of local currency for taxi and tips.

Try your local bank: they should be able to get foreign currency for you. Ask for $50 or $100 worth, just to get you off and running.

Good luck, enjoy your trip, let us know what you decide to do.

I've gotten money from my bank before I went to Europe just to have a small amount to buy something if I needed it rather than look all over for an ATM. If I can some Chinese money to get me through the first day here in the US, I will. I'm always tired after the long flights and being up all night and the last night I want to worry about is getting money exchanged.

I traveled for a month throughout China and got all of my money from ATM machines. I never used American money and never used my credit card. Except in tiny villages, I had no trouble finding ATM machines.

We never had a problem finding ATMs.

Tipping is practiced only by (some) foreign tourists.

I also brought some US dollars in big denominations to change at my hotel; they gave a good rate. This is not necessary as many large hotels have ATMs within but I wanted protection against ATM problems.
You do not tip in China and if you do, I doubt if anyone wants US money.