I am traveling to China in November. I would like some advice on whether I should take travelers checks or carry cash. I do not want to take my ATM card. Are travelers checks easy to exchange for yuan? Please advise

i found that the going rate for travelers checks was better than cash, about 5-6 yuan more. cashing at hotels was very easy.

Hi Yalegirl
I would take cash, travelers checks and ATM card to China. We found it wasn't easy to find a bank, but the hotels we stayed at for tourists would change cash or travelers check for us.

You seem to be concerned about using an ATM card, and I can understand not wanting your accounts accessed by some one.

What I did was open a separate account at my credit union that I use for travel only. I put spending money in that account before going on a trip so I can use the ATM card. That account is not connected to any other checking or saving account.

Plus credit union fees are usually much lower than what banks charge. I think you will find having an ATM very useful. Some times the hotels run low on cash if there are lots of tourists staying at the hotel.

My husband and I both have "travel" accounts that we put spending money in and use our ATM cards. I know some people do not use travelers check anymore, but we always carry them just in case.

Make sure any cash you take is fairly new without any rips or marks of any kind.

Have a good trip.

Also, remember to call your bank and credit card company to let them know you will be out of the country. Some times your account will get blocked if used from a foreign country, so notify them prior to leaving. Be sure to take their phone numbers so you can call if you do get blocked.

Thank you for all of your helpful suggestions.