It seems to me that I read somewhere that US $ are not accepted in China ie for tipping, small purchases etc where we would not use a credit card. Is this correct?

Thanks
Bob

It's like trying to use a foreign currency in the US. Some smart bell boys will accept any denomination but not the local shops.

Yup. You'll want to use the local currency, easily obtainable at an ATM or exchange window at the airport when you arrive.

can you use yuan in your town?? of course not, why would a huge country like china accept us dollars at 7/11??

We just returned from China last week and we did use small US$ for some souvenir type purchases or tipping in the hotels but it was in large cities, also had yuan from either an ATM or hotel. Like said, we did use our credit card for any large purchases but used yuan for most other things.

Suspaul says:

<i>We just returned from China last week and we did use small US$ for some souvenir type purchases or tipping in the hotels but it was in large cities,</i>

Curious as to what you bought with the US dollars in China and how many US dollars the items cost you?

Aloha!

Also curious why you were tipping in a non-tipping country?

thurs---some of us tip because we like to reward people for excellent service

Bob - we've had this argument before. You would be unhappy if people came to the US and didn't tip because it wasn't their custom. Equally you should respect the customs in other countries.

Thanks to all for your comments.....we will use our credit cards and ATM Debit cards to draw out yuan for smaller purchases etc.

Bob

hawaiiantraveler - it was our first day in Beijing and we purchased 2 booklets of 10 postcards each, the cost was 1 US$, and as we were on a tour (sure I'll get flack here) we were told to tip the driver and city guides in either USD or Yuan, we used what we had, worked fine for us. Guess I'm just another 'ugly American'.