Do ATMs in China Accept Foreign Cards? (2025 Guide)

Yes, but not all ATMs. You need to find the right banks and machines.

Here's how to withdraw cash in China with your international card.

Which ATMs Accept Foreign Cards

Best Banks for Foreign Cards

Most reliable:

Bank	Success Rate	Notes
Bank of China (中国银行)	Very high	Best for foreigners
ICBC (工商银行)	High	Largest bank, good coverage
China Construction Bank (建设银行)	High	Usually works
Agricultural Bank (农业银行)	Moderate	Sometimes works
HSBC	Very high	If you find one
Citibank	Very high	Limited locations

Where to Find These ATMs

Bank of China:

• Near tourist attractions
• Airport terminals
• Major train stations
• Hotel areas

ICBC:

• Everywhere—most branches in China
• Shopping areas
• Business districts

Look for:

• International card logos (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay)
• "Foreign Card" or "International Card" signs
• Larger bank branches (more likely to have international ATMs)

What to Look For on ATM

Check for these logos on the machine:

• VISA
• Mastercard
• Plus
• Cirrus
• American Express (less common)

If you only see "银联" (UnionPay), it may not accept foreign cards.

Withdrawal Process

Step by Step

1. Insert card
2. Select "English" language
3. Enter PIN
4. Select "Withdrawal"
5. Choose account (usually "Savings" or "Checking")
6. Enter amount
7. Take cash (RMB)
8. Take card and receipt

Currency Notes

• Dispenses Chinese Yuan (RMB)
• Usually ¥100 notes
• Some ATMs dispense ¥50s
• You may need smaller bills for daily use (break at stores)

Fees and Limits

Typical Fees

Your bank's fee:

• Usually $3-5 per withdrawal
• Check before traveling

Chinese bank fee:

• ¥10-20 per transaction
• Plus possible percentage

Exchange rate:

• Visa/Mastercard use market rates
• Better than airport exchange
• Check your bank's rate policy

Withdrawal Limits

Limit Type	Typical Amount
Per transaction	¥2,500-3,000
Daily maximum	¥10,000-20,000
Your bank's limit	Varies

Tip: If you need more, make multiple transactions (accepting multiple fees) or use different cards.

Common Problems

Card Declined

Possible reasons:

• Bank blocked "suspicious" foreign transaction
• Wrong ATM (doesn't accept foreign cards)
• Daily limit reached
• Card not activated for international use

Solutions:

• Call bank before travel (notify them)
• Try different ATM
• Try smaller amount
• Wait until next day (limit reset)
• Contact your bank

ATM Eats Card

Rare but happens:

• Note which ATM and time
• Contact bank branch (may require waiting)
• Report to your card issuer
• Have backup payment method

Wrong PIN

Usually 3 attempts before lockout:

• Be certain of your PIN
• Some cards use different PIN abroad
• Contact issuer if locked out

Tips for Success

Before Your Trip

1. Notify your bank you're traveling to China
2. Confirm international ATM access is enabled
3. Know your PIN (some have separate international PIN)
4. Check daily limits and foreign transaction fees
5. Have backup cards from different issuers

In China

1. Use bank branch ATMs (not convenience store ATMs)
2. Withdraw during bank hours (if card stuck, get help)
3. Get enough but not too much (balance fees vs carrying cash)
4. Keep receipts for records
5. Have backup payment (Alipay, credit card)

Best Practice

Withdraw larger amounts less frequently:

• ¥2,000-3,000 at a time
• Reduces total fees
• 2-3 withdrawals might cover a 2-week trip
• Store cash securely

How Much Cash Do You Need?

Mobile Payment Reality

China is largely cashless:

• Most places accept Alipay/WeChat Pay
• Even street vendors often prefer mobile
• Cash sometimes refused at small vendors
• But cash is still useful backup

When You Need Cash

• Some taxis (though Didi is better)
• Small rural areas
• Some markets
• Tips (hotel porters at international hotels)
• Emergency backup
• Places that don't accept foreign cards

Suggested Cash

Trip Length	Cash to Carry
1 week	¥500-1,000
2 weeks	¥1,000-2,000
1 month	¥2,000-3,000

Assuming: You have Alipay set up as primary payment.

If Cash-Only Travel

Without mobile payment, you'll need more:

• ¥200-400 per day
• Withdraw more frequently
• More fee costs

Alternatives to ATMs

Airport Exchange

• Available at all international airports
• Worse rates (5-10% below market)
• Convenient for immediate cash
• Exchange small amount only

Hotel Exchange

Some hotels exchange:

• Usually poor rates
• Convenient if desperate
• Limited availability

Bank Exchange

Go to a bank with passport:

• Better rates than airport
• Requires passport
• Limited hours
• Process takes time

Alipay (Best Alternative)

Set up Alipay with international card:

• No ATM needed
• Market exchange rates
• Works almost everywhere
• Load money from card
• Spend via QR codes

See our Alipay guide.

Troubleshooting Checklist

If ATM declines your card:

• Did you notify bank about China travel?
• Is international access enabled?
• Are you using a compatible ATM (Bank of China, ICBC)?
• Is it the right ATM (shows Visa/Mastercard logos)?
• Have you reached daily limit?
• Is your card expired?
• Correct PIN?

Still not working:

• Try different ATM (same bank, different location)
• Try different bank
• Try smaller amount
• Call your bank (from hotel WiFi)
• Use backup card
• Use Alipay/WeChat Pay as alternative

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Need help with money in China? The China Survival Kit includes payment setup guides, currency tips, and backup solutions.