Cash & ATM in China for Foreigners: Withdrawal Guide (2026)
Which ATMs accept foreign cards, exact withdrawal steps, fees, daily limits, best banks, currency exchange, and how much cash to carry. Step-by-step with screen guidance.
Full guide
When You Still Need Cash
While 95% of merchants accept mobile payment, cash is still needed for: small rural vendors and market stalls, some temple ticket windows, traditional tea houses, emergency situations (power/internet outage), and tipping tour guides/drivers (discretionary).
How much to carry: ¥300–800 is sufficient for most tourists. ¥200–300 for a day trip to rural areas. Keep small denominations (¥10, ¥20, ¥50) — many small vendors can't make change for ¥100 bills.
International credit cards work at: international hotel chains (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt), large malls (SKP, IFC), airport shops, some high-end restaurants. They do NOT work at: street food, most taxis, convenience stores, local restaurants.
How to Withdraw Cash from an ATM
Follow these steps to withdraw RMB from a Chinese ATM with your foreign card.
- Find an ATM that accepts foreign cards
Look for ATMs with Visa/Mastercard/Plus/Cirrus logos on the machine. The most reliable banks for foreign cards: Bank of China (中国银行, red logo), ICBC (工商银行, red logo with '工'), China Construction Bank (建设银行, blue logo), Bank of Communications (交通银行, blue logo). Avoid: small regional banks, postal savings ATMs, and ATMs inside convenience stores (many don't accept foreign cards). Airport ATMs almost always accept foreign cards.
Tip: If one ATM rejects your card, try another bank's ATM. Different banks have different card processing agreements. Bank of China has the highest acceptance rate for foreign cards.
- Insert card and select language
Insert your card into the ATM slot (chip first, facing up). The machine may beep. On the welcome screen, look for 'English' (英文) button — usually in the top right or bottom of the screen. Tap it. The menu switches to English. If there's no English option, the icons are universal: withdrawal = money/cash icon, balance = magnifying glass, transfer = arrows.
- Enter PIN and select withdrawal
Enter your 4–6 digit PIN (the same PIN you use at home). If you have a 4-digit PIN, just enter 4 digits and press 'Confirm' (确认/Enter). Select 'Withdrawal' (取款/Withdraw Cash). Choose the account type if prompted (select 'Checking' or 'Savings' — for most foreign cards, either works). Select or enter the amount. Common preset amounts: ¥500, ¥1000, ¥2000, ¥3000, ¥5000. Or tap 'Other Amount' (其他金额) to enter a custom amount (must be multiple of ¥100).
Warning: Your PIN must be 4–6 digits. If your PIN is longer, you may need to request a shorter PIN from your bank before traveling. Some ATMs only accept 4-digit PINs.
- Confirm and collect cash
Review the amount and fee on screen. The ATM shows: withdrawal amount, ATM fee (¥10–25), and total deducted from your account. Tap 'Confirm' (确认) if you agree. Wait 5–10 seconds. The cash dispenser opens — take the cash immediately (it retracts after 30 seconds). The card ejects — take your card. Take the receipt if offered. Count the cash before leaving the ATM.
Tip: Always take the card BEFORE walking away. Some ATMs retain the card if you leave it in the slot. If the machine keeps your card, call the bank's number on the ATM to retrieve it (you'll need your passport).
ATM Fees, Limits & Exchange
ATM fees: Chinese banks charge ¥10–25 per foreign card withdrawal. Bank of China: ¥15. ICBC: ¥10–20. Your home bank may also charge a foreign ATM fee ($3–5) and currency conversion fee (1–3%). Total cost per withdrawal: ¥15–50 + your bank's fees.
Daily limits: Most foreign cards allow ¥10,000–20,000 per day (equivalent to ~$1,400–2,800). Chinese ATMs may have per-transaction limits of ¥3,000–5,000 — you can do multiple withdrawals up to your daily limit.
Best cards for no fees: Charles Schwab (reimburses all ATM fees worldwide), Fidelity (no ATM fees), Wise debit card (low conversion fee), Revolut (free withdrawals up to limit).
Currency exchange: At airports (worst rates, 5–10% markup), banks (better rates, 1–3% markup), or use Alipay/WeChat (best rates, interbank + 3%). Only exchange cash if you need it — most payments are digital.
Exchange rate: The ATM uses your card network's rate (Visa/Mastercard), which is close to the interbank rate. This is usually better than exchanging cash at a currency exchange booth.
FAQ
My card was declined at the ATM — why?
Common reasons: (1) Your bank blocks international ATM withdrawals — call them to enable it. (2) You entered the wrong PIN — try again, 3 wrong attempts locks the card. (3) The ATM doesn't accept foreign cards — try Bank of China. (4) You've exceeded your daily withdrawal limit. (5) Your card is expired or not activated for international use.
Can I get cash with a credit card at an ATM?
Yes, but credit card cash advances have high fees (3–5% of amount) and start accruing interest immediately (no grace period). Use a debit card if possible. If you must use a credit card, know the fees first.