Getting Local Currency at Beijing Airport

[cruisingmad]

I'll be sailing soon from Beijing to Hong Kong and would like to obtain some Yuan before beginning my pre-cruise stay in Beijing.

 

Are there convenient ATMs at the Beijing airport when I arrive (flight from London) to convert some currency?

 

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

 

Sergio

[CtheW0rld]

I always get some of the local currency from my bank before I leave home. ATMs malfunction. Yes, it is rare but I do not want to be in a country without at least cab fare to the hotel.

[maryann ns]

Check here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294212-i2147-k3857661-Using_an_ATM_Beijing_Airport-Beijing.html

 

You should have no trouble getting Yuan at the airport.

[cruisingmad]

Thanks for the info, Maryann and Ctheworld. I'll try to get some small amount of currency before leaving the US and then rely on an HSBC ATM at the airport.

 

 

Sergio

[soccerref]

Just returned from a wonderful 21 day land tour of China and found that the exchange rate £ to Yuan was much better in our hotels than anywhere else. I was very surprised as I've never had that before but we got 9.4y to £1 at M&S and at least 10.2y to £1 at our hotels.

[Peelboy]

I would not use ATM machines in China. Fees and exchange rates quickly add up. I carry cash and travelers check (not a good idea but in case) in money belt. Also use credit cards in the hotel. There is money exchange service at the airport and in every hotel 3 stars and above. The rates are the same as those in the bank (differences are insignificant). The airport booth is always open at the baggage area. Taxi costs about 100 - 120 to downtown Beijing, within the second ring where most tourists go to.

 

Hong Kong is different. I rely on ATMs in Hong Kong, because exchange booth charges commissions (some do and some don't, so you have to check). There is a fee if you exchange money at the bank. You will find ATM machines every 100 feet or so: it is very convenient. Most machines are bi-lingual in both Chinese and English.

[cruisingmad]

Thanks Peelboy and Soccerref, for the advice.

 

 

Sergio

[kuldalai]

Just get some Yuan from your Bank at home before you leave, saves stuffing around and queuing at Money Changers at Airports .

 

When Cashing TC or Exchanging foreign currency in mainland China hang onto ONE Excahnge receipt as you will need it on the way out to change any remaining Yuan back into the currency of your next country at the Airport.

 

The best way to take Money safely O/S these days is with a Bank Debit Card where you load it up with up 5 or 6 foreign currencies . You then use it at ATM's or retailers to get local currency or make purchases . Much simpler and you lock in the currency rate when you load the card .