Shanghai - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are accepted and safe to use, but you'll want to breakdown and get WeChat. Everything can be paid for using WeChat. Think of WeChat as a combination Facebook, Messenger, Facetime, Paypal, Twitter and Instagram all rolled into one. - Nov 2020
International credit cards and ATM cards are accepted almost everywhere in downtown Shanghai. - Apr 2017
You need a local card....but most of the economy is cash including delivery services. - Oct 2016
They work fine when a vendor will take them. They are called "international" credit cards, unless issued by a local bank. Some vendors charge you what it costs them to accept the card. - Dec 2014
China is still very much a cash economy, so bring lots of cash unless you're only going to large chain restaurants/stores (which take credit cards and UnionPay cards). ATMs attached to banks are generally quite secure (some are even in enclosed stalls with lockable doors); stick to ATMs at large, reputable banks (Bank of China, ICBC, China CITIC, China Construction Bank, Postal Savings Bank) and you should be alright. If you're really worried about security, you can always walk into the bank and ask the teller to help you make a withdrawal. - Aug 2014
Most higher-end places take credit cards, but cash is the most convenient method of payment. I haven't had any problems with ATMs. - Aug 2011
Credit cards accepted at the usual places, and in China, it is customary that they add 2-3% of the cost to cover the transaction. ATMs that accept international cards are everywhere too. - Dec 2010
Not to worry. You can conveniently use ATMs and bank debit cards for all purchases. - Jul 2010
ATM machines are everywhere, and most places take credit cards. You need to be careful b/c receipts print with your full card number, though. - Feb 2009
You can use credit cards most places, and ATM machines are widely available. With that said, be careful about using your credit card as the ENTIRE CREDIT CARD NUMBER will stay on both copies of the receipt. - Jun 2008
