Owais Crawford
Beijing Capital International Airport has made efforts to improve payment services for foreigners, including the addition of more kiosks for currency exchange and foreign currency self-service exchange machines. While it is possible to exchange US dollars for RMB at the airport, some sources advise against this due to potentially high fees and unfavourable exchange rates. Instead, it is recommended to use an ATM to withdraw cash, as ATMs are widely available at the airport and throughout Beijing, and they offer English-language instructions. It is important to notify your bank beforehand if you plan to use your card abroad and to check for any associated fees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Using US dollars in Beijing Airport | Possible |
| Exchanging US dollars at Beijing Airport | Possible |
| Recommended method of exchanging US dollars | Using an ATM |
| Exchanging US dollars at a counter or hotel | Possible, but may have worse exchange rates and higher fees than ATMs |
| Using a foreign bank card at Beijing Airport | Possible |
| Withdrawing cash at Beijing Airport | Possible |
| Carrying cash in Beijing | Possible, but some recommend carrying a small amount of cash and using ATMs instead |
| Carrying US dollars in Beijing | Possible, but some recommend carrying other currencies to avoid poor exchange rates |
| Carrying large amounts of cash in Beijing | May require a customs declaration |
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What You'll Learn
Beijing airport currency exchange options
Beijing Capital International Airport and Daxing Airport offer a range of currency exchange options for travellers. Both airports feature currency exchange kiosks, small-denomination cash exchange facilities, and ATMs that accept overseas bank cards.
When exchanging currency at Beijing's airports, it is generally recommended to use the bank counters, as some money exchange counters may charge additional fees and offer less favourable rates. The Agriculture Bank, for example, is reported to offer a good official rate. It is also worth noting that exchange rates and fees are controlled and the same everywhere within China, so changing money at the airport is usually convenient.
ATMs are widely available at Beijing's airports and are generally recommended as a good option for obtaining local currency upon arrival. You can use your foreign bank card at most ATMs to withdraw cash in yuan. It is advisable to inform your bank in advance that you will be using your card in China and to inquire about any associated fees. Additionally, ATMs may have withdrawal limits, so this option is best for smaller amounts.
If you intend to carry a large amount of cash (over 2000-10000 USD), it is recommended to have bank statements and receipts handy for customs declaration. Carrying a significant amount of cash may also make you a target for scams, so extra caution is advised.
For larger sums of money, it may be more convenient to use a bank transfer or a mobile payment service such as Alipay or WeChat Pay. These options can help you avoid the hassle and potential risks associated with carrying large amounts of cash.
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Using US dollars in Beijing
Beijing Capital International Airport and Daxing Airport have improved their payment services for foreigners. Both airports have kiosks for currency exchange, small-denomination cash exchange, and facilities selling transportation cards. There are also bank branches, outlets of licensed foreign currency exchange agencies, foreign currency self-service exchange machines, and ATMs.
ATMs are widely available at Beijing Airport, although only some will work with international cards. Look for machines with your card system's logo. Bank of China machines accept most international cards and seem to be reliable and easy to use. Exchange rates and fees are controlled and the same everywhere within China, so it is usually the easiest way to change money at the airport or in your hotel. There is also a Bank of China booth at the Beijing airport arrival area that is open 24/7 and does not charge for travelers' checks or other fees for the transaction.
Some sources suggest avoiding the exchange counters at the airport, as the rates are not good and there are fees. However, others claim that the rates are nearly the same as in town and that the airport is more convenient. It is recommended to use the bank counters and avoid Travelex, as they have the worst rates and fees.
It is important to notify your bank beforehand if you will be using your card in China and to check what fees may be involved. It is also wise to carry some cash to exchange as a backup.
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Exchanging money before arrival
There are a few things to consider when exchanging money before arriving in Beijing. Firstly, check the exchange rate offered by your local banks or money changers and compare it with the rates in Beijing. While some sources suggest that the rates in Beijing are better, others claim that there is not much difference. It is worth noting that airport exchange counters tend to offer less favourable rates than banks in the city.
Secondly, be mindful of any fees or charges associated with exchanging money. Banks may charge fees for exchanging large amounts of cash, and using ATMs abroad may also incur additional costs. It is recommended to notify your bank beforehand if you plan to use your debit or credit card in China, as some banks may place restrictions or charge higher fees for international transactions.
When exchanging money before arrival, it is generally advisable to have a mix of cash and other payment methods, such as traveller's checks or credit cards. Carrying a large amount of cash may be inconvenient and risky, so having alternative payment options can provide more security and flexibility.
Lastly, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations regarding money exchange and declaration. For example, there may be limits on the amount of cash you can bring into China, and customs declaration may be required for certain amounts. It is always a good idea to keep receipts when exchanging money, as these may be needed when converting any remaining RMB back into your local currency.
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Withdrawing money at Beijing airport
Beijing has been working on improving payment services for foreigners, including at Beijing Capital International Airport and Daxing Airport. There are 12 ATMs and four auto cash exchange machines located throughout the terminal, which are available 24 hours a day. These accept Cirrus, American Express, Visa, Visa Interlink, and Mastercard. You can withdraw small-denomination cash from all the ATMs, and the transaction limit for overseas bank cards linked to Alipay or WeChat Pay for domestic merchant transactions is USD 2,000 without needing to verify personal identity information. The maximum amount for a transaction after verifying identity information is USD 5,000, with an annual maximum of USD 50,000.
Some travellers recommend withdrawing money at the airport upon arrival, as foreign currency exchange outlets can be difficult to find in the city. The Bank of China, located in the international separating area on the second floor of the airport, provides foreign currency exchange for passengers and is recommended by many travellers. The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the Agricultural Bank of China, and the Construction Bank of China also have windows set up at the airport for foreign currency exchange. These banks can also provide cash advances with a Visa card.
If you are exchanging a large sum of money, some travellers recommend exchanging your money before arriving in Beijing, as it can be challenging to find a bank that will convert a large amount of foreign currency into RMB at once. Additionally, some travellers have reported issues with their UK bank converting GBP directly into RMB, requiring the money to be changed into USD first, which results in additional fees.
It is generally recommended to avoid the Travelex counter near the luggage carousel, as it is known for having poor exchange rates and additional fees. Instead, it is suggested to use the bank counters in the main hall, which offer better rates. While the rates in the airport are nearly the same as those in the city, you may save time by exchanging your money at the airport.
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Paying with cards in Beijing
Beijing has made significant improvements to its payment services for foreigners, including the introduction of payment service demonstration zones at its airports. While cash remains a widely accepted form of payment across China, mobile payments are the most popular option among locals. Mobile payments account for over 70% of all transactions, with more than 960 million people in the country using them. The two dominant platforms are Alipay and WeChat Pay, while Apple Pay is rarely used in the country.
To use these platforms, foreign visitors can link their international credit cards (e.g., Visa, MasterCard, and American Express) to their accounts for payments to businesses. It is recommended to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before arriving in Beijing to simplify transactions and provide greater convenience during your stay. Additionally, you can use your foreign bank card at most bank ATMs to withdraw Chinese yuan. Major banks like the Bank of China, China Merchants Bank, ICBC, and HSBC ensure compatibility with foreign cards. However, not all foreign cards are compatible with every ATM, so it is essential to check for signage indicating accepted cards.
When using a foreign bank card in China, be aware of foreign transaction fees or exchange rate charges. It is advisable to notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid issues with your card being flagged for suspicious activity. Carrying some US dollars or euros and exchanging them for Chinese yuan is a good backup plan in case of card compatibility issues or other payment difficulties.
In terms of card payments in Beijing, Mastercard has recently announced that international visitors can make 'Tap & Go' payments at all Beijing urban rail transit stations using their overseas-issued Mastercard cards. This initiative eliminates the need for cumbersome payment steps and allows for seamless travel on Beijing's urban rail transit system.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use US dollars at Beijing airport. There are currency exchange outlets in both the international departure and arrival areas of the two airports, with the capability to exchange over 40 types of currencies.
You can exchange your US dollars at one of the many currency exchange outlets at Beijing airport. There are five bank branches, seven outlets of licensed foreign currency exchange agencies, and four foreign currency self-service exchange machines. You can also use one of the 24 ATMs to withdraw Chinese currency using your foreign bank card.
Some travellers suggest avoiding exchanging currency at the airport, as the rates are often worse than those found in the city. However, others claim that the rates at Beijing airport are nearly the same as those found in town. ATMs are generally considered the best option for withdrawing money, as they are convenient and usually offer better rates than exchange counters.
