Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
bronze. The Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of US$1 to
HK$7.80, though it is allowed to fluctuate a little.
Macau's currency is the pataca (MOP$), which is divided into 100 avos. Bills
are issued in denominations of MOP$10, MOP0, MOP$50, MOP$100,
MOP$500 and MOP$1000. There are copper coins worth 10, 20 and 50 avos
and silver-coloured MOP$1, MOP, MOP$5 and MOP$10 coins. The pataca is
pegged to the Hong Kong dollar at a rate of MOP$103.20 to HK$100. In effect,
the two currencies are interchangeable and Hong Kong dollars, including
coins, are accepted in Macau. Chinese renminbi is also accepted in many
places in Macau at one-to-one. Prices quoted in this topic are in yuan unless
otherwise stated.
ATMS
Bank of China and the Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) 24-hour
ATMs are plentiful, and you can use Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Maestro Plus
and American Express to withdraw cash. All ATMs accepting international
cards have dual language ability. The network is largely found in sizeable
towns and cities. HSBC and Citibank ATMs are available in larger cities. Keep
your ATM receipts so you can exchange your yuan when you leave China.
The exchange rate on ATM withdrawals is similar to that for credit cards, but
there is a maximum daily withdrawal amount.
ATMs are listed in the Information sections of destinations throughout this
book.
CREDIT CARDS
In large tourist towns, credit cards are relatively straightforward to use, but
don't expect to be able to use them everywhere, and always carry enough
cash; the exception is in Hong Kong, where international credit cards are ac-
cepted almost everywhere (although some shops may try to add a surcharge
to offset the commission charged by credit companies, which can range from
2.5% to 7%). Check to see if your credit card company charges a foreign
transaction fee (usually between 1% and 3%) for purchases in China.
Where they are accepted, credit cards often deliver a slightly better ex-
change rate than in banks. Money can also be withdrawn at certain ATMs in
