Using China ATM Cards as a Tourist in Xi’an: A Practical Guide

When I first planned my trip to Xi’an, I heard a lot of warnings: “Cash is king in China!” “ATMs are hard to find!” “Your foreign card won’t work!” As someone who relies mostly on cards back home, I was honestly stressed. But after a week wandering through Xi’an’s ancient streets, slurping noodles in Muslim Quarter, and snapping photos at the Terracotta Army, I can say this: using China ATM cards as a tourist here is totally doable—if you know the tricks. Let me break down what I learned, step by step, so you can skip the stress and focus on enjoying the trip.

Using China ATM Cards as a Tourist in Xi’an: A Practical Guide

First Things First: Your Card Needs to Be “UnionPay” (银联)

This is the big one. Before you even leave home, check your bank card. If you’re from the U.S., Europe, or elsewhere, your Visa, Mastercard, or Amex might work in some big hotels or high-end malls in Xi’an, but don’t count on it. The real hero here is UnionPay (银联), China’s domestic card network.

Most Chinese ATMs and POS machines (the card readers in shops) only accept UnionPay. So, what if your card isn’t UnionPay? No worries—you can still use it to withdraw cash at major banks’ ATMs (like ICBC, Bank of China, or China Construction Bank), but you’ll pay higher fees, and it’s not reliable for small purchases.

My advice: Get a UnionPay card before you go. Many banks in your home country offer them (e.g., Bank of America has a “UnionPay” option), or you can withdraw UnionPay-compatible cash from ATMs in China using your foreign card (more on that later).

How to Find ATMs in Xi’an: They’re Everywhere (If You Know Where to Look)

Xi’an is a modern city with ancient roots, and ATMs are surprisingly common—once you know what to look for. Here’s where I found them most reliably:

1. Bank Branches: The easiest spots. Look for big banks like ICBC (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China), Bank of China (BOC), or China Construction Bank (CCB). They’re on nearly every main street. For example, there’s a Bank of China ATM right near the Muslim Quarter’s entrance—super convenient when you run out of cash buying lamb skewers!

2. Shopping Malls & Big Supermarkets: Places like Grand City Mall or Metro City have ATMs inside, often near the entrance or customer service desk. Perfect if you’re shopping and need cash for a street vendor outside.

3. Tourist Areas: Near major sites like the Terracotta Army, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, or the City Wall, you’ll find ATMs at the visitor centers or nearby hotels. I pulled cash at an ICBC ATM just 100 meters from the Terracotta Army’s ticket gate—no line, quick and easy.

4. Metro Stations: Almost every metro station in Xi’an has an ATM, usually near the ticket machines. Great for topping up cash before heading to a remote temple or night market.

Pro tip: Use Alipay or WeChat Maps to find ATMs. Open the app, type “ATM” (or “银行” for “bank” in Chinese), and it’ll show you nearby options with distance and directions. I used this all the time when I got lost in the backstreets of Muslim Quarter— lifesaver!

Withdrawing Cash: Step-by-Step

Okay, you’ve found an ATM. Now what? Here’s exactly how to withdraw cash, and what to expect:

1. Insert Your Card: Most Chinese ATMs take chip cards (the ones with a gold square). If your card is swipe-only, it might not work—so bring a chip card if you can.

2. Select Language: The first screen will ask for language. Choose “English” (it’s usually the last option, after Chinese).

3. Enter Your PIN: Your PIN is 4-6 digits. No letters, no special characters—just numbers. If you mess up, don’t worry; you can try again, but after 3 wrong tries, the card might be temporarily blocked.

4. Choose “Withdraw” (取款): On the main menu, pick “Withdraw” (sometimes labeled “Cash Withdrawal”).

5. Pick Amount: You’ll see options like ¥500, ¥1000, ¥2000, or “Other.” The maximum daily withdrawal limit for foreign cards is usually ¥10,000 (about $1,400 USD), but some ATMs cap it at ¥5,000. I always took out ¥1000 at a time—enough for a day of snacks, souvenirs, and metro rides, without carrying too much cash.

6. Take Cash and Card: The machine will spit out cash first, then your card. Don’t forget your card! I saw a tourist panic once when their card got stuck—just press the “Cancel” button and call the bank’s helpline (numbers are on the ATM).

Fees to Watch For:

• Your Bank’s Fee: Most foreign banks charge 3-5% + a fixed fee (e.g., $5 USD) for international ATM withdrawals. Check with your bank before you go.
• China’s ATM Fee: Some ATMs charge a small fee (¥10-¥20) for foreign cards, but most big banks (ICBC, BOC) don’t.
• Exchange Rate: The ATM uses the daily interbank rate, which is usually better than airport or hotel exchange counters. I got a rate of 1 USD = 7.25 RMB at an ICBC ATM—way better than the 7.10 at the airport!

Using Your ATM Card for Payments: Not Just for Cash!

Wait—can you swipe your ATM card to pay for things, not just withdraw cash? Yes! But here’s the catch: only UnionPay cards work for most in-person payments in Xi’an.

If you have a UnionPay card, you can use it at:

• Restaurants: Big chains like Haidilao or local favorites like “Defachang Dumpling Restaurant” accept UnionPay cards. Just look for the “UnionPay” logo at the register.
• Hotels & Hostels: Nearly all places take UnionPay—no need to carry cash for check-in.
• Shopping Malls & Big Stores: Places like Xi’an Century Gin Department Store or Uniqlo will swipe your UnionPay card without a problem.
• Metro & Buses: You can use a UnionPay card (or Alipay/WeChat) to tap and ride the metro—super handy!

What if you don’t have a UnionPay card? You’ll struggle with small purchases. Street vendors, tiny noodle shops, or night market stalls almost never take foreign cards (Visa/Mastercard). I learned this the hard way when I tried to pay for a ¥10 bowl of Biangbiang noodles with my Mastercard—owner just laughed and pointed to a cash-only sign. So always carry some cash if you’re using a non-UnionPay card.

Emergency: What If Your Card Gets Lost or Stolen?

Don’t panic! China’s banking system is pretty tourist-friendly. Here’s what to do:

1. Call Your Bank Immediately: Get the international collect number from your bank’s website before you go. For example, Bank of America’s number is +1-800-432-1000. They’ll block your card so no one else can use it.

2. Call UnionPay’s Helpline (If You Have a UnionPay Card): The number is +86-95516 (24/7, English available). They can help with lost UnionPay cards in China.

3. Go to Your Bank’s Branch: If you need to get a temporary card or cash, visit your home bank’s branch in Xi’an. For example, Bank of China has branches in Xi’an that can help with foreign card issues.

4. Use a Friend or Family’s Card: If you’re really stuck, have someone wire you money via Western Union or MoneyGram—there are locations in Xi’an (e.g., near the Bell Tower).

My Top Tips for Using ATM Cards in Xi’an

After a week of trial and error, here are the golden rules I’d give any tourist:

✅ Bring a UnionPay Card if Possible: It’ll make your life 10x easier. Check with your bank—they might issue one for free.
✅ Carry Some Cash (¥200-¥500): For street food, small vendors, or places that don’t take cards. Don’t carry a wad of cash though—just enough for a day.
✅ Tell Your Bank You’re Traveling: This is crucial! If your bank sees a transaction in Xi’an and you haven’t told them, they might freeze your card for “fraud.” Just log in to your online banking or call their customer service before you go.
✅ Save Bank Helpline Numbers: Write down your bank’s international number, UnionPay’s number (+86-95516), and your bank’s Xi’an branch address (if they have one) in case of emergencies.
✅ Use ATMs During the Day: At night, some ATMs in quiet areas might be closed or have long lines. Stick to busy bank branches or mall ATMs during daylight hours.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Stress—Just Swipe!

Xi’an is an incredible city, and using your ATM card here is way easier than you might think. I went from being terrified of “cash-only” chaos to feeling totally confident, thanks to UnionPay and a little prep. Whether you’re marveling at the Terracotta Army, getting lost in Muslim Quarter’s alleyways, or biking the City Wall, your ATM card will be your trusty side—if you know the tricks.

So pack your chip card, tell your bank you’re off to Xi’an, and get ready to explore. The only thing you’ll worry about is which flavor of Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) to try next. Enjoy the trip!