Getting Chinese currency before going there - necessary?

TwoShedsJackson

My wife's going to Shanghai on Saturday on business, she has a couple of days there afterwards to herself - accommodation is covered so she just needs to eat and buy some small gifts to bring back etc.

She was thinking of bringing about €400 in Chinese yuan, this should be plenty and better to have it and not need it etc. She will also have a Visa, no idea how widely they are accepted in Shanghai?

Went to AIB this morning, they don't have Yuan at all - is she as well to wait until in London for the connecting flight, or just wait until she gets there and withdraw from an ATM locally?

Tipperary animal lover

Like most countries wait till she gets there as the money exchange will be better, if she changes €100 at the airport(money changers) before she leaves the airport, at least she'll be covered until she gets to the hotel and finds her feet. Visa cards are excepted in majority of bank machines which are everywhere.

roundymac

ATMs all over the place. I used my laser card to withdraw when I was there in 2009. She can withdraw cash at the airport.

knipex

Change a €100 or so in London to have cash when she lands. Visa is used pretty much everywhere but she will allways need cash for taxi's etc.

Halo Kitty

Bank of Ireland sells Yuan. even is she get €100 worth to get her through arrivals and first day shopping.