I am bringing over US dollars to Shanghai. Would i be safer to buy rmb from Banks instead? If so, could anyone local recommend me a trusted place for good exchange rates for USD? I have never noticed money changers actually. You either ask your hotel or go to a bank. Even better, just bring your bank card and get money from ATMs. There are ATMs everywhere. If you are bringing in money then when you are at the airport go to the Money Exchange Counter. There are a couple of them. The exchange rate is set in China so if you go to a bank or exchange counter it will be the same.
If you see people hanging around offering to exchange your money for a higher rate - then I would have a problem with that.
Lots of banks for you to choose in Shanghai , Agricultural bank offers quite good exchange rate. Changing money at banks can take some time including a wait in a line, and requires you to produce your passport to the teller. And i have even done the exchange in the bank I only use it for business purchases, payola etc where the money is directly transferred to the third party. First, it costs you money to get them, exchange fees. Second, you have the security problem of carrying cash. Why bother with so many ATMs linked to so many networks?
While I agree with Annieandhamish most of the time, I have found the fees on top of exchange rates make your airport money changes a bit more expensive than hotels themselves, where if you are a registered guest there generally is no fee.
Bank rate is assured by using ATMs, no need to check rates for the day. If you must carry US dollars, most convenient is hotel. Second, branch banks early in morning when they open. Avoid lunchtime at all costs at banks as you are guaranteed to wait 30 to 60 minutes. What a way to spend a vacation, observing the patience of Chinese bank customers.
