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No you can not use Australian dollars or US dollars in China. The currency used in China is the Chinese Yuan Renminbi, it is represented by the symbols 元 or ¥ and the 3 letter code is CNY. There are 7 banknotes in China and 3 main coins called yuan and jiaos.

Debit cards, prepaid cards and credit cards with Mastercard or Visa can be used in China in most places. Similar to Australia, American Express is also accepted but not as frequently, due to the costs American Express places on the seller. Best to avoid other types of cards as they might not be accepted.

To place most money on a travel money card, it’s best to do it online via direct deposit from your bank account in Australia. Some companies charge if you put money on via Bpay and most charge you to put money on a travel card in person.

You should use a travel money card for security. A travel money card is more secure than cash, you can only access your funds with your pin code, if the card is lost you can cancel it quickly. If you lose cash, you are unlikely to see it again.

The best form of travel money in China is a mix of cards and cash. You need debit cards and credit cards and a prepaid travel card is a handy backup. China is also an economy that relies heavily on cash, so you need to buy Chinese Yuan before you leave or withdraw some from an ATM in China. The best cards to use to withdraw cash from in China are Citibank or HSBC to pay the least amount of fees.

Yes, the Wise card does work in China, wherever Mastercard is accepted. You can pay for accommodation, restaurants with your Wise card. In addition you can withdraw cash from an ATM during your stay in China.