Public Holidays May 22 to June 1

Public Holidays May 22 to June 1
Apr 12, 2009 18:14
STMON99 Points: Join Date: Apr 5, 2007 Status: offline	Last time I went to China, I goofed and did not pay attention that it was during the May Day golden week, and I was caught unprepared. I usually like to take traveler's checks with me, and my hotel there only exchanged dollars--not traveler's checks--so I had to go to the bank. Which is no problem. Except for the fact that the banks were closed during Golden Week! Oops. Luckily I always bring emergency cash. Still, I was so worried about spending it all the time I was there. I will be vacationing in Shanghai this year from May 22 to June 1. I don't have to worry about May Day this time, but I noticed there is a public holiday called the Dragon Boat Festival on the 28th I think. I see some listings that show May 28, 29, 30. So should I make sure I change enough money to last me through this long weekend? I try to avoid ATMs--I'm a little nervous about using them in a foreign country, but mainly because I want to avoid getting hit with all these fees. One other question--my flight takes off on May 22, so I will arrive in Shanghai on May 23--this will be Saturday late afternoon. Will I have problem exchanging currency (are they open on Saturday)? I think on all my previous trips to China I arrived on a weekday. Should I change maybe $100 first here in America (even with the horrible fees) just so I make sure I have taxi money when I get there? Thanks! --Steven

Apr 12, 2009 18:14

STMON99
Points:
Join Date: Apr 5, 2007
Status: offline

Last time I went to China, I goofed and did not pay attention that it was during the May Day golden week, and I was caught unprepared. I usually like to take traveler's checks with me, and my hotel there only exchanged dollars--not traveler's checks--so I had to go to the bank. Which is no problem. Except for the fact that the banks were closed during Golden Week! Oops. Luckily I always bring emergency cash. Still, I was so worried about spending it all the time I was there.

I will be vacationing in Shanghai this year from May 22 to June 1. I don't have to worry about May Day this time, but I noticed there is a public holiday called the Dragon Boat Festival on the 28th I think. I see some listings that show May 28, 29, 30.

So should I make sure I change enough money to last me through this long weekend? I try to avoid ATMs--I'm a little nervous about using them in a foreign country, but mainly because I want to avoid getting hit with all these fees.

One other question--my flight takes off on May 22, so I will arrive in Shanghai on May 23--this will be Saturday late afternoon. Will I have problem exchanging currency (are they open on Saturday)? I think on all my previous trips to China I arrived on a weekday. Should I change maybe $100 first here in America (even with the horrible fees) just so I make sure I have taxi money when I get there? Thanks!

--Steven

Apr 12, 2009 19:58	#1
APAULT Points: Join Date: Mar 11, 2006 Status: Offline	This is not a major holiday like the golden weeks and is more of a day out type of thing...in fact most people will stay at home and celebrate like many of us (non religious people) do for Good Friday and Easter Sunday... special food. You are unlikely to have any problem changing money.

Apr 13, 2009 02:52	#2
ELLYSE Points: Join Date: Oct 30, 2005 Status: Offline	Yes, banks will be open then. Most banks are open as per normal, 7 days a week. Don't worry!

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