Enjoying the Culture 181that check the authenticity of each bill while counting. Newly
circulated notes have a black strip threaded through them,
as well as a watermark image of Mao. That is what the taxi
driver or shopkeeper is closely scrutinising when holding
your note up to the light before accepting it.
The most-used notes in China are 5 Rmb, 10 Rmb,
20 Rmb, 50 Rmb, and 100 Rmb notes. Some parts of China
use 1 Rmb and 2 Rmb notes, but other parts use coins for
smaller denominations. Strangely enough, people in Beijing
are hesitant to take coins, while they are commonly used in
Shanghai. Regardless of their attitude, money is money and
it is all valid. They are obligated to take it in fair payment.
If you are stuck without Chinese currency, local people will
usually be willing to take US dollars. They will be aware of the
value of the money, although you should carefully negotiate
how much change you will receive back before handing over
your money, so that the person you are exchanging it with
doesn’t end up holding your cash and theirs while you fight
to get a fair amount returned.
Credit Cards
Most four and five-star international hotels will take credit
cards in China, as will better restaurants in major cities and
major department stores. Be sure and confirm this with
the hotel, restaurant or store in advance. The most widely
accepted cards are Visa and Mastercard. American Express
charges higher usage rates and some outlets will add an
additional charge to cover this expense.
Airlines and Airports
Most decently-sized cities in China have new airports. China
has invested much in infrastructure, including airports and
airlines. The largest airlines in China are Air China and
China Eastern Airlines, hubbed out of Beijing and Shanghai
respectively. In China, an airticket price is determined by
the distance flown, rather than on a sliding scale according
to availability and whether it is booked one-way or round
trip, as is the case in much of the West. There are some
discounted tickets available, based upon the airline and