Hi all,

I haven't traveled much before and this is my first time living in another country for a long period of time. I need a way to access my money regularly in China. I am in Canada and have a regular bank account. I need an international bank account so I can transfer my CAD funds over to a Bank account in China. I don't know which Chinese International Bank to register at. I see a Bank of China and HSBC in my City in Canada. I also hope to do online banking...but not a must.

I am a tourist..but hope to find part time job.

Should I open one BEFORE I arrive in Beijing or AFTER I arrive? I'm not sure how long I will be in Beijing because I also want to look for work in other provinces like Yunnan and city like Shanghai.

Has anyone used Mastercard or Visa while traveling for 6 months in foreign country? I guess that will only work if I register for online banking with my canadian bank. Then I can pay monthly bills online and use my credit card in china. What do you think?

So, should I use Visa credit card or open a chinese bank account? Which one is more logical? I am just on a tourist visa. I want to travel around china. Also hope to find part time work.

I've read a lot of posts on this forum..very useful indeed but please if anyone can help me in my situation that would be just great!